The new FS03 from Kawasaki is a compact multi-purpose robot designed as a portable model at the smaller end of the range. Despite its size, the robot is an advanced 6-axis arm and boasts the highest speed in its class, being some three times faster than the previous FS02 model with a higher payload of 3kg.

Weighing an easy-to-handle 20kg and with a footprint of only 17 x 21.5cm, the FS03 in conjunction with its ultra-compact D 70 Controller will operate from a single phase 240 volt supply giving it extra flexibility in use.

Three main axes and three wrist axes deliver 6-axis performance and all offer superior high-speed operation coupled with high reliability and high precision to ensure that they can withstand the most stringent operating conditions required of industrial robots.

Achieving an industry standard cycle test of typically 0.4 - <0.5 sec, the robot can be stationed in most operating positions including floor, wall or ceiling mount making it ideal for many demanding tasks such as assembly, handling and inspection of small components. It is also suitable for research and educational applications.

Constructed to be compatible with Class 10 clean room operation and IP67 wash-down variants, the robot has already found success in the assembly of small delicate parts in the electronics industry, handling pharmaceutical products plus fast and accurate machine tool loading.
 

New palletising robot from Kawasaki can handle up to 400kg.

Kawasaki's new MD400N robot can meet the demand in today's world for the palletising and depalletisation of all kinds of consumer goods from food and drink, building supplies, medicines and printed matter which have become diversified in many ways, but still have to meet stringent requirement for freshness and just-in-time delivery.

The new MD400N can handle loads up to 400kg and stack them on a large pallet up to 2.7m high. With the 400kg load, the robot provides a linear movement of 400mm vertically and 2,000mm horizontally, performing high-speed motions as fast as 740 times per hour.

The new robot has an extremely small footprint enabling it to work in a compact area. This is because Kawasaki uses a special link design which eliminates the heavy and large rear counter balance normally needed and as used by most other heavy payload palletising robots. This feature increases the robot's speed and flexibility whilst decreasing its running costs.

A variety of hands can be fitted to the robot head for the handling of various packages including sacks, boxes, crates, etc as single product or complete layers. In conjunction with the choice of programmes available in the controller unit, palletising patterns such as 'interlock', 'column' and 'pinhole' can be initiated.

Kawasaki launches new robot control system

In keeping with its role of one of the leaders in industrial robot technology, Kawasaki Robotics has launched a new robot control system allowing more effective and intuitive operation of the robot.

The result is the new D Controller, a highly functional and versatile robot controller to meet the next generation of robot applications. It combines the latest hardware technology together with software which has been developed through the richness of diverse experience that exists within Kawasaki. Special attention was paid to ease of operation, the high level of expansion possibilities and easy maintenance characteristics.

For control and operation of the robot, the operator uses the Teach Pendant with its keypad and 6.4" colour LCD touch screen. Dedicated software is also available for a wide range of applications including palletising, handling, spot-welding, sealing and arc welding. In addition, Kawasaki AS Language, a highly sophisticated robot programming language, expands the possibilities for advanced motion and process control.

D Controller offers high expansion capability with its compatibility with not only standard digital I/O, but also a variety of Fieldbus I/O systems such as DeviceNet, CC-Link, Profibus and Interbus-S to give direct connection to a wide range of peripheral equipment. Also available is K-Logic, a built-in PLC programmed with easy ladder logic as a normal industry standard.

The system supports network communication through Ethernet allowing data transfer between the controller and a host computer for program upload and download. Web server functions can also be used for remote access enabling remote diagnostics and monitoring of robot status.

An additional 2 axes can be easily incorporated into the standard 6-axis controller with up to 16 axes being possible to meet the exact customer requirements of a multi-axis robot system.
 

Kawasaki Robotics (UK) Ltd is one of the main sponsors of Moleracing Sprint and Hill Climb car

Kawasaki Robotics (UK) Ltd is one of the main sponsors for the Moleracing Sprint and Hill Climb car, the car driven by Steve Miles (Sales Manager) for our System Partner Industrial Automation of Nottingham can be seen charging around at various locations up and down the country including Siverstone,Lydden,Aintree,Wigan,Curborough Lichfield,Goodwood,North-Weald Angesey and Abingdon.

The car, a Van Diemen RF96m is shown in the photograph,it is powered by a 2.litre ford Zetek engine prepared by Dunnel, It has superb grip with new soft compound tyres and a power to weight ratio of 5000bhp/tonne. 0 to 60 mph is as quick as a Formula 1 car - around 3.1 seconds, exciting to watch and according to Steve Miles very interesting to drive.

If you would like more Technical information, on board video clips or details on when the car is out please visit www.moleracing.com

Robots for cleanroom applications.

Kawasaki Robotics has developed a series of cost-effective cleanroom robots dedicated to the semiconductor flat panel screen and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. The four different series offer models with horizontal articulation, telescopic and vertical multi-axis movement. This extensive choice of positioning from the robots allows wafers or panel displays to be handled at virtually any angle.

All models are constructed to be compatible with either Class 1 or 10 (FS209E) cleanroom operation and cover handling from very small to very large and heavier objects, all at high speeds.

The NS series is a horizontal articulated arm robot designed for handling silicon wafers and with its flexibility in configuration, is ideal for applications involving cassette stations, equipment front ends, inter-equipment and intra-equipment material transfer.

For transporting large-sized panel displays, the telescopic type robot, TL series is the solution with its capability of handling from 680 x 880mm up to 1000 x 1500mm large PDP glass sizes.

The TS series robot combines a horizontal articulated arm with a choice of telescopic vertical positioning over 380mm to 1590mm.

