Compact Robots for Spot Welding
MS-series robots from Yasakawa Motoman are more compact than traditional spot robots for higher robot density in a workcell or around a car body, with arms that are up to 30 percent faster than traditional size spot welding robots.
Posted: December 20, 2016
High-speed MS165 and MS210 robots from Yasakawa Motoman (Miamisburg, OH) are designed to deliver unmatched performance and reliability in spot welding applications. The use of a gas spring and Yaskawa’s Sigma-5 motor technology result in a lighter weight and a reduced-profile design to allow higher robot density around a car body or a smaller workcell for Tier 1 applications. MS-series robots use the energy-efficient DX200 robot controller that includes several features to optimize robot and servo spot gun performance. The MS-series also includes MS100 and MS80W II robots that are designed to take advantage of lighter weight Mid-Frequency Direct Current (MFDC) spot guns. They are more compact than traditional spot robots to allow for higher robot density in a workcell or around a car body, with arms that are up to 30 percent faster than traditional size spot welding robots.
To increase cable life, enhance safety and reduce teaching time, the servo gun cables and air and water lines are routed through the robot’s base and upper arm to the wrist. This streamlined design enables MS-series robots to reach into confined spaces, thus reducing cycle time and improving system productivity. Integrated spot harness technology was introduced over a decade ago, but this technology has been improved on the MS-series robots with an expanded wrist working range of up to 17 percent, and back-integrated control for spot guns with servo motor drives improves weld quality. The six-axis MS165 and MS210 models feature increased payloads of 165 kg and 210 kg, respectively. Both models have a 2,702 mm reach with a repeatability of ±0.2 mm. The MS100 and MS80W II have payloads of 100 kg and 80 kg. Both robots have a reach of 2,236 mm and repeatability of ±0.07 mm.
The high-speed spot and Advanced Robot Motion (A.R.M.®) control functions can provide up to 35 percent cycle time reduction and improve quality by providing consistent electrode force with optimum arm and gun motion control. The DX200 controller features patented multiple robot control technology to easily handle multiple tasks and control up to eight robots (72 axes). The DX200 has been designed to improve process capability, reduce energy usage, and improve maintainability and safety. An enhanced Functional Safety Unit (FSU) provides control-reliable zone and tool position monitoring, standstill monitoring, and speed limiting. This can reduce costs for safeguarding hardware and provide capabilities such as collaborative tasks. It is compliant to ANSI/RIA R15.06-2012 and other relevant ISO and CSA safety standards.
For part positioning, Yaskawa Motoman offers their new high capacity, high performance TR1000 tilt/rotate positioner, which has a reduced footprint compared to similar high capacity positioners. It features 1,000 kg payload capacity, tilt speed up to 12 rpm and rotation speed up to 22.4 rpm. This positioner offers multiple mounting possibilities and can be paired with a tailstock for longer part handling.
Motoman Robotics Division, Yaskawa America, Inc., 100 Automation Way, Miamisburg, OH 45342, 937-847-6200, Fax: 937-847-6277, www.motoman.com.
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