Ask the Experts | Answers from JR Automation

My company is looking into automating our facility and we would like to know who the leaders are in the small robot industry.

Fanuc Robotics has a nice line of smaller robots. Check out the LRMate. www.jrauto.com

Where does one start to learn about welding-robot programming? What is the language--Python, C++, or what? I have searched the Internet and State of IL libraries, and found nothing that gets into programming. One book dealt with metaprogramming, but gave no specifics.

In my experience, all robot manufacturers use proprietary welding programming languages for their robots--but there are things to learn that can help you on your way. Robot manufacturer's use their own languages because it is faster to send signals to and from the welder than if you were to use straight IO. These signals (such as arc start, wire feed start, arc established, wire speed, current, gas on, and arc end) are all used to set up a weld schedule, which informs the robot how to weld. That means it is important to know how to weld by hand before welding with robots. The next step is to learn how to move robots into weld positions, and how to move them in and out of weld locations. Also, research robot welding training courses--companies such as Epoch Robotics will travel to your facility to provide customized need-based training. --Steve Hamilton, Master Certified Robot Service Engineer, www.epochrobotics.com, phone: 616-820-3380

Is it possible to implement an automated assembly line for kitchen cabinets? The parts are made with CNC Nested Based manufacturing process. If the parts are sorted, can robots be used for final assembly? Height, Width and Depth dimensions change depending on the cabinet. I'm guessing some kind of cell with sensors would be needed?

Yes it can. We have succesfully done this in the past. Please contact jkramer@jrauto.com for more information.

Would like a recommendation on EOAT designer to work with to design a de-palletizing row pick tool for poor quality full glass bottle corrugated cases.

JR Automation has quite a bit of expierence in this area. Please contact Curt Bosch at 616-820-3403 or cbosch@jrauto.com. Kindest Regards.

We are producing canned products. The speed of the seamer is about 250 cans per minute. Is there a system that can check the seam of the can at that speed and remove cans with defective seaming?

****Amended Answer from JR Auto****

Choosing an inspection system depends on the pass/fail criteria. Vision inspection could work for this application—250 cans per minute, or 240ms per inspection, falls within the acquisition rates of typical Cognex and DVT vision systems. If the inspection is complex and requires more time, higher speed units are also available. Choosing how to remove rejected cans also depends on the processing environment. Depending on the conveyor layout and weight of the can, a high speed solenoid and an air blast could do the trick. Or, if the environment is a clean room and air is not an option, you could try a pass-thru shuttle, such as a high speed paddle wheel. Give us a call at 616-399-2168 and we can help with a customized solution.

Is there a robotic device about the size of a bread basket that can be attached to a helicopter rotor blade and be used to inspect that blade? If so, please tell me what it is. The need for this info is urgent!

Tom, JR Automation Technologies, LLC is a leader in the design and build of solutions for efficiency and speed, customized to specific needs. We are not aware of an off-the-shelf solution to your question, however, we would like to communicate with you further regarding a customized solution to your query. Please contact Bret Hoeksema at 616.820.3418.

Bret Hoeksema
bhoeksema@jrauto.com
(616) 820-3418

I have a Fanuc 420iW with and R-J2 controller. It was sitting for a while and does not operate properly now. I can't get past the SRVO-075 error alternating with MCTL-003. I am trying to re-master but I can't get it to move. SRVO-075 G:1 A:6. I would love a pointer to get around this.

Paul, Epoch Robotics, a division of JR Automation Technologies, LLC, is staffed with service engineers who are all factory trained and certified by Fanuc Robotics to have the highest level of knowledge concerning their robotic equipment. We can help you with this issue. Please contact Dale Schaner at (616) 639-1877, as he would be glad to assist with your Fanuc equipment.

Kate Puisis - Technical Writer
kpuisis@jrauto.com
(616) 820-3366

Robotics Safety - Entering Robot Cells When entering into a robot cell, cage or area the operator is supposed to: Pull interlock plug (killing the power) Grab teach pendant Enter cell with teach pendant Since the power is dead from the interlock, we have had other people entering as well with the rationale that the power is dead so there are no issues. In this case is it necessary for every other person who enters the robot area to lock out the robot? Or is just having it turned off enough? I think I know the answer but was hoping someone with more experience in robotics safety could assist. Is there an associated standard?Thanks in advance.

William, Epoch Robotics, a division of JR Automation Technologies, is a recognized leader in the industrial robotic servicing industry. We can help with your query. Please contact Dale Schaner at 616.638.1877, as he would be happy to assist with your safety question.

Kate Puisis - Technical Writer
kpuisis@jrauto.com
(616) 820-3366

My Panasonic welding robot (vr2 series) wire feed motor fell down from robot top, after fixed CODE : A3510 IPM ERROR coming. Checked control cable and feed motor and all still problems not solved. Please give solutions for this.

Check the 5 amp fuse that is located by the DC power supply in the welder. Also, double check your cables and connections for damage. We hope that this helps solve your problem, as we (Epoch Robotics) are Panasonic robot authorized in integration and repair.

Paul Visscher - Robotics
(616) 820-3380