Fanuc Corporation, Oshino-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan

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Published on Oct 31, 2014

FANUC Assembly Robots

Utilizing industrial robotics for assembly processes can provide manufacturers with a number of unique advantages such as increased flexibility, throughput and system uptime, as well as improved part quality.

The system seen here uses FANUC’s new M-2iA/3AL long arm Delta-style robot for assembly of automotive battery cells. The robot quickly picks up the batter cells one-by-one and places them upright into an assembly magazine. The battery assembly fixture sits at a slight angle to keep the batteries upright. Once the 14 identical battery cells fill the magazine, a mechanism slides and re-circulates the batteries onto the conveyor and the process repeats.

Included in this system is FANUC’s iRVision and iRVision PickTool software, which track parts on the infeed conveyor. The new FANUC M-2iA/3AL robot is the latest addition in FANUC’s M-2iA series of high-speed Delta robots. The M-2iA/3AL long arm robot features a three-axis articulated wrist for flexible applications, providing the full articulation that no other Delta-style robot can achieve. This robot offers six axes of motion, a 3 kg payload, and also comes in a short arm model.

 

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Clean Room Robot Bin Picks Plastic Caps At High Speeds

Published on Nov 7, 2014

With a focus on continuous improvement and innovation, FANUC America researches and develops new products that help advance the expansion and refinement of automated bin picking technology.

This small part bin picking system features the new FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SC clean room robot, used to bin pick randomly-oriented plastic bottle caps from a bin at very high speeds. The robot is equipped with FANUC’s new iRVision 3DA/400 Area Sensor, which allows the robot to see 3D location of the bottle caps in the bin. The new FANUC 3DA/400 Area Sensor is the compact version of FANUC’s iRVision 3D Area Sensor. The 3DA/400 Area Sensor is designed for use with a small or medium size FANUC robot with smaller containers. All FANUC 3D Area Sensors are equipped with a higher-resolution mode for greater 3D location precision.

The mini LR Mate 200iD/4SC clean room robot is notorious for its conveniently compact size and high speeds – It has a maximum speed of 4,000 mm/second, and includes a bottom cable exit option, making it ideal for clean room and food handling applications where a small footprint is required. The new LR Mate 200iD/4SC has an ISO Class 4 (Class 10) clean-room certification for electronics and pharmaceutical applications, and features a white FDA compliant coating. It has a stainless steel wrist and NSF-H1 grade grease on all joints to provide reliable performance in demanding production environments, including rigorous sanitation procedures.

All of the hardware and software in this system is designed by FANUC specifically for FANUC robots, allowing FANUC America to provide manufacturers with wide range of solutions to meet their production needs.

 

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FANUC Machining Robot Loads & Unloads 2 Machine Tools Using 3D Bin Picking

Published on Nov 14, 2014

FANUC America's comprehensive range of products and services provide manufacturers the unique advantage of having access to a full collection of automation solutions to help meet their production needs.

The system seen here combines robotics with machining, as FANUC America's compact yet versatile LR Mate 200iD robot automatically loads and unloads two high precision FANUC ROBODRILL Small Machining Centers to provide the highest level of efficiency and quality of parts. An LR Mate 200iD robot mounted between two FANUC Alpha-D14SiA5 ROBODRILLs uses FANUC's new iRVision 3DA/400 Small Area Sensor to automatically locate and pick randomly oriented uncut slugs from a bin. The robot proceeds to load and unload the two side-by-side ROBODRILLs until a finished part is produced.

The process starts as the robot picks the uncut slug and loads it into the first of two high-speed ROBODRILLs - seen on the left - for the first half of a machining cycle. Next, the robot unloads a partially finished part from the first ROBODRILL, and loads it into the second ROBODRILL - seen on the right - for the second half of its machining process. These FANUC ROBODRILLs feature easy automation with tight integration and easy connection with the robot. These ROBODRILLs also feature Servo Doors, which are controlled by the auxiliary axis of the robot, enabling the robot to anticipate door opening and closing. Once the machining cycle is over and a finished part is produced, the robot again unloads the first ROBODRILL and loads it with a raw part, loads the second ROBODRILL with a partially finished part, then unloads the finished part to a bin out of the system.

