Comau 4-axis SCARA robot

Comau introduces Rebel-S, its 4-axis SCARA robot, in five different models with a payload of 6kg and three different reaches. All models are controlled by the R1C 19" rack-mounted controller, which can be integrated into a single cabinet to control an entire line. The robots are also available in the openROBOTICS version, where the robot is directly integrated into the existing machine/line automation controlled by B&R Automation technologies.

Compared with the other robots in Comau’s portfolio, they offer a variety of mounting positions, and use spacers to extend the robot’s reach.

Rebel-S is available with reaches of 450mm, 600mm, and 750mm. All three versions can be floor or wall mounted, while the versions with 600mm and 750mm reach can also be configured for ceiling mounting. This flexibility in mounting position is facilitated by the use of dual cabling options (either vertical or horizontal).

The difference in reach is provided by spacers, modules which enable the robot to extend its radius of action. With an extension kit composed of spacers and cables, the five models are interchangeable.

Alongside its robots, Comau will offer a range of add-ons, including conveyor tracking and a plug & play vision system, as well as a series of service packages. www.comau.com; www.br-automation.com, IMTS 2016 Booth #E-4115

Linear stepper X/Y positioning stages

The LSS-012-12-060-XY-01A-M is a new series of low profile linear stepper X/Y positioning stages that integrate an absolute linear encoder into the single-axis linear stepper motor stage. The system operates the linear stepper motor as a two-phase brushless linear motor when coupled with the motion control electronics package provided by H2W. This allows the stage to achieve speeds, accelerations, and accuracy previously unachievable with a standard, open-loop linear stepper motor. When operated this way, the motors will tend to run cooler as they will only draw the current needed to hold the desired position or make the desired move. Using absolute encoders removes the need to use home position sensors as the absolute position of the system will always be known, even after power is cycled. It uses H2W STS-0620-R linear stepper motors to generate a force of 6 lb (26.7N) with a total stroke length of 12.5" (318mm) for each axis. The 1µm absolute resolution encoder allows for precise positioning. Using a small intermediate plate, the top axis is able to directly mount to the moving bottom axis motor. This helps reduce the overall height and moving mass of the system. The outboard bearing adds system stability. The moving motors and encoders have high-flex power cables guided by a cable carrier. Motor and encoder cables can be terminated into standard D-subminiature connectors. Provisions allow customer cables to be routed within the cable carrier. www.h2wtech.com

Mitsubishi Electric Automation moves Mexico service, support to Querétaro

In an effort to better serve the manufacturing sector in Mexico, particularly the Bajio region of North-Central Mexico, Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. has relocated its service and support operations for computer numerical controls (CNC), robots, and variable frequency drives (VFD) to the more centralized location of El Marqués, Querétaro, Mexico. Customer service, as well as the warehouse and repair workshop, will also move to the new site, located within Parque Tecnológico Innovación.

The new location is expected to offer greater convenience for Mitsubishi Electric Automation’s OEM, dealer, and end-user customer base in Mexico. Querétaro was chosen because of the Baijo region’s strong industrial automation activity, especially in automotive and aerospace, which makes up a majority of Mitsubishi Electric Automation customers in Mexico.

“This new location is closer to OEMs that have our products on their machines,” says Cesar Sanchez, Mexico regional service manager, Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. http://us.mitsubishielectric.com/fa/en, IMTS 2016 Booth #E-4102

Machine tool solution with 8060 FL + Multi-Axes Box

The 8060 FL CNC plus the Multi-Axes Box (MAB) is a compact, modern CNC solution for traditional lathes and milling machine configurations. With standard features including a complete library of canned cycles for milling and turning, the 8060 FL CNC provides a complete and comprehensive standard machine tool solution. Also offered is the compact flash expansion capability plus two USB ports with one located on the keyboard for easy access. The process informer feature allows the ability to automatically text or notify the user of CNC conditions in a lights-out machining situation. In addition, a free offline simulator is offered with each 8060 FL that can assist in quotations and offline program creation.

The compact design is built for the industrial environment found on the manufacturing floor with IP65 (NEMA 12) sealing as standard. Productivity features such as Ethernet capability and probe input are standard features.

For fast initial machine integration, a PLC wizard program tool allows the machine I/O to quickly be configured. The 8060 FL has the same keyboard dimensions as the 8055 FL for easy upgrades. www.fagorautomation.com, IMTS 2016 Booth #E-5237 & S-8790

FARO expands metrology, factory automation offerings

FARO, a source for 3D measurement and imaging solutions, has acquired BuildIT Software & Solutions Ltd., a 3D metrology software solution with hardware-agnostic interfaces. FARO will introduce the configuration power of the BuildIT software with customizable, in-process solutions that integrate metrology devices and sensors from multiple manufacturers.

BuildIT’s software is used daily on the production lines of aerospace and defense manufacturers. BuildIT’s software is hardware independent, giving customers the flexibility to use different hardware offerings to maximize productivity and efficiency.

“The acquisition of BuildIT bolsters FARO’s complementary suite of software solutions for our metrology customers,” states Simon Raab, FARO’s president and CEO. www.faro.com, IMTS 2016 Booth #E-5825