Standard cells for robotic water-jet cutting

Citation

(2003), "Standard cells for robotic water-jet cutting", Industrial Robot, Vol. 30 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2003.04930eaf.006

Standard cells for robotic water-jet cutting

Standard cells for robotic water-jet cutting

Keywords: Robots, Motoman, Waterjet

Two new cells for automated water-jet cutting, suitable for three-dimensional (3D) as well as two-dimensional machining applications, have been introduced by Motoman, Banbury. They are based on the standard robot configurations and are therefore available on short delivery and at an economical price.

The 2000-Series has one or two six-axis robots mounted on a pedestal serving a high speed, indexing turntable with two 1,480 × 2,180 mm workstations (Plate 6). Unload and load can be carried out during the cutting cycle followed by four-second rotation through 180° to bring the second table into the fully enclosed working environment. As a result, the cell is consistent with short batch runs and just-in-time delivery.

Any make of water-jet cutting equipment may be specified by the user and integrated by Motoman, although the preferred supplier is the German company, Flow, with which the robot company has cooperated closely over many years.

The operator is able to choose between on-line programming using the teach-in method and off-line programming based on a 3D computer-aided design. A single system controller co-ordinates the movements of robot(s) and turntable. Integrated vacuum clamping and scrap handling are options.

A lower cost alternative configuration, designated 1000-Series, is based on a six-axis Motoman robot suspended from an overhead servo track for machining components on a fixed 1,200 × 2,500 mm worktable. The operator walks into the cell to fixture the part, closing the sliding door afterwards to create an enclosed environment before machining starts.

For further information, please contact: John D'Angelillo, MD, Motoman Robotics (UK) Ltd, Unit 2, Johnson Park, Wildmere Road, Wildmere Industrial Estate, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 3JU. Tel: 01295 272755; Fax: 01295 267127; E-mail: johnd'angelillo@motoman.co.uk; Web site: www.motoman.co.uk

Plate 6 A standard Motoman 2000-Series water-jet cutting cell with two robots and auto indexing workstations