Month: January 2019

FANUC expands the M-20iD and ARC Mate 120iD series

FANUC has expanded its extensive range of robots with two new models: the M-20iD / 25 a well-known 6-axis robot and ARC Mate 120iD developed for welding work.

The two models have a maximum load of 25 kg and a range of 1,831 mm. The robot can reach closer to its own base, increasing the active working range to 1,585 mm compared to its predecessors. The M-20iD / 25 and ARC Mate 120iD robots have a new drive, resulting in significantly higher shaft speeds. The repeatability is improved by up to ± 0.02 mm. Thanks to the modified and optimized design, the new iD robots have a significantly higher movement ability.

Higher performance and extremely high reliability lead to what we typically automate: efficiency and profitability.

With its capabilities, the M-20iD / 25 is ideal for tasks such as the ordinary subject handling, loading and unloading of machines or part handling. IP67 protection classification for both the arm and wrist axis means that it is also suitable for applications under not so favorable working environment conditions as for example. grinding and deburring.

The M-20iD / 25 and ARC Mate 120iD come with the new R-30iB Plus controller as standard with all the new features of: integrated vision system, larger memory, faster CPU and new Teach Pendant.

Robot de-palletizing of pallets with stacked layers of products

It has always been difficult and slow to de-palletize items when they are not accurately stacked, because it was necessary to detect the height and horizontal position of the articles in order for the robot to grip quickly and correctly.

Traditional vision has been expensive and complex. Items must be seen throughout the pallet's stacking height, and the items to be detected often vary in color. It has required complex cameras, lens systems and lights. Even with that, varying heights of each layer cannot be detected.

The type of de-palletizing has therefore often been economically irresponsible.

Ifm has launched a series of 3D sensors based on Time Of Flight detection. This means that they can find positions of objects and give the distance to the object. Thus - 3D data for what is being searched. These sensors have low resolution, but by using them creatively, they can still provide data that makes the solution possible.

Aplica had to de-palletize small plastic cups stacked with pads. The pallets are often not stacked precisely when they arrive at de-palletizing because each layer moves on the pallet. The plastic items vary in color, so even advanced vision would be very difficult to provide the robot with the necessary data. The height of the team is also quite important, because the items cannot tolerate pressing them with the robot tool. Vision will then also not be able to provide the necessary height data.

Ifm's sensor does not have high resolution, so it cannot detect the items. The solution was to let the 3D sensors detect the cardboard's position and height. With the 3D data, the robot can position the tool and go down to the right height and suck on the items with a multi-suction head and grasp the interlayer with grippers. The entire layer is lifted free and the robot moves over and has the layer pad pulled off with suction cups, and the robot moves over and delivers the cups on a lane that then feeds each cup forward.

Many simple robot solutions in Denmark have been solved, therefore Aplica specializes in solving the complex automation solutions.

Robot automation of assembly processes

Mounting of items by means of a robot requires that the robot be able to grip 1 item that is correctly facing so that it can be placed in the mounting position.

In most systems, it is solved by pouring the objects into a bowl feeder. Here, the items are vibrated around and at "traps", the items that turn wrong is sorted out.

Bowl feeders are noisy due to vibrations, and they are very sensitive to small changes in the weight and tolerances of the items, and they are difficult to ajust to variations in the items.

A less complex and less noisy solution is step feeder. A step feeder consists of stairs moving up / down, pulling up a smaller number of items from a supply container.

The items that come up are then guided by sliding rails, possibly with vibrator or small conveyors. The items that are positioned wrong are removed using "traps".

So only correct oriented parts reach the robot so that it can grip the item and move and place it in the right position.

In addition, the step feeder can often be fitted in smaller space, so that ergonomically better loading of items can be made, or the assembled machine can be less bulky.

Aplica designs step feeders to fit the robot system. It ensures fast delivery, short commissioning and high efficiency.