Automation Systems

BOLD Laser Automation put into development of a cost-effective, modular UR Cobot loader unloader for laser-based microfabrication applications called the LPF-UR5P Series (Laser Precision Fabricator – UR Cobot 5 – Pallet System), including options for laser drilling, trimming, welding, marking, and laser soldering. With a UR Robot part placement of ±0.030 mm (±0.0012”), the system is an excellent process automation choice.  With onboard or remote camera alignment options, an assembly to be processed can be picked up, aligned, and inserted into a processing fixture automatically.

Highlights include a new customizable green sensor type called Green Flex. This versatile cyclic sensor monitoring type now allows for specification of the required state of the sensor at the start and end of the ready window. The sensor can be set to require a specific number of actuations inside the ready window.

Mitsubishi and Absolute jointly designed the plug-and-play cell. It consists of a Mitsubishi industrial robot, a wheeled stainless steel base, a clear polycarbonate cell enclosure featuring a safety door with an interlock switch, and a side table extension. The cell accommodates Mitsubishi 6-axis RV-series robots ranging in load capacity from 7 kg to 20 kg and reach up to 1,388mm. Integrating the robot cell with a CNC machine is a one-step process using a single Ethernet cable, Mitsubishi’s Direct Robot Control function and the Mitsubishi M8 series control. The LoadMate Plus can also interface with other control types via remote I/O connectivity.

The FreeBSD system – and thus also TwinCAT/BSD – supports ARM CPUs up to Intel® Xeon® processors, providing a scalable platform from small embedded controllers to high-performance IPCs. With this scalable new solution, Beckhoff presents a new operating system that combines the advantages of Windows CE – low cost and small footprint – with the numerous features of large Windows operating systems. Therefore, TwinCAT/BSD is also an alternative to Windows 7 or 10 in many applications.

Both the Power Connect and Thermocouple I/O slices feature push-fit wire connections into a cage clamp. Increasing connection security, particularly for applications which could be subject to vibration, the cage clamp system improves reliability and also means faster, simpler wiring without the requirement to use additional tools for installation and maintenance.

The XY base system is made of two 3-Phase motor powered V-417 linear stages with travel ranges from 204 to 407mm. Integrated absolute-measuring linear encoders provide better reliability, while eliminating the need to reference. A granite base plate is available for stability and can hold the G-901 EtherCat-based controller with ACS driver module. PI supports customers, system integrators, and machine builders to quickly configure and integrate the appropriate system, reducing design and development time while optimizing the outcome.

TwinCAT 3 automation software can communicate with HTTP(S) servers as an HTTP(S) client, for example for exchanging data via a REST API. Establishing a connection with MindSphere® is now also possible via this HTTPS communication for exchanging telemetry data. This connection is secured by TLS (Transport Layer Security) and uses MindSphere®-specific authentication mechanisms.