 

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Compact Robotic Machine Tender with FANUC LR Mate Robot - Automated Cells & Equipment RMT Series

Published on Nov 21, 2014

FANUC America Authorized Integrator Automated Cells & Equipment or ACE, provide a wide range of solutions for robotic machine tending using FANUC robots - from machining large parts to smaller machining such as the process seen in this video. This video features ACE's RMT Series Robotic Machine Tender with the fast and compact LR Mate 200iD Robot. At less than 1 meter wide, Automated Cells RMT Series Robotic Machine Tender is perfect for servicing one or two machine tools.

The 6-axis LR Mate 200iD robot with a dual end of arm tooling prepares and positions both an empty tote and a tote containing raw parts prior to machine loading. Product may also be conveyed into the cell directly on the included belt conveyors. Once the totes are positioned, the first raw part is picked by the robot and qualified at a regrip station. The robot moves with the qualified part to a position in front of the autodoor, awaiting machine entry.
Once a part has been completed, the spindle raises and the machine table is then moved to the robot load position. The autodoor raises permitting machine entry to the robot. Once in the machine, the robot performs a part blow-off… grips the completed part… performs an additional blow off to clean part workholding… loads the raw part… and then exits the machine. The autodoor closes and the next machining cycle begins. The finished part is qualified once again prior to loading into the finished part tote.

 

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Fixtureless Welding and Hardfacing with Intelligent FANUC Arc Welding Robots

Published on Nov 26, 2014

Fixtureless Arc Welding Robots: fanucamerica.com/industrial-solutions/manufacturing-applications/arc-welding-robots

In this robotic arc welding demonstration, FANUC America showcases the benefits of using fixtureless welding - an innovative solution that offers a number of benefits when compared to fixed welding.

In the demonstration, a FANUC LR Mate 200iD/7L robot picks an auger tooth from an in-process rack and presents it to a iRVision-equipped camera to determine the part's orientation. The LR Mate 200iD/7L then re-grips the part at a re-grip station, during which time the FANUC ARC Mate 0iB robot - seen on the left - runs through a weld torch maintenance station.

The two robots then simulate dual-arm motion hardface welding. Fixtureless welding is a simple setup that allows for flexible positioning as well as quick changeover of parts. Now we see the weld cycle run as a live weld. After welding, the LR Mate 200iD/7L performs post-process inspection to validate hardfacing. If the inspection fails, the robot will apply additional weld material and inspect again. If the inspection passes the LR Mate 200iD/7L will place the finished part into a bin below the pick rack.

Fixtureless welding from FANUC America is a cost effective solution versus traditional fixed welding, and reduces floor space by eliminating the need for dedicated floor-mounted tooling. To learn more about FANUC America's full line of robotic arc welding solutions, please visit robot.fanucamerica.com, click on Arc Welding.

 

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FANUC New Automation Technology at IMTS 2014

Published on Dec 1, 2014

In case you missed IMTS 2014, here’s a brief video overview of FANUC America's new automation technology introduced at the show (video courtesy of GIE Media):

FANUC’s 0i-F CNC is the newest generation of the Series 0i. It features seamless integration with the FANUC Series 30i controls along with other new features based on FANUC’s new platform also introduced at IMTS. The Series 0i-F CNC is capable of 11 controlled axis and 2 spindles with the addition of a loader control board that can be used for ancillary functions. FANUC’s new CNC platform has the ability to do large program management on the CNC. Additionally, the new platform includes the ability to have up to 16 GB of program storage on the CNC which is a large advancement from the 8 MB previously available. With 16 GB now available, you can run large programs without the need of a data server feeding off of the network. FANUC’s new platform also includes many features designed to improve ease of use, for example the ability to add Bluetooth connectivity to the CNC which can be used for program transfer from a tablet type device to the CNC. Additionally, Bluetooth keyboard and mouse capability have been added, allowing for easier input of data to the control system. FANUC’s new platform also includes the ability to view remote desktop on a PC; the CNC has the capability to display PC screens directly on the CNC. This enables the user to run PC programs on the CNC without adding a PC to the CNC system. Removing the PC from the system improves the reliability of the overall CNC, but still gives users the ability to run the PC programs that are required on the shop floor.

