MU July / August 2016
Machinery Update Issue 4, Volume XXVII, July / August 2016
Machinery Update Issue 4, Volume XXVII, July / August 2016
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
www.machineryupdate.co.uk JULY/AUGUST <strong>2016</strong> MACHINERY UPDATE 51<br />
only cost which is typically<br />
kept to a minimum, but also<br />
disruption to the line and<br />
production.<br />
One important element<br />
in the calculations around<br />
a given pick and place<br />
installation will be the<br />
reach of the robot. Making<br />
changes to the line to require<br />
less stretch in the robot may<br />
improve productivity and<br />
therefore make sense in terms<br />
of total cost. It may also mean<br />
that a lower specification<br />
robot is needed.<br />
There is a general<br />
assumption that the bigger<br />
the robot, the longer the reach<br />
will be, and the heavier the<br />
payload. This ‘rule’ normally<br />
holds, even though there<br />
are exceptions.<br />
It is not only the required<br />
reach of the robot which may<br />
be influenced by the layout<br />
of the infeed and outfeed<br />
conveyors and of the robot<br />
cell as a whole. A 6-axis robot<br />
may be needed in applications<br />
which would otherwise suit<br />
four axes of movement because<br />
of unavoidable obstacles in the<br />
factory which the arm has to<br />
clear or negotiate.<br />
HYGIENE RATING<br />
While end of line robot<br />
applications will not demand<br />
any special hygiene ratings,<br />
manufacturers will have<br />
to pay special attention<br />
to requirements at the<br />
production stage, particularly<br />
if robots are pick and placing<br />
pharmaceuticals or ‘naked’<br />
food products.<br />
Not every model is available<br />
in all hygiene grades. Some<br />
6-axis robots may offer<br />
specifications to the splashproof<br />
IP67 grade but not to<br />
the full-washdown IP69K<br />
rating. On the other hand,<br />
pick-and-place delta robots<br />
Platinum Partner System Integrators for COGNEX<br />
PackCheck <br />
Perfect packs, every time!<br />
are more likely to have a<br />
full-washdown rating as<br />
an option.<br />
T 02476 639669<br />
W www.fanuc.eu<br />
Imagine being certain that every pack you<br />
produce is complete and properly wrapped<br />
Detects wrap presence, position and integrity<br />
Detects lid presence<br />
Detects missing or fallen product<br />
Checks tray integrity<br />
100% inspection<br />
Zero contact with product<br />
Eliminate customer complaints • Protect your brand<br />
Roger Harris is from Fanuc UK<br />
CONTACT US TODAY:<br />
www.bytronic.com | +44 1564 793174
Change language