Control & Automation
Increased capacity palletising robots
New RGC and RGS proportional
controller series won’t leave you in
the cold
Carlo Gavazzi has introduced the compact and easy to install RGC1P and
RGS1P series of single-phase proportional controllers to its popular solid
state relay range for power control applications.
In many applications,
the
output
signal
from measuring and
monitoring devices is
an analogue signal that
needs to be converted
into a digital signal to
switch a ‘standard’
solid state relay. This
can be costly, uses
additional space in the
panel and takes longer
to install. Using Carlo
Gavazzi’s space saving
RG proportional controllers the analogue input signal will be automatically
calculated and deliver the appropriate output power.
The RG proportional control series is equipped with various selectable
switching modes to address different application requirements. Apart
from the full cycle switching for heating applications, the RGC1P and
RGS1P controllers include phase angle switching which can be used for
fast and accurate control of heaters and light dimming applications. The
advanced full cycle mode is specifically designed for short wave infrared
heaters to reduce visual flickering whilst the soft start feature eliminates
high inrush currents when switching them from a cold state, extending the
lifetime of the heater.
The range offers operating voltages up to 660VAC, current rating up to
63AAC (RGC1P), 90AAC (RGS1P; control inputs off 4-20mA, 0-10V, 0-5V,
1-5V or external potentiometer; LED indication for control and load status
as well as 100kA short circuit current rating according to UL508 with
tamper proof covers also available.
Capable of operating 2050 cycles
per hour with a 130kg payload is the
claim of Kawasaki Robotics for its new
CP range of palletising robots. Three
new models ma ke up the CP range,
offering maximum payloads of 180,
300 and 500kg.
High throughput, a wide working
range and ease of programming
are attributes that position the
range competitively in the market.
By reducing robot weight by up to
38% over the range it replaces, and
enhancing the drive mechanism for
the arm’s rotation (joint 1), payload
capacities have been increased in line
with overall performance.
Ian Hensman, Kawasaki Robotics’
sales and marketing manager points
out that the new arm offers the
optimal flexibility demanded by
manufacturers and food processors today: “The CP Range robots rank as best in
class when running the standard industry takt test for large robots; 400 mm up,
2000 mm horizontal and 400mm down. Having the ability to increase palletising
speeds when production demands is a bonus and added to the large palletising
volume of 1800 by 1600mm and height 2200mm users are provided with a wide
working range.
“Supporting the high performance of the CP Range are the ‘Green Credentials’
that it offers. We’ve concentrated on making this robot low energy and easy
to maintain; more than 90% of all components across the range are identical
allowing customers to reduce their parts handling and storage requirements. An
integrated hybrid function stores energy from braking utilising it for acceleration
and lowering energy consumption overall.”
The new series has a minimum width of only 35mm up to 43 AAC at
40°C and a maximum width of 70mm for the 50 AAC and 63 AAC which
provides a compact and space saving solution optimising panel space.
The CP Range is supplied with the compact Kawasaki E03 controller which is ideal
for locating under a conveyor in normally redundant space. Straight-forward
programming is also offered when the optional K-SPARC palletising software is
used. This enable programmes to be generated offline by selecting the workpiece, pallet and stowage pattern; layout planning and operating simulations can
also be performed enabling optimisation of the palletising operation.
www.carlogavazzi.co.uk
www.kawasakirobot.co.uk
www.strobotics.com
Low Cost Robotics
R12 – the lowest cost professional robot arm in the world! Designed like a sports
car it is fast and light but accurate and reliable. 500mm reach. Available in 5-axis
and 6-axis versions.
R17 – 750mm reach articulated arm, available in 5 and 6 axis versions plus high
payload and high speed versions.
R19 – A 4-axis cylindrical format robot, accurate and clean, ideal for laboratory
applications.
COLLABORATIVE – ST robots can work with humans as well as any other
robot bearing in mind that a robot moving at speed with any kind of load will hurt
you no matter what make of robot you choose (so don’t be fooled by claims you
may see). ST provides full guidance for safety and risk assessment.
RELIABLE – ST robots work for years before any kind of attention is required.
Meanwhile the robots are maintenance free.
SOFTWARE – For most people the biggest reason for not getting in to robotics
is the perceived risk that the software will be too difficult. ST’s software,
RoboForth, is probably the easiest to use on the planet. It’s a fact – see the
testimonials on our website. We provide acclaimed manuals and tutorials plus
unlimited free technical support.
ST Robotics are at Orwell House, Cambridge, CB4 0PP
Tel: +44 1223 420288, [email protected]
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PECM Issue 19