The video also features the tight integration between a FANUC robot and FANUC ROBODRILL using the latest FANUC CNC technology. In the demonstration featuring progressive robotic machining from a gantry, FANUC utilizes new Servo Door technology to integrate a FANUC servo motor into the doors of the three ROBODRILL machines to reduce cycle time and increase throughput. This system also uses FANUC's vision technology integrated between the gantry-style robot and the conveyors so there is no need for fixtures between the conveyors and robot. This enables the robot to pick up parts without any sort of fixturing between the loading and unloading of machines. Through this tight integration between the robot, CNC and ROBODRILL, FANUC is able to coordinate communication and increase throughput and cycle time for the entire operation.

 

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Robotic Deburring System with Vision and Force Sensing - Abtex Corporation

Published on Dec 12, 2014

FANUC Material Removal Robots

FANUC America Authorized Integrator Abtex Corporation, custom designs, engineers, and integrates robotic deburring systems using world-renown FANUC robots, to offer the latest in automated deburring technologies.

Abtex engineers built this system as a capabilities demonstration. It’s designed to deburr - or deburr and polish - a specific part or family of parts. In this representative application, a FANUC M-10iA robot picks randomly oriented parts from the staging nests and presents them to a FANUC iRVision camera that measures part orientation relative to the grippers. The M-10iA robot then dynamically adjusts the gripped positions to deliver the slotted edges of the parts to the elastic-bonded abrasive wheel for heavy burr removal by carefully tracing out the product’s slotted profile.

Once the heavy burr is removed, the M-10iA robot moves the part to the Abtex abrasive filament radial wheel brush for removal of the secondary burr. FANUC’s highly flexible, six-axis M-10iA robot moves work pieces to allow the deburring of multiple surfaces in a single operation. Finally, the workpiece is returned to its holder, and the arm picks up the next part to repeat the process. The system also features FANUC’s FS-15iA force sensor, which allows the robot to move along a path with specified pushing force and force direction. Using FANUC robots with force control is an excellent process for post deburring applications. When all of the parts have been deburred the robot automatically changes tools, picks up a different part, and delivers it to the radial wheel brush for deburring. When finished, the robot again changes tools and the cycle repeats.

Unattended operation allows Abtex robotic deburring systems to increase throughput substantially. For more information from FANUC America Authorized Integrator Abtex Automation and their full range of deburring solutions, call (888) 66-ABTEX, email [email protected], or visit http://www.abtex.com.

 

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FANUC Robot Bin Picks Heavy Steel Billets Using 3D Vision - FANUC America

Published on Jan 2, 2015

Billet bin picking: fanucamerica.com/industrial-solutions/manufacturing-applications/picking-and-packing-robots

FANUC America continues to lead the way in the development of automated bin picking technologies that help manufacturers improve their part transfer processes with intuitive, high-speed robotics and automation.

This demonstration cell combines a FANUC robot with FANUC’s next generation 3D Vision Area Sensor to quickly and accurately bin pick steel billets and place them on a conveyor, where they are dropped into an adjacent second bin. First, the new six-axis FANUC M-20iA/35M robot picks a randomly located billet from the first bin using a sure-handed magnetic gripper. This new, strong and rigid M-20iA/30M robot from FANUC includes a 35 kg payload, 1.81 meter reach, and a hollow wrist that offers easy routing of cables and tubes, eliminating cable management issues. The robot places the billet onto a conveyor in a consistent orientation. On its way to the second bin, the billet passes through a simulated induction furnace, and is then pushed into the second bin.

The robot is able to locate and accurately pick the billets through the use of a rail-mounted FANUC iRVision 3DA/1300 Area Sensor. This FANUC 3D Area Sensor uses FANUC’s new cylinder finder function, which enables the robot to stably pick cylinders of a specified length and diameter without picking two cylinders at once or causing a failure to pick. This next-generation 3D Area Sensor from FANUC also comes equipped with a higher-resolution mode for greater 3D location precision, and uses FANUC’s iRVision Interference Avoidance feature to prevent the robot and tooling from coming into contact with the bin walls.

