Keywords
Citation
(1999), "Robot designed for harsh environment", Industrial Robot, Vol. 26 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.1999.04926ead.005
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1999, MCB UP Limited
Robot designed for harsh environment
Robot designed for harsh environment
Keywords Robots, Hazardous handling
Applications ranging from foundry handling to machine tool load/unload can all benefit from using the M701i/W a robot specifically designed by FANUC Robotics for operating in harsh environments.
The robot is sealed to Index of Protection standard IP67 for the Joint 3, arm and wrist and IP55 for the rest of the robot including all the body.
IP67 translates as Level 6: Dust tight; no ingress. Level 7: protected against temporary immersion in water (see Plate 4).
Plate 4
Proving the water resistance of the wrist joints on the FANUC M701i/W robot
The less stringent IP55 specifies Level 5: Dust protected; Dust shall not penetrate in a quality to interfere with satisfactory operation, or impair safety. Level 5: protected against water jets.
This level of protection has been achieved with a minimal number of additional or redesigned components and no extra maintenance is required.
Using the sealed robot eliminates the need for expensive consumable robot boots and sleeves.
The robot is finished in urethane-baked enamel and anti-corrosion fasteners are used. All rubber components are protected against mould release agents.
There is no compromise on performance with joint speeds and working development remaining the same as any 700 series robot.
Tests on water resistance included immersing the J3 arm and wrist to a depth of 800mm for one hour each cycle. For the body multiple applications of water spray for 30 minutes at a rate of 3.5gal/min and a pressure of 4.5lb/in2.
Neither test had any detrimental effect on the robot. Other applications identified include the glass industry, forging, water-jet cutting, castings, sand blasting and hot extraction from die casting and plastics injection moulding machines.
For details contact Maurice Hanley, FANUC Robotics (UK) Limited, Seven Stars Industrial Estate, Wheler Road, Coventry CV3 4LB. Tel: +44 (0) 1203 639669; Fax: +44 (0) 1203 304333.