Motoman Robots Handling Fabricated Metal Part Frames
Two Motoman UP130 robots and UP6 robot handle parts through trim, bend, assembly, and spot welding operations.
Summary
Achieved cycle time of 12.2 seconds per small part, and 14.1 seconds on larger part assembly. Cycle achieved is 6-18.5% faster than required 15-second cycle time goal.
Project Challenges
- Automate product production. This cell is the first of four similar robotic systems that process parts; part frames and ends; bottoms; and side and top respectively.
- Batch process 19 different part numbers. Small parts are made of 9-gage steel wire; larger parts are made of 7-gage steel wire or a combination of 7- and 9-gage wire.
- Smallest part is 40.64 cm x 40.64 cm (16"W x 16"H). Largest part is 73.66 cm x 101.6 cm (29" W x 40"H). Parts weigh from .61- 4.08 kg (1.34-9 lbs).
- Achieve cycle time of 14-16 seconds.
- Need to lower cost to compete internationally.
- Need reliable solution for three-shift operation.
Motoman Robotics Solution
Motoman Robotics provided a flexible automation solution, including:
- Two Motoman UP130 robots with XRC controllers
- Motoman UP6 robot with XRC controller
- Two sets of identical custom end-of-arm tooling for UP130 robots
- Custom parallel gripper for UP6 robot
- Common steel platform for XRCs and PLC
- Three base plates for robots
- Software cube zone protection
- Custom wall-mounted cable tray
- Allen-Bradley SLC 5/04 PLC with Data Highway Plus interface
- Allen-Bradley PanelView™ 1000 operator interface.
- 2.3-m (7.5-ft) powered belt infeed conveyor with manually adjustable guide rails
- Workcell protection package, including wire guarding with two safety-interlocked gates
- Customer supplied equipment: - Trimmer (press) - Bender (press) - Spot welder - Bowl feeder - 3.05-m (10-ft) Outfeed conveyor Motoman was responsible for integrating all of the Customer supplied equipment, including the trimmer, bender, spot welder, bowl feeder and outfeed conveyor.