As soon as the robot recognizes that one bin is empty, the rail-mounted 3DA/1300 Area Sensor slides to the second bin, and the robot automatically switches to picking the second bin. All of the hardware and software in this state-of-the-art, versatile bin picking system is designed by FANUC, specifically for FANUC robots, allowing FANUC America to provide customers a wide range of solutions to meet their production needs.

 

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Multi-Station Grinders with FANUC CNC & Robotic Machine Tending - International Tool Machine (ITM)

Published on Jan 5, 2015

International Tool Machine’s Rotary Transfer Grinder (or RTG) machine resembles a compact grinding cell consisting of up to five precision grinding stations, all connected by a high-speed rotary transfer mechanism. The RTG stations can be configured to grind Flutes, OD-Relief, Points, Face, Counterbores, Chamfer, Groves, Endteeth, Endface ID, flip parts, and production of parts that require multiple surfaces to be ground. With up to 21 FANUC CNC-controlled axes, setup time is fast (less than 15 minutes), making the machine economical for both large or small production runs.

To begin the cycle, a part is presented to the loading station. ITM can provide an automated load/unload station with an integrated FANUC LR Mate 200iD robot turnkey system. The rotary table can carry up to six collets, indexing for accurate and fast part exchange from station to station. The loaded part is now at the first workstation. Next, all of the workstations perform their programmed grinding application and another part is simultaneously loaded/unloaded. The workstations can be designed and arranged in a variety of combinations depending on your application with the ability to have all stations work simultaneously. This equates to the total production time equal to the longest single operation plus transfer time, making this the perfect production machine for your tools and parts.

One RTG machine can produce a complete part, an advantage over conventional machines that usually requires three or more machines. This reduces set-up time, cycle time, floor space requirements, as well as operator involvement. The parts are produced with the highest level of quality. It also means that the feedrates for the shorter grinding operations can be reduced to match the cycle time for the longest operation, increasing wheel life and part quality, because finer wheels may be used to achieve higher surface finishes.

Features and options of the RTG include direct drive motorspindles of up to 50 HP, state of the art FANUC CNC, bushings, V-block or Tailstock support, automatic wheel balancing, automatic locating probe, integrated blank oversize check, integrated quality control and FANUC Robots for loading of heavy and unique shape parts.

Next, ITM’s Universal Flute Grinder model UFG-25 is a flute grinding machine capable of straight fluting and right and left hand flutes with or without gunnose. This demonstrates the FANUC LR Mate 200iD robot loader integrated with the flute grinding process. ITM’s UFG-25 is grinding 3/8" tap blanks, 3 spiral flute with gunnose. Utilizing FANUC’s latest 6-axis LR Mate 200iD robot for loading and unloading, the tap blank is securely held between the workhead and hydraulic tailstock. This safety cage built around the robot with proximity switches connected to the doors restricting any access to the robot while it’s in automatic mode. ITM builds machines with performance, safety and reliability in mind.

To learn more about International Tool Machine and their full range of CNC Tool and Cutter Grinder solutions, please visit www.itmfl.com.

 

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Automated Electronic Connector Assembly System with FANUC Robot - Durabotics

Published on Jan 10, 2015

Electronic Connector Assembly: fanucamerica.com/industrial-solutions/manufacturing-applications/assembly-robots

Automation Expert and FANUC America Authorized Integrator Durabotics developed this assembly workcell to automate the process of metal contact and plastic insulator seal plug insertion into various sizes and shapes of electronic connectors. This system was specifically developed to assemble electronic connectors for the aerospace industry. However, this system can handle over 60 styles and sizes of connectors for a variety of industries. Each style and size connector can have a combination of 4 to 100 insertions of up to six different metal contacts and seal plug connectors.

The system starts when a pallet containing six connectors enters the system. Each pallet can contain all different types and sizes of connectors and these can all have different recipe combinations of contacts and seal plugs. Each pallet contains a bar code that the robotic system reads and queries a database to determine which connector styles and sizes are in that particular pallet. It also determines the recipe combination of contacts and seal plugs for each connector in the pallet.

