Fall 2001 shows

Citation

(2002), "Fall 2001 shows", Industrial Robot, Vol. 29 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2002.04929cab.011

Fall 2001 shows

Fall 2001 shows

Keywords: Robots, Painting

Fall means both the arrival of changing colours in the trees and trade shows featuring the latest in robotic innovations. Industrial Robot has attended a number of American industrial trade shows including the Detroit Manufacturing Show, the Assembly Expo and the Rockwell Automation Fair and reports on the developments. While the events of 11 September have reduced show attendance, exhibitors continue to present exciting new robot innovations. Even the reported slow down in overall robot industry results in North America has not discouraged robot builders from pressing ahead with innovations.

Stäubli Corporation and its partner, Rodgers Finishing Tools, have introduced a painting robot module. The Stäubli RX robot forms the heart of the cellar approach. The RX EX provides an extended arm with more than 2m of reach and a 6 to 8 kilo payload capacity. All of the interconnecting cables, paint delivery hoses, mechanisms are enclosed in a sealed pressurized housing to accommodate the painting environment.

The five or six-axis design incorporates the patented Stäubli JSCS gearbox featuring zero backlash which can be floor or ceiling mounted as needed by the application. The compact controller features special painting application software with interactive menus for easy programming of the Cellar Painting Systems (CPS) features such as automatic masking and mash washing. The Stäubli also introduced a new PC-based controller with ergonomic teach pendant, open-architecture and interpreted language with multi-tasking.

Spectra Technologies introduced its Spectra-Flex modular processing platform for assembly, test and process control applications. The compact unit includes an Adept Technologies robotic SmartAxis^TM which can be expanded from the base unit two axes to any number required by the application. Other features include high accuracy of +0.02mm standard or +0.01mm optional. With the optional Adept SmartController, the pick and place operations can be vision guided. A modular I/O panel connects to the system enclosure and enables plug and play cabling.

Factory Automation Systems demonstrated its special machine tending robot skills known as Flex-Tend^TM. The concept combines all the needed machine tending capabilities into a pre-engineered modules which are assembled in a custom configuration exactly matched to each customer's application requirements. Grippers are included which carefully handle finished part removal to prevent marring or damage (Plate 5). Factory Automation Systems specializes in automotive parts production applications. Applications where the parts are heavy, the volumes are high and quality standards exacting. Typical parts handled are those used in automobile braking, steering and drive train.

The FlexTend approach of combining the pre-engineered modules reduces the risk inherent in a totally custom system and is available faster and at less cost. Customers start achieving production savings sooner. Factory Automation relies on robots from major suppliers.

Wes-Tech exhibited their line of robotic TCL System machine loaders which are designed from modular components. The modular approach to customer solutions means economical answers delivered in a timely fashion. The rugged design allows the system to handle two 75kg parts at the same time. The overhead rail approach allows for one TCL System to serve one standalone machine or to service a side-by-side or end-to-end multi-machine tending lineup. Wes-Tech also offers a modular part magazine option to the loader. A hand-held teach pendant provides for "walk-through" programming. The controller also accepts downloaded programs. Menu-driven subroutine provide for part stacking, blank length measurement and part regripping.

Plate 5 Robot picking up brake drum or rotor from vision system that determines part orientation

MEKAnize Robots displayed an innovation in robots, their SH-Series four-axis SCARA which is mounted to a vertical plain track or even upside down. The benefit is that a four-axis robot in such configuration can frequently handle the application that otherwise might require a six-axis SCARA robot. The horizontal "X" motion comes in standard 600, 1,200 and 2,400mm travels with custom lengths to 30,000mm. The load capacity is rated 21kg. The design features all of the service loops of cables and hoses, including user assigned, within the arm segments.

A new MicroBender^TM robotic press brake cell was shown by ABB. The new press brake cell features the IRB 140 and new advanced software to enhance press brake tending. Another introduction by ABB was the new economical paint robot, IRB 580.

New slimmer robots were shown by DENSO. The VSE series six-axis robots are faster and more powerful than other robots in the same class. They feature a 5kg payload ability, reach of 650mm or 850mm and a 0.49 second standard cycle time. Enhanced wrist design provides greater rigidity than conventional models. A narrow-body design minimizes interference with peripheral equipment. As an option, they meet Class 10 clean room compliance.

Adept Technology introduced a six-axis robot named the AdeptSix 300. The 3kg rated robot comes with floor, wall, ceiling or table-top mounting and a extended reach of 677mm. As an option, the unit meets Class I clean room requirements. The controller is V+ and AIM programmable, has low harmonic emissions and meets Category 3 safety standard EN954

Contacts: MEKAnize robots (www. MEKAnize.com), Factory Automation Systems (www.factoryautomation.com), Wes-Tech (www.wes-tech.com), Spectra Technologies (www.spectratechnologies.com), DENSO Robots (www.densorobotics.com), Stäubli Robots (www.stäubli.com), ABB Robots (www.abb.com/robots), Adept Technology (www.adept.com).