Automation & Assembly

DENSO Robotics' (Kariya, Japan) new RC8 controller is said to be the world's smallest 3-kW-class industrial robot controller in the world, 60% smaller and 45% than the model it replaces. The unit's footprint is 12 x 18 x 3.75 inches.

The RC8 can communicator with more than 100 device types using the company's ORiN open-resource interfacing networking system, including 100 Base-T Ethernet, mini/hand I/O, RS-232C and USB as standard. The RC8 employs a Windows-based graphical user interface, and meets ISO and UL standards for global deployment.

Wittmann Group's revamped W832 linear robot can now handle a payload of up to 25 kg, resulting in what the company calls a 20% increase in performance. Martin Stammhammer, sales manager robots and automation systems, noted that an optional configuration of the W832's vertical arm can actually handle up to 35 kg of payload.

A revamped robot line now offers an integrated control, smaller overall footprint, and a longer Z-stroke of up to 2000 mm. Wittmann calls the new W808 "a significant upgrade"  over the previous iteration, the W801.

Targeting molders interested in upgrading their equipment so they can quote more jobs, automation and auxiliary supplier the Wittmann Group has upgraded its robot line with the new W821, which increased the total payload to 12 kg from 10 kg for models with vertical strokes of 1000 mm. W821 models with longer vertical strokes will continue to carry a 10 kg payload.

If any injection molders are on the face regarding an upgrade to their robotics systems, Engel is hoping to supply a gentle nudge with a new incentive program. From now through Dec. 31, 2013, companies can trade-in any brand of linear robot that is a minimum of three years old, and receive a program rebate on a new viper robot from the Austrian supplier of injection molding and automation technology.  

SAS Automation LLC is now offering electric grippers in addition to pneumatic grippers, noting that electric grippers are becoming more popular for applications that require high speeds and for those requiring light or moderate grip forces. SAS notes that electric is also cleaner in operation than either pneumatic or hydraulic variations, making them very effective for handling products such as circuit boards or other dust sensitive products.

Motoman and Robotiq have formed a partnership to provide dexterous robotic gripper tooling on robots with the goal of increasing manufacturers' application flexibility and reducing their tooling costs. Robotiq, manufacturer of Adaptive Robotic Grippers, and the Motoman Robotics Division of Yaskawa America Inc.

Last month Hahn Automation began production of its linear robots as well as cooling and temperature control units in a new production plant in Reinheim, Germany, leaving behind an older facility in the same city. The new premises include a 5000-m² production area and 700-m² office area for the technical department and administration. 

Remform screws from Arnold Umformtechnik GmbH & Co. (Forchtenberg-Ernsbach, Germany) reduce the overall assembly cost of plastic parts because they do not require nuts or inserts. They furthermore ensure the highest levels of assembly security, due to a specific design that creates a large difference between the forming torque and the stripping torque. The main application of Remform for plastic parts assembly is the automotive industry.

In-process control and embedded weighing is now possible in any critical instrument or system operation with WMC weigh modules from Mettler Toledo (Columbus, OH). The instruments are claimed to be the smallest high-precision weighing sensors in the world, measuring just one inch in width.