Robot solutions for cutting and finishing plastic parts

Citation

(1999), "Robot solutions for cutting and finishing plastic parts", Industrial Robot, Vol. 26 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.1999.04926eaf.008

Robot solutions for cutting and finishing plastic parts

Robot solutions for cutting and finishing plastic parts

Keywords Robots, Plastics, Machining

ABB Flexible Automation has introduced a range of four standard robot machines designed for mechanical cutting and finishing of plastic components (see Plate 7). Each of the machines is packaged as a self-contained production cell based on proven equipment and backed up by a dedicated Centre of Excellence to assist in developing customised solutions.

Plate 7 The ABB compact cell for finishing plastic parts

An example of the full specification Compact-Machine has been installed at the company's UK headquarters in Milton Keynes for trials and demonstration purposes. (Contact David Marshall. Tel: 01908 350396 or e-mail Flex.auto@gb.abb.com)

Plastic is now being used increasingly in the manufacturing industries and ABB has supplied over 100 robot-cutting systems to customers throughout Europe. Applications cover a wide range of sectors from automotive and household products to hoods for agricultural machines, sign-posting totems and seats for sports stadiums.

The standard cell is configured around one or two six-axes robots each equipped with a high-speed cutting spindle. The work area incorporates a fast fixture-change system located on a fixed or turntable allowing finished parts to be loaded and unloaded during the machining cycle. The robot is fully enclosed within a soundproof structure and facilities can also be included for the removal of dust and chips.

Programs can be prepared in advance by using parameters pre-recorded for each part without interfering with the current operation of the cell. New applications can be set up very quickly using Windows-based software and the robot can be reconfigured rapidly to adapt to variations of volumes, new products or variants.

All system components are standard sub-assemblies making the installation extremely reliable. The range of four machines known as the Basic, Concept, Fast and Compact-Machines, is designed to allow solutions to be optimised to meet different operational requirements.

The Basic-Machine is an entry-level specification for short batch production runs. The Concept-Machine offers additional functionality for heavy-duty operations on a fixed worktable measuring 1,600 x 800mm. For high volume production of smaller components, the FAST-Machine incorporates a 1,000 x 800mm turntable. The Compact-Machine features a rotating turntable and a large working area allowing two robots to operate simultaneously to achieve reduced cycle times and maximum productivity.

For further information contact Jane Attwood: ABB Flexible Automation Limited, Auriga House, Precedent Drive, Rooksley, Milton Keynes MK13 8PQ. Tel: +44(0) 1908 350300; Fax: +44(0) 1908 350301.