Designfax weekly eMagazine

Subscribe Today!

Archives

View Archives

Partners

Manufacturing Center
Product Spotlight

Modern Applications News
Metalworking Ideas For
Today's Job Shops

Tooling and Production
Strategies for large
metalworking plants

Tbot Linear Robot systems with fixed motor mounting are perfect for pick and place

Macron Dynamics' belt-driven X/Z T-Bot systems (TBG line) are perfect for pick-and-place processes. The simple design, where a single belt drives both axes, means there is no need for costly cable carriers. This type of motion can be used for anything pick-and-place oriented, and the extruded construction means it can scale to virtually any application. The architecture of the line allows for smaller travel heights for the Z axis, providing a more compact structure that is easier to integrate into existing designs. Models available to handle max loads from 10 to 100 lb.
Learn more.

Get your cobots on track ... literally

Thomson Industries has released what it is calling "the first-ever true collaborative extension of cobots." Adding a horizontal operating range up to 10 m, the MovoTrak CTU (cobot transfer unit) 7th axis sets itself apart with collision detection that stops the cobot when it encounters an obstacle, facilitating collaboration and increasing productivity. An industrial robot transfer unit (RTU) has also launched, which can be easily integrated with a user's preferred motor and drive. Compatible with even the largest cobots, such as the UR20 and UR30.
Learn more.

Versatile linear actuator with high load capacity

The GL-N is a versatile actuator from THK that boasts a durable design and high movement load capacity thanks to dual linear guide rails. It is ideal for automation and packaging applications, delivering high precision, durability, and efficiency. GL-N-B features a lightweight, high-rigidity aluminum base with Caged Ball LM guides. GL-N-BS adds a QZ Lubricator for the ball screw for long-term, maintenance-free operation.
Learn more.

Next-gen motor for pump and fan applications

The next evolution of the award-winning Aircore EC motor from Infinitum is a high-efficiency system designed to power commercial and industrial applications such as HVAC fans, pumps, and data centers with less energy consumption, reduced emissions, and reduced waste. It features an integrated variable frequency drive and delivers upward of 93% system efficiency, as well as class-leading power and torque density in a low-footprint package that is 20% lighter than the previous version. Four sizes available.
Learn more.

What is a low-waving linear motion guide?

If you are having a problem with your linear guides not always staying perfectly straight during use, it may be due to a phenomenon called waving -- a problem that is particularly critical in high-precision markets such as semiconductor and LCD equipment-related applications or machine tools. Thankfully, THK has an answer.
Read the full article.

OnRobot Sander: Ultimate solution for precision finishing tasks

Sanding is now more versatile and precise. Save time and enhance efficiency while maintaining consistent quality. With easy integration, remote monitoring, and dust-free operation, OnRobot Sander is a valuable addition to any workflow. This tool offers precise control over sanding parameters and is suitable for various materials, making it a must-have for professionals in the finishing industry.
Learn how to build your sanding application.
Learn more about OnRobot Sander.

Drive gearboxes for mobile robots

Different automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) can require different types of wheel drives. GAM has all your needs covered from standard GML inline planetary gearboxes to integrated strain wave (harmonic) robotic gearboxes to modified and fully custom solutions. Check out all the offerings.
Learn more.

Universal Robots unveils cobot AI Accelerator

Universal Robots' new UR AI Accelerator is a ready-to-use hardware and software toolkit created to further enable the development of AI-powered cobot applications. Designed for commercial and research applications, the UR AI Accelerator provides developers with an extensible platform to build applications, accelerate research, and reduce time to market of AI products -- ready to use straight out of the box.
Learn more.

Z-Tip-Tilt nanopositioning stage: High-speed ultra precision

PI offers an ultra-low-profile Z-Tip-Tilt stage designed for demanding alignment applications in optics, semicon-ductors, precision assembly, and photonics. Based on air bearings and linear motors, the stage is wear-free, maintenance-free, and cleanroom compatible. High speed is ensured by 3-phase linear motors, while high resolution and precision are provided by closed-loop operation with linear encoders with 1-nm resolution. Comes in 5- and 6-axis combinations.
Learn more.

Curtiss-Wright unveils new Exlar GTF food-grade actuator

Curtiss-Wright's Actuation Division has expanded its popular Exlar electric actuator product offerings to include hygienic actuators with FDA-approved materials and finishes. Designed for automation systems in the food and beverage, packaging, and pharmaceutical industries, the GTF with inverted roller screw technology helps customers achieve hygienic certifications more economically. Ideal for builders of hygienic machinery to easily incorporate into their designs.
Learn more.

