Automation Systems

Automation is essential in helping manufacturers achieve maximum return on investment from their machine tools. Makino offers the availability of a new design configuration for its MMC2 automated pallet-handling system, which enables full compatibility with the company’s a61nx-5E 5-axis horizontal machining center.

On Robot is bringing its technology to North America to provide manufacturers with more user-friendly, safe and flexible grippers for collaborative robots (cobots). On Robot’s two-finger RG2 grippers—available in both single and dual versions—mount on the arms of cobots without any external wires; for robots that have infinite rotation of the last joint, this enables unprecedented flexibility and productivity, according to the company.

For machine types STUDER S31 and STUDER S33, United Grinding offers a loader solution featuring a portal loader system with dual grippers. The loader system is said to be suitable for shaft components up to a part length of 300mm and a grip diameter of 4mm to 75mm, which covers the majority of the spectrum of parts produced on these machines, according to United Grinding North America.

Learning how to set up and program a collaborative robot – or cobot – no longer depends on real-life access to a robot or a training class. Now everybody with a desire to learn the concepts of cobots can log in to the Universal Robots Academy and get the introduction necessary to master basic programming skills.

igus offers standard “readychain” ready-to-use robotic dress packs for simple installation as well as multi-axis cable guidance and protection. In automated plants and other manufacturing facilities, downtime creates a critical situation. Once production stops, every minute counts, making new standard, fully assembled dress packs for industrial robots suitable to get systems back up and running.

Schaffner introduces the FN510 dv/dt filter, which eliminates premature motor damage caused by high dv/dt, over-voltages on motor cables, motor overheating and more, to prolong service life motors in high precision environments. Suitable for motors from 1.5 to 30 Kw with frequencies up to 400Hz (4 to 24A) or to 200Hz (33 to 66A), this proven technology reduces high output voltage dv/dt from IGBT motor drives and restricts over-voltages caused by line reflections on motor cables.

The new LP 100 gantry robot system introduced recently by Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH is ideal for handling small and light components, allowing users the option of configuring the gantry to deliver high-speed or high-load performance. This choice allows the LP 100 to be employed flexibly, which fits well with inline production concepts where workpieces travel longer distances across several production machines.