Robots for cutting, trimming & assembly.

The recent NPE show in Chicago saw the debut of several new 5- and 6-axis articulated-arm robots and programming software for secondary operations.

* Three suppliers introduced simulation software modules for offline programming and program verification of operations such as trimming and routing. These modules simplify programming by generating robot positions from CAD models of the part to be trimmed or machined. ABB Inc., Robotics Div., Auburn Hills, Mich., calls this feature AutoPath. Tel: [phone] * PTDirect: 593YP

Fanuc Robotics America Inc., Rochester Hills, Mich., calls its version CAD-to-Path programming. Tel: [phone] * PTDirect: 819QV

Motoman Inc., West Carrollton, Ohio, introduced CAD-based MotoSim software to accurately measure distances in a simulation. Tel: [phone] * PTDirect: 1731KT

* The RoboTrim RT-400 portable router trimming and knife deflashing system was introduced by Robotic Production Technology (RPT), Auburn Hills, Mich. It's based on a Fanuc R-44 robot (with RPT software) plus a servo-controlled rotating table to hold the part. Both are mounted on a single base and can be easily moved to different locations. The RT-400 handles parts up to 36 in. high. Tel: [phone] * PTDirect: 416GT

* RPT also showed the new FLACS RT C-Series Flexible Laser-Cutting System based on the RobotCut A600 laser robot from Robot-Technology GmbH of Germany. It is designed for trimming auto interior components, decorative specialty films, nonwovens, and other fabrics and plastics. This is said to be the first robot with an integrated C[O.sub.2] laser of new lightweight design and 100 to 1000 W power. It boasts double the power and twice the cutting speed of previous systems.

* JR Automation Technologies LLC, Holland, Mich., showed an unusual system for robotic assembly with a Fanuc F-200iB parallel-link robot. A complex-shaped automotive manifold was mounted on a table supported on six legs that raised, lowered, and tilted the part at various angles to permit insertion of numerous induction heated inserts. Tel: [phone] * PTDirect: 777YM

* A 4-axis SCARA robot for assembly and packaging operations was new from Staubli Corp., Robotics Div., Duncan, S.C. The servo-driven model RS40B has a 200-mm stroke, 400-mm reach, positioning accuracy of [+ or -]0.025 mm, and payload capacity of 11 lb. Tel: [phone] * PTDirect: 736ZK

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