TM SCARA fastens on to the market

Citation

(2001), "TM SCARA fastens on to the market", Industrial Robot, Vol. 28 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2001.04928ead.001

TM SCARA fastens on to the market

TM SCARA fastens on to the market

Keywords: TM Robotics, Toshiba Machine, Evershed Robotics, Robots, Machinings

The latest project from partnership of TM Robotics, Toshiba Machine and systems integrator Evershed Robotics has demonstrated the speed and accuracy that can be gained by using robotics in the metal fabrication process.

The three companies have developed a system that machines lockable fasteners for car panels. It comprises four twin drill heads arranged on either side of a TM SR504HSP SCARA robot (Plate 1). Evershed Robotics designed the system so that one to four drills could be employed in a series, according to throughput requirements. At full output, the robot is reported to be capable of producing a finished fastener every four seconds.

The robot, it is said, can handle up to 15 different fastener types, measuring between 9.5mm and 50mm in length. The fasteners are introduced to the drilling area from a feed bowl via an escapement mechanism that presents them in rough orientation. Working in conjunction with a recognition system, the TM SCARA robot picks the fastener up and then performs extremely fast, accurate, correctly oriented placements to any one of the free drill heads. Once the fasteners have been machined, they are automatically ejected into the output tray.

With its very high-speed four-axis capability, the TM SCARA is thought to be ideally suited to such pick and place functions. The robot's SR7000 series controller gives it the ability to pick an object from a moving conveyor, or receive input from a recognition device. It can then quickly transfer it to the target position with repeatability accuracy of ±0.02mm.

Toshiba's SCARA robots, distributed in the UK by TM Robotics, have arm reaches ranging between 504mm and 1,054mm. Also in the SR series is the SR-654HSP, which has reportedly achieved record-breaking traversing rates of 600mm in 0.93 seconds. The reinforced arm can handle up to 20kg at half speed, or 10kg at full speed.

Plate 1 Machining lockable fasteners is the latest project from the partnership of TM Robotics, Toshiba Machine and Evershed Robotics

The SR700 robot controller is said to be capable of simultaneously processing input and output signals during robot motion. Therefore, says Toshiba, no time is wasted waiting for signal processing to be completed. The controller uses absolute encoder feedback rather than incremental signals, thereby obviating the need to implement a zero return on start up following a shut down.

There are options for PTP, short cut, linear interpolation and circular interpolation motion modes. With a total memory capacity of 6,400 points (12,800 steps), the controller also offers a multi-task function, allowing a maximum of four tasks to be handled at any time. The mechanical movements of the SCARA robots are controlled using Toshiba's own digital servomotors, amplifiers and motion controllers.

For further information contact: Nigel Smith, TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd, Suite 1, Concord House, Grenville Place, Mill Hill, London NW7 3SA, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 20 8906 9825; Fax: +44 (0) 20 8959 0081.