RoboLoop heavy duty transfer and positioning system provides major cost and space saving benefits

Citation

(2000), "RoboLoop heavy duty transfer and positioning system provides major cost and space saving benefits", Industrial Robot, Vol. 27 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2000.04927daf.007

RoboLoop heavy duty transfer and positioning system provides major cost and space saving benefits

RoboLoop heavy duty transfer and positioning system provides major cost and space saving benefits

Keywords: Robots, Manufacturing

RoboLoop® - a unique heavy duty transfer and positioning system which combines the benefits of a precision tracked guideway with accurate rack and pinion drive and high load carrying capabilities - is now available from Coventry-based Güdel UK Ltd.

Featuring switching and cross-over stations as well as straight and curved track sections, the modular system achieves major space and cost savings over installations using linear transfer lines with inter-linked conveyors.

The RoboLoop system incorporates independently-controlled mobile carrier units capable of distributing components weighing up to 630kg between work stations at speeds of 200 metres/min. Positional accuracy and repeatability performance of better than +0.1mm are also achieved by the system (see Plate 7). RoboLoop's versatility enables alternative routings to be specified for different manufacturing variants or assembly build levels. In addition, RoboLoop accommodates multiple workstation configurations, not only to ensure optimum machine tool utilisation, but also to permit tool changes and machine setting to be undertaken within continuous production environments.

Plate 7 The RoboLoop system incorporates independently-controlled mobile carrier units capable of distributing components weighing up to 630kg between work stations at speeds of 200 metres/min, with extreme accuracy and repeatability. Here two RoboLoop systems, one floor mounted and the other suspended, are used together to perform assembly operations on a vehicle transmission application

Widely employed for high volume metal working, assembly and manufacturing applications in the automotive and process sectors, RoboLoop is available with both single or multi-axis carrier options. These can be floor or overhead mounted; with suspended variants offering the added benefit of improved access to manufacturing equipment and minimised in-process stock storage costs.

A state-of-the-art control system provides parallel control and independent management of multiple carrier units within a common loop. This enables additional carriers to be incorporated as needed - allowing capital investment to be scheduled to production requirements, rather than committed as a major up-front cost. Furthermore, individual carrier units can be taken out of service for routine maintenance without disrupting manufacturing throughput.

RoboLoop's powerful and open control system is based on latest technology. Dynamic servomotors with intelligent digital drives are controlled using a bus link. Their compact design enables carriers to be equipped with a number of servo axes to provide a wide range of handling and location options. Real time positioning and motion control is achieved by an incremental feedback arrangement, with all motors being equipped with built-in, fail-safe braking characteristics. A touch screen PC-based HMI (Human Machine Interface) allows simple, independent programming of carrier parameters such as velocity, axes travel, sequencing and operating modes to suit individual application requirements.

Communication between the fixed operating controller and individual carriers is through industry-standard Profibus or Ethernet interfaces.

About Güdel UK Ltd

A member of the Swiss-based Güdel AG engineering group, Güdel UK is a leader in the design, development and application of multi-axis gantry loading systems, automation equipment and press transfer machinery.

The company's modular-based solutions are capable of handling components weighing up to several tonnes with high positional accuracy and repeatability, in aggressive or hazardous operating environments. They are widely used for high volume metal cutting, assembly or manufacturing applications - in particular within the automotive, aerospace, defence, electronics and process sectors.

Coventry-based Güdel UK has grown consistently since its establishment in the early 1990s at the hub of UK's communication network. Today, its end users include leading international engineering and manufacturing organisations such as: Mercedes, BMW, Daimler-Benz, Ford, General Motors, Philips, KUKA, Cosworth, Ultraseal, Heller, Landis Lund, Audi and Toyoda.

For further information, please call Gary Ottley at Güdel UK Ltd. Tel: 024 76 635977. Or see our Website: www.gudel.com