If robots are to be used for complex soldering tasks of varying products, kinematics must not restrict the flexibility of the system. This is where six-axis robots score, as they maximize flexibility in movements and can be flexibly integrated. Compared with conventional axis kinematics, these robots require less installation space and are also more dynamic. Furthermore, if a six-axis industrial robot is mounted upside down suspended from the ceiling of a compact automation cell, then the space below can be gained for additional processes.
For example, a robot combined with process modules for selective soldering and an intelligent gripper and magazine concept, could be implemented on a footprint of less than 2 square meters. Specially developed, highly rigid production cells with scalable dimensions make it possible to integrate a maximum of production technology in the smallest possible space. The design allows the robot, which is mounted upside down, to move in a defined manner and to operate very dynamically. At the same time, the six-axis jointed-arm robot with a payload capacity of up to 4 kg not only has a reach radius of up to 649 mm, but also features high repeatability of the kinematics of +-0.02 mm.
The cables and compressed air lines for electrical and pneumatic gripper assemblies are routed inside the robot arm, which maintains freedom of movement of the apparatus at all times. The modules of the different process steps can be approached directly, allowing a highly effective soldering process to be achieved. Furthermore, the robot can fold flat to make full use of all six degrees of freedom.
The industrial robots installed in the compact automation cells can be integrated into production lines with comparatively little design and integration effort. It is not necessary to wire several individual axes. Instead, only a single robot needs to be integrated. In addition, a central controller can be addressed more efficiently.
The robot systems, which are equipped with interfaces for platforms such as Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things, are a sustainable and future-proof investment, and are also available in cleanroom versions. For example, a robot with protection class IP67 is also protected against solder particles that are dispersed in the ambient air as soon as liquid solder reaches temperatures of up to 500 °C in the machine. Furthermore, individually developed part carriers and solder masks protect the assembly to be processed during transport within a manufacturing line.
Main/Sub Part carrier designs also enable flexible access for robots of different production machines, with only the masking and, if necessary, the gripper having to be changed. A machine that processes products of the same size can thus be used sustainably with reduced effort.
The robot system is also supported by a 3D CAD program with plug-ins. Based on an extensive library of grippers, sensors and other components, the program can map processes inside the cell and analyze collision contours. Thanks to the simulation software, alternative robot programs can also be tested and perfected to maximum efficiency. By means of simulation and modeling work, it is furthermore possible to shorten the prototyping phase, to show the appearance of soldering cells in advance and to calculate cycle times realistically.
Do you have questions regarding this matter?
Your contact person: Matthias Fehrenbach
company: EUTECT GmbH