The robot used for the assembly is the highly flexible, versatile and compact FANUC LR Mate 200iD/7L long arm robot. This robot’s custom-built end effector is very unique and consists of three major sections: A vision camera with LED ring lighting, a tool changer that allows the robot to choose a variety of four end-effectors for picking and seating, and thirdly, a universal gripper for loading and unloading the full range of connector bodies on the pallet. Once the bar code scanner identifies the pallet and its connectors, the robot camera takes a photo of the first connector to verify it is the correct connector for the recipe it has received and that it matches with its recipe database. The robot picks the connector and places it into an interlocking v-design assembly station. The robot vision system again verifies part ID and orientation, and proceeds to populate the connector with metal contacts and seal plugs according to the recipe.

The FANUC LR Mate 200iD/7L robot is picking contacts and seal plugs from any of three backlit shaker table feeders that shake and spread the parts enough to allow the robot vision system to see isolated parts. This system has three shaker table feeders, but Durabotics can expand it to six feeders, all of which can hold one or more parts and can advance, retract, flip or spread the parts. The robot controller, vision system and PLC work with the on-board PLC on each feeder to spread parts so the robot can see them.

During each pick the robot moves the part past a straightening tool to assure it is properly seated. Each part is presented to another camera and light to assure it has the right contact or seal plug, then the part is inserted into the connector until it is fully populated. Once the connector is correctly populated, the robot picks the finished connector and places it into the pallet in the same spot it was originally picked. Once all connectors in a pallet are fully populated, the completed pallet is transferred out of the system, the next pallet moves in, and the process repeats.

This electronic connector assembly system improves upon an extremely tedious, inefficient and time-consuming manual process. To learn about this system and more from FANUC America Authorized Integrator Durabotics please visit their website at http://www.durabotics.com.

 

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Automated Depalletizing System Uses FANUC Robots for Complex Depalletizing - PASCO

Published on Jan 16, 2015

Palletizing robots

FANUC America Authorized Integrator PASCO, based in St. Louis, Missouri, has been designing, manufacturing and servicing automated palletizing systems for nearly 40 years. PASCO provides custom engineering solutions for the most demanding applications.

One recent challenge was to design and build an automated depalletizing solution capable of achieving a rate of 10-12 layers/minute, including the possibility to handle mixed-layer pallets, and up to 20,000 SKUs. The delivered system is comprised of two FANUC robotic cells fed by a main infeed system with two conveyor lines capable of accumulating and indexing 35 loaded pallets. Bar code readers pass load information to the WMS. The twin FANUC M-410i series of four-axis articulated palletizing robots each provide a 700kg payload and sufficient reach for the project requirements. FANUC is the world leader in robotic palletizing, providing the widest range of payload and reach options and the fastest palletizing robots in the industry.

Schmalz provided PASCO with a patented vacuum end-of-arm tool that enables handling of the wide array of SKUs with both top suction and global vacuum augmented by mechanical clamping. This unique system is capable of picking a large variety of layers with disparate heights and weights, with or without a slip sheet, thus eliminating the need for a remote station. Depalletized layers are conveyed downstream to the print and labeling system. Today, layer picking is a key element in the logistics chain for high-volume distributors.

The PASCO Depalletizing System can be designed to satisfy the unique requirements and demands of your distribution system no matter how complex or difficult. In addition to depalletizing systems, PASCO offers an array of palletizing systems for bags, pails, drums and cases, utilizing robotic or conventional technologies that best meet your exacting standards. To learn more about FANUC America Authorized Integrator PASCO, please visit https://pascosystems.com.

 

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FOERSTER Robotic Testing and Inspection Stations with FANUC LR Mate 200iD Robot

Published on Jan 26, 2015

Robotic inspection & testing

In order to optimize your quality process, FOERSTER, a FANUC America Authorized Integrator, creates state-of-the-art systems utilizing advanced FANUC robotic technology that is fast, accurate and reliable for non-destructive testing of metal component parts.

