Belt axis actuator makes design simple – TM Robotics launches high-speed, long-stroke actuator

Citation

(2003), "Belt axis actuator makes design simple – TM Robotics launches high-speed, long-stroke actuator", Industrial Robot, Vol. 30 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2003.04930cad.008

Belt axis actuator makes design simple – TM Robotics launches high-speed, long-stroke actuator

Belt axis actuator makes design simple – TM Robotics launches high-speed, long-stroke actuator

Keywords: Robots, Toshiba actuators

TM Robotics has added to its range of linear multiple actuators and Cartesian robots, available throughout Europe (Plate 8). The series, which uses a modular "building block" design, is now available in a long stroke, high-speed belt axis version. The new addition increases the flexibility of the range.

This flexibility arises from the actuators modular design, which allows single or multiple axis configurations to be built from the same standard components. The system allows for over 500 configurations.

Plate 8 TM Robotics has added a belt axis model to its range of linear multiple actuators and Cartesian robots

Available in a range of sizes, the new belt axis actuators can handle up to 40 kg at speeds of up to 2,000 mm/s. Both factors depend on motor size, which can be up to 200 W, whilst speed is also relative to payload capacity. The stroke range can be up to a maximum of 2,500 mm on the largest model. Repeatability across the range is ±0.05 mm.

Motors can be mounted on either side of the axis, underneath it or on top, to reduce its overall length. Four way motor cable outlets provide another space saving option. The junction box unit can be mounted almost anywhere along the axis and allows cable to exit from any of five directions. The robots are supplied with a unique flexible tube carrier system, which can be mounted horizontally or vertically.

The standard model locates the home position sensor on the axis, close to the motor. However, an optional home position- changing sensor is available, which allows it to be moved to the opposite end of the axis, far away from the motor mounting. Changing the home position can allow more efficient return to home operations in special configurations.

The actuator's controller is similar in size to a stand-alone AC servo driver and fits easily into an instrumentation panel. The controller is common to both TM Robotics' ball axis and belt axis Cartesian robots, further enhancing the variety of combinations. Built-in I/O can eliminate the need for external PLC or sequencer controls and provides standard support for basic pick and place and palletising routines. Up to four controllers can be connected together in a multitasking system and each one can accept a pulse train input for movement commands, allowing an external motion control system to be easily integrated.

The unit can be programmed using familiar Windows™ based programming tools. The programming language is carried over from the existing TM Robotics Cartesian actuators, further increasing the possible combinations. As an option, the unit can be supplied with the TPH-2A teach pendant, which connects to a main controller and serves as an alternative programming device. It also provides the controller with home position, start, stop, reset and emergency stop instructions. It can display alarm conditions, current program step and current position data.

Further options include clean room and dust resistant versions.

For further information, contact: Nigel Smith, TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd Unit 15, The Weltech Centre, Ridgeway, Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL7 2AA, UK. Tel: 01707 871535; Fax: 01707 393959; E-mail: sales@tmrobotics.co.uk; Web site: www.tmrobotics.co.uk