Assembly 15561

Originally Published MPMN July/August 2007

FOCUS ON EQUIPMENT

Assembly

Dual-Arm Robot Features Human-Like Flexibility of Movement

A dual-arm robot provides high-speed motion with two six-axis arms that provide human-like flexibility of movement. The design makes the DA20 robot suitable for assembling medical devices, as well as performing a variety of complex assembly, part transfer, machine tending, and handling tasks that formerly could only be done by people. The unit features 13 axes of motion--six axes per arm, and a single axis for base rotation. It can be integrated with a vision system to provide vision-guided assembly capabilities. The robot has a 20-kg payload per arm, a 1870-mm reach, and a repeatability of ±0.1 mm. Both arms can work together on one task, or the two manipulators can work independently. The robot can transfer a part from one of its arms to the other with no need to set the part down temporarily, and it provides jigless operation with one robot arm holding the part while the other performs operations on it.
Motoman Inc., West Carrollton, OH
www.motoman.com

Robotic Loading and Assembly System Reduces Repetitive Motion

A robotic loading and assembly system combines a minirobot with equipment to create a machine that reduces repetitive motion in the loading and assembly of packaged medical devices. The TaskMate performs a variety of tasks to increase efficiency, and it works in a number of environmental settings, including cleanroom, process, and packaging. Equipped with a tabletop platform, interlocked guarding, and optional light curtain, the system integrates with most process or packaging equipment. Typical applications include pick-and-place, carton and case loading, product collation and dispensing, product orientation, and production inspection and sampling.
ESS Technologies Inc., Blacksburg, VA
www.esstechnologies.com

Modular Standardized System Is Available for Cleanroom Use

A company offers a linear assembly machine suitable for cleanroom use. The QuickLink system has the ability to self-diagnose problems through its smart programming, making it capable of deciding the best course of action in the event of a fault. Actions include sounding alarms, retrying the failed procedure, slowing to a safe pace, or an instant stop with deactivation of all systems. The system can assemble multiple products at rates in excess of 120 parts per minute and can be integrated into one of the company's form-fill-seal machines.
Quickpouch, Ronkonkoma, NY
www.quickpouch.com

Conveyor Offers Safety Feature to Protect Operators

A conveyor system with safety-yellow belting and ESD properties, an engineered modular frame, and a nontensioning drive system that guides moving parts has been introduced. The conveyor features safety snap-link belting that protects operators from injury by acting like a fuse to separate during overload or jams. The conveyors are shipped fully assembled and include a variable-speed direct-drive brushless dc motor that can carry loads up to 200 lb at speeds up to 200 ft/min. Typical applications include assembly, packaging, inspection, sorting, and testing. The variable-speed drive consumes 25 W of power, which is less than conventional conveyors, according to the company. The units are offered in sizes with belting from 6 to 30 in. wide in 3-in. increments, lengths from 2 to 60 ft, and multilevel configurations.
SmartMove Conveyors, Fall River, MA
www.4smartmove.com

Software Enables Easy Programming of Robots

A plastics application software interface is designed for easy programming and operation of robots used for plastic injection molding applications. VALPlast software minimizes the application learning curve and setup time by featuring step-by-step scenario-building prompts for fast program creation. The main production features of the system are input/output management, Euromap/SPI standard interface, production interface with three user levels, a palletizing module, programming of scenario via predefined functions, and open architecture to external VAL3 programs. The company offers four- and six-axis robots with payloads ranging from 1 to 230 kg and from 450 to 3200 mm of reach, all controlled from a common PC-based controller platform.
Staubli Corp., Duncan, SC
www.staublirobotics.com

Automated Seal Assembly Equipment Is Suited for O-Ring Placement Applications

A series of O-ring assembly grippers are made for placement applications. Two sizes of the AGP-OR line are available to cover a range from 1/8 to 14 in. ID. The larger unit has a through-hole. O-rings are expanded in a hexagonal or octagonal shape between the spreading jaws and ejected by others. The pneumatic dual-motion gripper has two independent pistons, the spreading jaws are double acting and the other ejector jaws are single acting. The octagonally stretched O-ring requires less overall expansion and considerably less deformation during the assembly process, according to the company. The gripper can be tooled to accommodate all sizes of rings. End-of-stroke sensing is available for both the spreading and ejecting jaws.
AGI-American Grippers Inc., Trumbull, CT
www.agi-automation.com

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