Packaging
New delta 3 robot mechanics
Friday 24. April 2009 - ELAU, the packaging automation specialist of Schneider Electric, is set to launch the next generation of its Delta 3 robot mechanics solution package: The P4 represents a completely new design, and is also available in a wash-down version.
The P4 Delta 3 robot is designed for high speed pick & place solutions with payloads of up to 1.5 kg (inclusive of tooling). An optional rotary axis is available to increase freedom of movement. The drive housing, arms and end effector mounting plate are all constructed of stainless steel.
Drive selection determines the IP rating and scope of integration: The P4s model with standard drives and cabinet-mounted servo amplifiers is IP 65 rated for washdown duty. The P4i replaces conventional servo drives with integrated servo modules that save valuable cabinet space and simplify cabling for applications where washdown is not required. The P4i integrates servo drives directly on the motors. A single quick connect hybrid cable supplies power and network communications from a shared power supply in the electrical cabinet.
The work envelope of the P4 is 1200 mm wide x 225 mm high. On the robots parallel plate (the end effector mounting plate) the P4 provides guide holes for multiple tubes or wires that remain protected within the plate, rather than a rotary union accommodating just one tube. Todays sophisticated grippers require multiple pneumatic tubes with sufficient length to support rotation. On competitive designs, these tubes must be routed around the outside of the parallel plate, where they can interfere with processes or collide with products. The robots mounting fixtures are at the very top, eliminating the risk of the robot arms colliding with the frame, even at extreme deflection.
The P4 pick & place robot mechanics from Schneider Electric/ELAU Packaging Solutions is constructed of stainless steel. When specified with standard servo drives, the P4 is IP 65 rated
With vision support, the P4 can also be utilized for pick & place applications with random and/or mixed product infeed. ELAU robotic solutions are compatible with virtually all standard vision systems. A preprogrammed interface can further reduce engineering effort for setting application-specific parameters with the most popular vision platform in the marketplace today.
All versions of the P4 robot mechanics solution package will soon be commercially available. A number of units are being used for test and evaluation and these units can be made available upon agreement for customers preliminary evaluations.
In addition, a new brochure presenting ELAUs entire updated and extended robotics product line will be published soon.