Customization is key when determining exactly what types of components need tested. FOERSTER designs the appropriate FANUC robot test station for your application. These systems can be customized and configured to meet even the most demanding specifications for virtually any industry. Each station can be set up to use any FOERSTER Eddy Current instrument, to test for crack detection, heat treat inspection and gauging. The test cell, along with your desired FOERSTER testing equipment, would include a multitude of varying robotic machinery. This test station uses a complete multi-axis FANUC LR Mate 200iD robot to handle both component transferring and testing. The machinery and technology used is dependent on your particular application and product. The FOERSTER STATOGRAPH ECM and MAGNATEST D non-destructive testing technologies are used to check for cracks and heat treat results. FOERSTER can also provide remote access to the system for any type of commissioning and troubleshooting. The operator interface can be accessed the same way, giving the FOERSTER technical support team the ability to assist with the operation or resolve programming issues. Resolving issues remotely translates to saving the customer valuable time and money.

Each test station follows a simple process for each component. Visual inspection technology is applied to identify the component. Based on the part ID, the correct test parameters are automatically selected. The highly versatile FANUC LR Mate 200iD robot loads the component into test position and inspects even the most complex of contours. Differential eddy-current probes are used for inspection while the unique clearance compensation function ensures reliable evaluation. Test reports with piece count and quality statistics are available for each test request.

FOERSTER, a FANUC America Authorized Integrator, is the proven name in safety-critical component testing. From design of your application-specific system, to their ongoing support of your needs, FOERSTER sets the industry standard. In an industry where exacting science is critical, FOERSTER delivers innovative solutions without compromise. And the efficient, accurate and reliable robotic test cell using state-of-the-art robotic technology from FANUC America is backed by world-renowned technical service and support. To inquire about this system or to learn more, please contact FOERSTER today, or visit http://www.foerstergroup.com.

 

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Robotic Screw Driving System with Screw Inspection for Automated Assembly

Published on Jan 30, 2015

FANUC America’s new M-1iA/1H three-axis Delta-style robot is an excellent solution for assembly applications that require compact workstations and an extremely fast and accurate robot where no wrist rotation is required.

Screw driving is one such ideal application for the new FANUC M-1iA/1H Delta robot. In this system, the robot picks individual screws from a screw feeder and uses a nut runner to drive the screws into four points on a terminal box for assembly. Once all four screws are in place, the terminal opens, the screws fall through and the cycle repeats. This helps display the speed and repeatability of the robot and system.

The flash of red light is the robot’s FANUC iRVision-equipped camera taking a snapshot of the screw pickup area to make sure that a screw is present, it’s precise location, and that no obstacles are in the way. It verifies this information using FANUC iRVision Inspection and Error Proofing Software before moving in to pick up a screw. It takes just minutes to setup an application using this FANUC iRVision Inspection system – No camera calibration is required.

 

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Robotic Pail Palletizing System with FANUC Palletizing Robot - PASCO

Published on Feb 6, 2015

fanucamerica.com/industrial-solutions/manufacturing-applications/palletizing-robots

FANUC America Authorized Integrator PASCO has been designing, manufacturing and servicing automated palletizing systems for nearly 40 years.

PASCO offers unique robotic solutions for pail palletizing designed to operate 24/7 with minimal supervision and operation. This system includes a fully automatic pallet dispenser that can handle multiple pallet sizes. Pallet centering and squaring is used to ensure that the pallet is in the correct place for the robot.

This system has three infeed production lines but only two products that need to be palletized. The middle line can run either product, depending on demand. This system from PASCO utilizes a diverting conveyor to align whichever product is in the middle production line onto the correct palletizing infeed. Pails pass through a bail orientation device to ensure all bails are uniform when the pails are palletized. A clamshell pail-centering device ensures that the pail is properly nested for the FANUC M-410iC/185 robot to make a clean pick. The four-axis FANUC M-410iC/185 – FANUC’s latest in its industry leading line of palletizing robots – includes a 185 kg payload, 3,140 mm reach, and is capable of performing 1,700 standard palletizing cycles/hour, making it the fastest palletizing robot in its class.

PASCO designed a mechanical two-pick end of arm tool for the system. Both lines can run independently of each other, using different pallet sizes and patters. Everything seen here was engineered, manufactured and tested at PASCO headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri. To learn more about FANUC Authorized Integrator and robotic palletizing expert PASCO, please visit https://pascosystems.com.

