Automation & Assembly

Cognex Corporation (Natick, MA) has debuted its next-generation DataMan handheld industrial ID scanner series designed for factory floor use. The rugged DataMan 8000 Series offers advanced 1D and 2D code reading via patented IDMax technology regardless of size, quality, printing method or surface.

Anodized aluminum coverings, a protective outer coating, and specially sealed joints allow a new line of robots to be safely cleaned with hydrogen peroxide and be used in applications where biocontamination control is required, including Class 100 cleanrooms. The Denso VP-G2 six-axis articulated aseptic robots have 432 mm of reach of and a 200-mm diameter footprint. Other features include a payload capacity of 2 kg, repeatability of ±0.02 mm, and standard cycle time of 0.99 second.

A new application need not necessitate exchanging grippers for handling of different sprues when using a system from Fipa (Cary, NC) that requires only that the gripper jaws be swapped. The model GR04.103 and GR04.130C sprue grippers can be reconfigured quickly meaning a substantial amount of time can be saved during changeover.

The W873 robot from Wittmann Robot Systeme (Groß-Umstadt, Germany) boasts numerous improvements over its predecessor, the W773, including a maximum payload of 125 kg with a maximum vertical stroke of 3000 mm. The robot is also available in a configuration with 3600-mm vertical stroke and 60-kg carrying weight.

An upgraded controller for use with standard, side-entry, and SCARA robots in injection molding and production cell environments is ahead of the curve in regards to connectivity and efficiency according to its supplier Wittmann Battenfeld (Vienna, Austria). The IPC-based R8 control facilitates complex interactions between the robot and injection molding machine, while its functionalities increases the productivity of any work cell. Find out more at Stand 10/A04 at the K Show.

Three new ultrasonic welding machines operating at frequencies of 20, 30 and 35 kHz and with power ratings of up to 6000 W will be displayed at the K Show by Herrmann Ultraschalltechnik (Karlsbad, Germany) at Stand 11E26. The development concept of these machines was delivering the required technology package at the right price.

A new series of SCARA robots from Toshiba Machine (Elk Grove Village, IL) offer processors a high degree of freedom of movement: Axis one and axis two of the TH-A Series robots combine to provide an unprecedented near 360º working area.

FDA-approved plastic link style belting is a key component of a modular conveyor that comes ready for dust-free and cleanroom environments. The DynaCon modular conveyor has been independently tested and meets Federal Standard 209D Class 1 (ISO Class 3) ratings for airborne particulate matter in cleanrooms and clean zones.

The first of series of new Cartesian beam robots offering longer strokes, bigger payloads and a rigid structure designed for speed has been debuted by Sepro America LLC (Pittsburgh, PA). The Model S5-35 is a mid-size robot designed for injection molding machines with 350 to 700 tons of clamping force. Other sizes, for smaller and larger molding machines, are scheduled to debut later this year and in 2011.

A high-speed, shelf-mounted robot for material handling provides flexibility and superior performance in high-payload material handling applications, while a four-axis palletizing robot has fast axial speeds and acceleration, which reduces cycle times and increases production output.