Reliable helpers at the machine: Fanuc makes automation easier thanks to new functions

Robots are irreplaceable in modern production.

Fanuc has already installed more than 590 000 industrial robots worldwide. The versatile machines perform important tasks throughout production. It has never been easier to automate a processing machine with a robot and therefore making production highly productive and efficient. This applies in particular to automation with the QSSR package developed by Fanuc, which stands for Quick and Simple Start-up of Robotisation. This package facilitates the connection of a robot to a machine tool as well as setup and subsequent operation. Fanuc has created a standard interface for this and is demonstrating the solution in several applications, for example for Robodrill and Robocut.

Collaborative in the front row
With a total of seven exemplary applications, the CR series of collaborative robots from Fanuc were presented at the recent EMO 2019. All models of the series from the smallest CR-4iA to the CR-35iA are in use.

The use of CR robots in conjunction with mobile platforms were on display. Here Fanuc works with a standardised interface in order to be able to combine Fanuc robots with any platform. CR robots also serve as demonstration models for the Hand Guidance Function, with which robots are programmed by moving the TCP manually and the operator entering the required path or target points at the touch of a button. Mounting the Easy Attachment Unit on the wrist of the robot is simple. The hand guidance function is suitable for all Fanuc robots and is sufficient for simple tasks. For more complex tasks, the programmer uses the handheld iPendant or the iRProgrammer, a programming interface for Smart Devices.

For MTBs and system integrators, a new software function offers an interesting simplification: Users can programme the robot movement of an automated machine via the CNC interface and do not need to familiarise themselves with the systematics of a teach pendant.

Fanuc has also simplified the simulation of programmed sequences in the machine and robots with an assistance function in Roboguide. This new function enables a synchronised representation of Roboguide for the robot movement and CNC guide for the programme simulation of the machine.

The EMO premieres
The M-10iD/12 and M-20iD/25 robots were on display for the first time at EMO. The M-10iD is used on a demo cell for loading and unloading, the M-20iD in a deburring cell. The productivity enhancing properties of the robot also include its exceptionally high-axis speeds and repeat accuracy, which set standards in this robot class. The rigid design of the robot results in very good positioning and repeatability accuracy. The M-20iD/25 also has these features. Combined with a force-moment sensor, Fanuc’s own sensor, M-20iD/25 shows its strengths in a cell in which robot parts for Fanuc robots are deburred.

The processing cells as well as the automatic loading and unloading are usefully supplemented by robot-automated washing cells. The robot can either handle the workpiece to be cleaned or, in suitable cases, the washing nozzle. Fanuc showed a small washing cell at EMO. The LR Mate 200iD/7WP used is ideally suited for handling tasks in narrow workspaces and for integration into machines. The standard protection class is IP67, optionally the LR Mate is also available in IP69K.

For further information contact Fanuc South Africa on TEL: 011 392 3610 or visit www.fanucsa.co.za