RX robots trim motorcycle mouldings

Citation

(1999), "RX robots trim motorcycle mouldings", Industrial Robot, Vol. 26 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.1999.04926eaf.010

RX robots trim motorcycle mouldings

RX robots trim motorcycle mouldings

Keywords Robots, Moulding

TCP, a Spanish Company, is a European market leader in adaptable thermoformed plastic fairings, more precisely in Bayblend (60 per cent ABS and 40 per cent polycarbonate). With an annual production of over 10,000 fair-ings, of which 90 per cent are exported, the 30-person Catalan company has carved out a niche for this specialized activity. The integration of two RX130 robots in October 1996 naturally resulted from their ambitious and dynamic efforts to succeed in this industry.

Intended for motorcycle manufacturers and importers such as Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, and Bimota, the entire original product range was completely researched, designed and manufactured by TCP. After several design, finishing, and mould preparation stages, the RX130 robots enter into the line performing cutting operations before the final step of production storage (see Plate 9).

Plate 9 RX robots trim motorcycle mouldings

Both invert-mounted robots are integrated in two insulated rooms. The gripper, equipped with a 1kg pneumatic mill rotating at 300,000 rpm, performs the cutting operations. With the precision of an oral surgeon, the robot methodically follows the part trajectory and contours within 1mm. STØUBLI V-TRAJSIG software enables the trajectory tracking as well as the automatic correction of dynamic errors.

This automation at TCP has increased production quantity and finishing quality, as well as improved working conditions.

For details contact: StÌubli Faverges, Place Robert StÌubli, BP70, 74210 Faverges (France). Tel: +33 4 50 65 60 77; Fax: +33 4 50 65 61 30; E-mail: robot.mkg@staubli.com; Internet: http://www.staubli.com