Robot has longest reach in Mitsubishi's low-cost series

The MELFA RV-12CRL vertically articulated robot has the longest reach of any robot in Mitsubishi Electric's low-cost robot series: 1,504 mm (59.2 in.). With a 12-kg (26.4-lb) payload capacity, this unit is an ideal candidate for machine tending, case packing, and pick-and-place applications. Built-in features provide enhanced safety, streamlined implementation, and an overall reduction in downtime. Features internal cables and air hoses for end-of-arm tooling.
Learn more.

Servomotors for food, beverage, pharma, more

Siemens' new stainless steel SIMOTICS S-1FS2 line of servomotors has been designed for the clean condition requirements of the food, beverage, sterile packaging, pharma, and other process industries. These motors are highly resistant to corrosion and acidic chemicals and are offered in a variety of power ratings, from 0.45 to 2 kW (0.60 to 2.68 hp) with torque from 3.1 to 14 Nm (2.28 to 10.32 ft-lb). Features include high dynamics due to low inherent inertia, high overload capacity for pick-and-place, and precise movement of heavy loads. Easy installation and cleaning. Compatible with the SINAMICS S210 drive system.
Learn more.

What is Sensorless Closed Loop? Precise motor control without an encoder

Matt Sherman, eMobility Sales and Application Engineer at KEB America, runs through different options to drive an AC motor, including one called "Sensorless Closed Loop" that does not require additional hardware such as encoder, resolver, or cables on the motor.
Read this informative KEB America blog.

All about magnetic rotary encoder

The precision and reliability offered by modern rotary encoders are essential in many product categories. These include robotics, machine tools, printing presses, motion control systems, medical equipment, aerospace, gaming and entertainment, and automotive. Learn all about magnetic rotary encoders -- and important developments in the technology's future.
Read the full Avnet article.

High-force actuator line expanded with new models

Tolomatic has introduced five new products in its RSX line of high-force actuators to meet a wider range of industrial applications. These five sizes expand the RSX's capabilities to include forces up to 66,000 lbf (294 kN). RSX actuators, which feature high-precision planetary roller or ball screws for longer life in harsh environments, enable the easy replacement of traditional hydraulics to eliminate leaks and improve system performance.
Learn more.

Universal Robots ships cobots with two-week lead time, enabling manufacturers to meet tax deduction deadline

[Image credit: Universal Robots]

 

 

Facing unprecedented low unemployment figures, manufacturers of all sizes are struggling to fill repetitive and undesirable manufacturing jobs. With the help of the Section 179 tax deduction, U.S. businesses may be able to significantly stretch their use-it-or-lose-it 2022 budgets and purchase collaborative robots to take on the repetitive manufacturing tasks that workers don't want.

Section 179 requires that qualified equipment and off-the-shelf software be purchased and placed into service by Dec. 31, 2022. With its unique two-week ship program, Universal Robots (UR) can make that happen.

[Image credit: Universal Robots]

 

 

"Manufacturers simply can't staff positions to meet their production demands, and many can't turn to traditional automation, which is too expensive and complex, especially for small and midsized businesses," says Joe Campbell, senior manager of applications development and strategic marketing at Universal Robots. "UR cobots are cost effective and easy to implement, and with the Section 179 tax deduction, they can be even more affordable. Businesses should consult their tax expert right away to see if they can take advantage of this opportunity, and we'll do our part to help them meet eligibility requirements."

UR navigating supply chain landscape
The strain placed on global supply chains this year continues to make headlines, from semiconductor shortages to labor and equipment availability -- all exacerbated by geopolitical uncertainty. Despite these headwinds, Universal Robots has seen significant growth in production while fulfilling its production plan. One cobot is typically comprised of around 600 different parts, sourced from more than 100 separate suppliers.

[Image credit: Universal Robots]

 

 

Universal Robots has a team of 150 people that are all involved in getting a cobot made on time, with many specifically tasked with overcoming supply chain issues; dual or even triple sourcing parts, including team members travelling to component suppliers to oversee the finalizing and shipping of crucial components.

"Collaboration and communication have been key, with the team speaking to primary suppliers on at least a daily basis," says Vice President for Operations and Supply Chain, Anders Lassen. "The emphasis is on keeping everyone aligned to the shared goal -- namely, the timely delivery of cobots to our customers."

Source: Universal Robots

Published October 2022

Rate this article