Reel tape packaging using AIM FlexiBowl and Epson Scara robot
Packaging reel tape takes 8 hours to pick up and move parts with very tweezers. Just like sewing, it hurts your eyes and your hands. Therefore, it can be said that it is one of the processes that producers avoid in factories.
It is a typically simple, repetitive work that lacks manufacturing manpower due to high fatigue. By automating these tasks with a robot system, it is possible to increase manufacturing competitiveness by repeating precisely without getting tired. This process has the following four characteristics.
Multi-variety production: Quickly convert various varieties to software modifications
ยท Product quality improvement: Minimize static electricity, scratches, product breakage, and damage
Improved production efficiency: Prevents equipment stoppage during production due to tangling and kinking
Left/right/front/rear division vision: front/rear and left/right division, a system without human error
Among them, it is noticeable that it is advantageous for multi-variety production by quickly converting various varieties to software modification.
Thanks to an integrated solution of robot, vision, and flexible feeder that improves the process quickly and without project risk, it can handle various product groups and various sizes from 0.5 to 250 mm, and automate all parts that can be operated with one hand.
Second, by using a robot and a vision control device to run the software, a system without human error was implemented through front and rear and left and right divisions.
The most worrying thing about introducing an automated process system is that if the robot suddenly makes an error while operating 24 hours a day, it will have a big impact on the overall production.
It can be said that it is a really appealing solution because it is said that the accuracy is improved through the vision device and the error rate is also lowered by a smart system design.
M1 small bolt assembly using Epson N6 + FT sensor
The clever process work can be seen not only in the reel tape packaging but also in the small M1 bolt assembly process.
The second application example shows how the Epson N6 robot and FT (Force-Torque) sensor were used to automate the small part assembly process.
In particular, as in photo 2, very small bolts such as M1 often lead to work failure if the position is changed even a little.
In addition, the force required for assembling should be appropriate, because if the force is too much and not assembled, it may be damaged or misassembled.
To overcome these difficult conditions, in this case, Epson’s N6 robot and FT sensor were used simultaneously. Thanks to this, it was possible to successfully carry out the work by minimizing the error in positioning accuracy and monitoring the external force during work.
The assembly work sequence is as follows.
First, the bolt is picked up by vacuum suction from the bolt holder, and then the bolting is performed by accurately finding the assembly location.
At this time, it detects the external force during bolting, completes the fastening successfully according to the fastening torque, and moves to the next bolting operation position.
With this high repeatability, very small bolts can be worked with precise force. Even with a folding arm structure installed on the ceiling, the space can be minimized with a compact installation. It also has a maximum joint speed of 537.8deg/s, so it can perform fast tasks.
In fact, if you look at the feedback from the companies that introduced the process, it was not easy to reduce the assembly error in the case of small bolt assembly of M2 or smaller, but thanks to this solution, automation was introduced to make work more comfortable and easier.
