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CASTING INNOVATIONS Real-Time Telemanipulator/Robotics Provides Opportunity


for Producers of Large Castings New telemanipulator/robotic


technology from Vulcan Engineering Co., Helena, Ala., puts the precision and flexibility of automation at an op- erator’s fingertips. Te Vulcan Tactile System (VTS), which was displayed in action at CastExpo’13 in St. Louis this April, allows an industrial robot to be operated manually in real time putting the full functionality of the robot in the operator’s hands. Risers can be cut off and the remaining pads and flash can be easily removed via the guidance of the operator. Tis ability brings unique robotic ability to producers of large-scale castings. The VTS system works in three modes—fully manual with tactile feedback, semi-automatic and fully automatic. Using tactile force feedback, the


operator is able to feel the actual process forces as he or she manipu- lates the robot from the operator cab. In the manual mode, using load cell technology, the operator


feels the actual forces of the grinding process. But unlike grinding manually, real-time grinding with a robot offers the ability to set in place guides and limits for better accuracy. For in- stance, in manual mode, the operator can touch three points on the casting to create a plane that prevents the operator from grinding below that plane (overgrinding). Te plane can be bumped down a notch at a time until the desired results are achieved. In semi-automatic mode, the


operator touches three points around a riser and a point on top of the riser. Te operator then enters a depth of cut and the machine calculates the grinding paths and starts the auto- grinding mode. Once the robot has auto-ground the riser, control is returned to the operator allowing them to continue the same process on other risers or process other areas manually. Te robot also can be positioned onto a rigid floor mount near a turntable or other casting positioning device and programmed and operated like a traditional robot cell. “Te VTS system is extremely flexible. You can use it one or two shifts a day manually, and then use it during the


remaining time in auto- matic mode,” said Chris Cooper, vice president of


MEDIA RESOURCE


Using the Actable App, scan this page to see the VTS in action at CastExpo. For instructions on how to use the app, go to page 16. To watch online, go to www.metalcastingtv.com.


Vulcan Engineering. “Tis flexibility is something our customers have been asking us for.” A motion library provides the


operator with the ability to process a product using the functionality of the robot. Tis library provides pre- programmed functions to simplify the operator’s job; an example is cut mode. Te robot is positioned at the correct angle to cut a riser off of a casting; the cut mode button is then pushed to establish the plane of the cut. In this mode, the robot can only move in the taught plane. Tis fea- ture alone greatly reduces the chance of breaking a wheel, and reduces the manipulation of the casting. Te fact that the castings can be processed in virtually any orientation reduces or eliminates the need for fixtures or positioning equipment. Te VTS can be track, floor or


gantry-mounted. Te gantry-mounted robot is suited to especially large cast- ings, as the equipment can be maneu- vered up, down and around the part. Cameras that display the surroundings provide the operator a full view of the operational area. According to Cooper, the basics


of operation are learned within an hour with an operator becoming fully comfortable using the tactile system in a week or less. “We had people at CastExpo using the robot to see how easily the system can be learned and they became quite proficient within a short period,” he said. “It’s more like becoming familiar with a new com- puter. It becomes second nature in a


very short time.” For more information, go to www.vulcangroup.com.


42 | MODERN CASTING July 2013


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