 

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FANUC Welding Robots Race to Display New Software that Helps Improve Robot Speed

Published on Feb 13, 2015

FANUC America’s Gakushu or Learning Vibration Control Software maximizes robot speed and reduces robot cycle time while smoothing motion and maintaining the taught path. In this automotive spot welding demonstration of Learning Vibration Control software (or LVC), two LVC-equipped robots on the right square off against the same two robot models performing the same welds on the left in a race to finish the welds first. The LVC-equipped robots on the right have a distinct advantage however, as they’ve learned the characteristics of their programmed paths and have been able to speed them up with smoother motion through FANUC’s new wireless LVC software. FANUC’s new wireless LVC makes it easier and requires less time to teach the robots. Motion cycle time is reduced by up to 15% with the added benefit of smoother overall motion.

The demonstration also highlights FANUC’s intelligent interference check, which automatically determines shared workspaces to avoid collisions. This option is extremely valuable and cost-effective in high-density cells where multiple robots work together.

FANUC LVC is ideal for manufacturers looking to increase production – Whether it’s eliminating a system bottleneck, or increasing overall line rate, this revolutionary product can help without large investments in capital equipment.

 

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FANUC Delta Robot Deburrs A Machined Casting Using Force Control

Published on Feb 20, 2015

Machined cast deburring: fanucamerica.com/industrial-solutions/manufacturing-applications/material-removal

Utilizing an industrial robot with force control from FANUC America is an excellent solution for post-machining deburring applications. This demonstration displays the ability to adapt to casting variations in machined parts using robotic deburring.

In the demonstration, FANUC’s M-3iA/6A six-axis delta-style robot uses a FANUC iRVision camera to select three positions on a machined casting to establish a base frame. The robot uses iRVision to develop an edge profile from the real part to create a new robot program. No two parts are the same, so this unique feature accounts for the number of part variations that may occur from different parts including a core shift, part size variations or undersized parts. This feature eliminates the need for manual intervention and significantly reduces time required to create new programs for the parts.

The robot uses the program to debur the part, carefully tracing the path while using FANUC’s FS-15iA Force Sensor. The FANUC FS-15iA Force Sensor allows the robot to move along a path with a specified pushing force and force direction. Once the deburring cycle finishes, the robot shifts the machined casting to show that it can account for the changes in the part’s location.

 

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Long Arm Welding Robot Welds A Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) Frame

Published on Feb 27, 2015

UTV frame welding: fanucamerica.com/industrial-solutions/manufacturing-applications/arc-welding-robots

Designed for welding large parts such as utility terrain vehicle frames or UTVs, the new six-axis FANUC M-710iC/12L robot offers a compact body, a large work envelope, and industry-leading motion range with a 3,123 mm reach.

In this demonstration of the new FANUC M-710iC/12L robot’s capabilities, the robot works together with a FANUC two-axis positioner to weld a UTV frame. This demonstration highlights coordinated motion between the positioner and robot - The two-axis positioner moves the UTV frame while the FANUC M-710iC/12L simulates welding.

The new FANUC M-710iC/12L robot features a very slim hollow arm and wrist, which help minimize interference with welding torches, allowing for worry-free dress-out solutions. The robot also comes equipped with covered motors, enabling it to adapt to severe work environments. This new robot is the latest in FANUC’s M-710i Series of industrial robots, world-renown for their versatility and ability to handle nearly any manufacturing application.

 

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Robotic Top Loader Packaging System for Aerosol Cans - Pearson Packaging Systems

Published on Mar 6, 2015

Robotic packaging aerosol cans: FANUC Picking and Packaging Robots

Pearson Packaging Systems – A FANUC America Authorized Integrator – specializes in secondary packaging machines that erect, pack, seal and palletize. The system seen here is Pearson Packaging Systems’ Robotic Partition Inserter and Top Loader for aerosol cans.

The system starts at a CE25-T Case Erector. This case erector erects cases that are then conveyed to the Robotic Partition Inserter (RPI), which supports multiple partition and case sizes. A case is sequenced into position in the RPI. Flap spreaders and partition guides actuate into the case. A FANUC M-10iA/10S robot picks a partition from the magazine, erects it and places it into each case. The flap spreaders and partition guides retract, and the case is conveyed to the Robotic Top Loader (RTL). The FANUC robot’s soft grip end of arm tooling with auto changeover picks two sets of 12 aerosol cans to fill the cases. Aerosol cans arrive at the RTL in single lanes with each product in a puck. Pucks that have products in them are diverted into multiple lanes via a lane diverter. Product guides are lowered into place above the case, then the FANUC M-10iA/10S robot picks up half of a case of product and places it into the partition in the case through the product guides. The robot’s end of arm tolling can support odd shaped can tops by gripping the side of the can.

