Citation
(2007), "Ceiling mounted SCARA robot set to save space and improve access to working areas", Industrial Robot, Vol. 34 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2007.04934ead.007
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Ceiling mounted SCARA robot set to save space and improve access to working areas
Ceiling mounted SCARA robot set to save space and improve access to working areas
TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd has launched a ceiling mounted version of the Toshiba Machine TH450 SCARA (selective compliant assembly robot arm), which will save space in the manufacturing cell by allowing access to the working area from above (Figure 5). The robot is set to find applications in a range of manufacturing sectors where it will be used for a variety of pick and place tasks.
The TH450 is amongst the quickest SCARA robots of its size on the market and achieves cycle times of less than 0.3s. Arm lengths of 450mm and a payload of 5kg complement the TH450's enhanced speed capability while repeatability is an impressive ^0.01mm. Linear and circular conveyor synchronisation capabilities are also offered, creating a very powerful package when combined with easily integrated vision systems.
“Ceiling mount capabilities make the TH450 much more versatile,” explained Nigel Smith, Managing Director of TM Robotics. “The function is already in use in a number of applications but the big advantage of building it into a catalogue product is that it saves engineering time for the end-user and the integrator.”
The new robot's user-friendly TS2000 controller features a built-in PLC, allowing for complete system control. The TS2000 controller is equipped with 70 I/O as standard but expandable up to 166, to satisfy even the thirstiest requirements.
The robot programming language is SCOL, which is similar to BASIC and this can be used across the complete Toshiba Machine SCARA and Cartesian robot ranges. Motion control commands include single axis motion, synchronous motion, linear interpolation, circular interpolation and arc motion.
An extensive range of control options includes Toshiba Machine's Windows- based TSPC programming software, inclusive of 3D simulation of the robot movement. In addition Ethernet, DeviceNet and Profibus communications options provide further flexibility.