The FC series is a compact, six-axes high-performance robot having a 3 degrees of freedom wrist with compound movement profile making it possible for handling of objects at virtually any angle. Its flexibility in movement makes it highly suitable for complex moves in the cleanroom environment in assembly or work placement and removal.

With payloads available from 2 Kg to 60 Kg, this comprehensive range of cleanroom robotic units allows Kawasaki to cover the majority of applications that arise in the cleanroom production area.
 

Z Series in 'Minority Report'

The Kawasaki UX150 robot along with 12 other Z Series robots appeared in the Steven Spielberg film, 'Minority Report' starring Tom Cruise.

New addition to FS series of Kawasaki robots

After consulting their system partners and end users, Kawasaki Robotics have added the new FS60L model to their F Series robot range with a higher payload capability of up to 60 Kg.

This new model opens up new application areas for Kawasaki robots in medium weight die-casting machine loading and manufactured product palletising. With its new payload of 60 Kg and a compact arm still with a reach of 2.1 metres to the centre of joint 5, the robot offers Kawasaki renowned quality and reliability.

Even with the higher payload of 60 Kg, high repeatability and speed are still maintained and the robot's arm is totally enclosed and sealed to IP65 to withstand the environmental conditions of the foreseen new areas of application.

For precise and predictable control, the FS60L robot uses the proven C Controller and AS programming language making application simple and user-friendly for the operator. To assist their customers, Kawasaki provide comprehensive training instruction for their robotic systems either on-site or at their premises at Warrington.

For more information, please contact:-

Jim Carr
Kawasaki Robotics (UK) Ltd.
Units 6&7, Easter Court,
Europa Boulevard,
Westbrook, Warrington WA5 7ZB

Tel: 01925-713000
Fax: 01925-713001
Email: sales@kawasakirobotuk.com
 

Robots in the manufacture of clay drainage products.

We're all familiar seeing robots working away in car factories creating masses of sparks as they weld together the various body parts of the latest cars. But robots are now being used in many differing applications across a whole new range of industries. Robots are seen today as an integral part of manufacture performing repetitive tasks on a 24 hour, 7 day basis providing accurate and reliable actions in a wide variety of arduous operating conditions. The car industry was perhaps the first of many industries to make use of robots extensively. Whereas in the early days of car manufacture, thousands of manual workers were used to place and fit all the various components, with the event of robots more efficient manufacture could be achieved with a smaller work force. Many manufacturing processes are by nature performed in hostile working conditions which are uncomfortable, unpleasant, and sometimes present potential risks for workers. Placing a robot in these working conditions provides a solution to this problem. Being a controlled machine, the robot also has the advantage of performing repetitive tasks without mental boredom effecting the accuracy and speed of performance. Robots are also capable of handling much larger loads than possible by manual labour, with the latest models capable of handling up to 250 Kg. Robots have been introduced into the manufacture of clay building products. Hepworth Building Products at their Donnington Works in Derbyshire produce a wide range of clay pipes and fittings for use in drainage and flue linings. Their production line, which by nature operates in a arduous environment of building materials such as clay, sand and chemicals, runs 7 days a week, 24 hours a day throughout the year. They decided to commission two of their factory lines with automated production methods. Initially in 1985 six manufacturing cells were fitted with electro-hydraulic robots for handling products from machines to trimmers and setting stations. These performed well and after several years their performance was analysed. From these results it was decided to replace them with the latest technology robotic systems. Hepworth engineers inquired from three major robot manufacturers as to the purchase price, performance, reliability and maintenance costs, together with the backup support, training of maintenance personnel, technical assistance and design of auxiliary equipment. Other criteria needed to be satisfied including the payload and long reach capacity, together with the ability to fit within the existing robot footprint. After much consultation, the contract to supply five new robots was placed with Kawasaki Robotics UK who displayed that they could meet all Hepworth's requirements within the financial budget of £230,000. Installation and commissioning was a joint undertaking between Hepworth's maintenance staff and the Kawasaki application engineering department. The replacement schedule installed the five new electric robots over a 12 month period, including a specialised station which used a 'seventh axis' for internal trimming of the pressed pipe junction product, making the existing bespoke trimming equipment obsolete at a saving in replacement costs of £56,000. The Kawasaki robots have now been in operation for almost three years and have totalled around 35,000 operating hour without a single breakdown. They have performed in the tough environmental conditions in the handling, trimming, placement and pallet stacking of the clay products to the total satisfaction of Hepworth engineers and management. For the future, engineers at Hepworth are looking at other sections of the manufacture of their products using manual labour, with a view to introducing more Kawasaki robots to give a more reliable and efficient production line.

New robot with higher capacity up to 250 Kg.

With the success of their ZD range of robots being widely used in palletising and handling applications, Kawasaki Robotics has introduced the new ZD 250S model which extends the loading capability of the robot range from a previous maximum of 130 Kg up to 250 Kg.

Robots are becoming extremely important in palletising and handling applications because of their ability to consistently handle and stack pallets, bags, crates and boxes in an accurate and repeatable way.

Producers using manual labour are finding that goods that are stacked in an erratic way are unceremoniously rejected by their customers because of the major inefficiency problems that this causes with truck loading and warehouse storage.

The robot offers an immediate solution to this problem, as once programmed, will perform its handling tasks 24 hours a day, with consistent and highly accurate product stacking.

The new ZD 250S operates in 4 axis, with a working range of 1,800 x 1,600 x 2,200mm, handling up to 850 cycles per hour. Different hands can be fitted to the robot articulated arm to accommodate handling of different containers, bags, boxes, pallets, etc.

The robot control system is easily programmed and allows stacking in a variety of patterns including side-by-side or stacked in column, interlock or pinhole.