The product guide is then raised, and the case moves to the next load position where the product guides are lowered back into the case. The second set of product is then loaded into the partition in the case through the product guides. Full cases are then sequenced out of the RTL and conveyed to the CS25-T Case Sealer for sealing.

Pearson Packaging Systems’ Robotic Top Loader family utilizes FANUC robots to offer flexible and reliable carton and case loading capabilities for a variety of product styles and pack patterns into cartons, cases and trays. To learn more about FANUC Authorized Integrator Pearson Packaging Systems and their full line of automated packaging solutions, please visit http://www.pearsonpkg.com

 

[Administrator]

Blister Pack Loading System Uses FANUC Robot for Flexible Part Feeding

Published on Mar 14, 2015

Robotic blister packing: FANUC Picking and Packaging Robots

Authorized FANUC America Integrator Inventek Engineering, working with Blisterpak Inc. developed a fully automated flexible solution for loading products into blister packaging equipment. A FANUC LR Mate 200iD robot with iRVision was integrated with a flexible part feeding system and the products to be packaged were delivered into a Starview blister packaging machine.

In this demonstration of the equipment, two different pens are randomly presented via the flexible part feeder. The iRVision camera locates each pen, distinguishing the solid blue pen from the blue and silver pen. A vacuum cup gripper is used to pick each pen. Orientation of the product into the blister is often critical in blister packing operations. Here we can see that the correct orientation of each pen into its corresponding blister is easily maintained. Once the pens are placed into the blisters, the machine is signaled to rotate to the next sealing station, exposing additional blisters to be filled by the robot.

The automated loading platform developed by Inventek Engineering can easily and quickly accommodate different products. Examples include many different types and styles of pens and markers, cosmetics such as lipstick, eye shadow and blush, electronic parts, such as memory sticks, hand held devices and batteries, and many more. Running a new or different part solely requires that the iRVision software be “trained” on the new part - a simple and quick process. The simplicity of the design means no mechanical set up is required, and new parts can easily be introduced into the packaging operation.

The system is compactly designed to occupy a minimum amount of floor space, but still provides full access to the blister packaging equipment. For additional information please contact FANUC America Authorized Integrator Inventek Engineering at 714-520-1504 or visit the company’s websites at https://www.inventekengineering.com and http://www.blisterpak.com.

 

[Administrator]

Retort Tray Packaging System with Robotic Tray Loading – Pearson Packaging Systems

Published on Mar 20, 2015

Retort tray loading: fanucamerica.com/industrial-solutions/manufacturing-applications/picking-and-packing-robots

FANUC America Authorized Integrator Pearson Packaging Systems specializes in secondary packaging systems that erect, pack, seal and palletize. The system seen here is Pearson Packaging Systems’ Robotic Retort Tray Packaging System.

The system process starts as the robot finishes loading up a finished stack of trays. While the robot finishes the job, a new stack of empty trays on a base plate move into the robot’s cell through a light curtain. The FANUC M-710iC/70 70kg-payload robot picks the first empty tray off the top and places it on the full tray loading station. This movement is repeated for each subsequent tray. The stack of empty trays is lifted, and the base plate transfers to the full tray loading station. During the tray loading cycle the stack of full trays is lowered back down onto the base plate.

Before the products reach the robot, they pass through a conditioning and measuring conveyor that operates by first passing the product through a series of spring-loaded, driven rollers to even out the product. The products then pass through a smooth top and bottom conveyor. A sensor is used to determine consistency and product height. Any product that is oversized or thicker on one side or the other by ?” or more is rejected using a check weigher reject system. Good product is conveyed to the index conveyors and into the system where the versatile FANUC M-710C/70 robot picks product three-at-a-time and loads them into the retort trays. Once a stack of trays is full, the stack is moved out of the system through a light curtain.