New controller offers enhanced servo drive capacity and a built-in, compact PLC

Citation

(2003), "New controller offers enhanced servo drive capacity and a built-in, compact PLC", Industrial Robot, Vol. 30 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2003.04930ead.003

New controller offers enhanced servo drive capacity and a built-in, compact PLC

New controller offers enhanced servo drive capacity and a built-in, compact PLC

Keywords: Motion control, Toshiba

TM Robotics extends enhanced monitoring and control to cover entire range of SCARA robots

TM Robotics' new TS2000 controller offers enhanced monitoring and control for the most heavy-duty robots in the company's range (Plate 2). Increased servo drive capacity allows the controller to handle even large SCARA robots with arm lengths of up to 1.2 m. Despite the size of the robots, constant-speed control provides the smooth movement required in delicate applications such as sealing, gluing and water jet cutting.

The controller features a built-in PLC to simplify and increase the speed of data transfer. The PLC can handle up to 38 inputs and 32 outputs and has the capacity to extend I/O. All outputs are selectable between plus-common and minus-common, allowing both negative and positive switching. This option makes it easy for the robot to interface with peripheral products.

Featuring control of up to five axes simultaneously, the controller has a memory capacity of up to 6,400 points, or 12,800 steps. Any one program can store up to 2,000 points or 3,000 steps. There are 256 operable programmes, comprised of 247 user files and nine system files.

Serial communication ports are RS-232C with options for DeviceNet and Profibus connectivity. The controller can be used in conjunction with a TP1000 teach pendant. Self-diagnosis makes maintenance easy, as the teach pendant displays an error code in the event of malfunction. The robot programme can also be written on a PC thus making programming a simpler process. The controller itself operates using a proprietary programming language, SCOL, which is very similar to BASIC. An interruptive function allows the robot to complete discrete tasks and then return to its primary programme. Torque control for downward pressure protects the robot, gripper and the product being manufactured.

Measuring only 290 mm wide by 230 mm high and weighing just 12 kg, the controller is sufficiently compact to fit into any application where a large SCARA robot is required.

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

Plate 2 TM Robotics' new TS2000 controller offers enhanced monitoring and control for the most heavy-duty robots in the company's range