ROBOTICS & MOTION CONTROL FEATURE
ROBOT CELL HELPS SHAPE PARTS ASSEMBLY
KUKA has played a key role in developing an automated cell for a major research project into bulk additive manufacturing
down weld material to create 3D geometries and add non-critical structural features to structures such as large pump and valve casings or pressure vessels. In addition, the robot can carry a variety of end effectors, which enable the research team not only to potentially deploy a range of welding techniques using metal powder and wire, but also inspect and finish parts in a single set-up. The project, funded by the High Value
Manufacturing Catapult, is designed to show how additive manufacturing can be more easily introduced into existing production lines. It stemmed from KUKA’s previous involvement in
T
he automation solutions specialist worked with research engineers from the Nuclear Advanced
Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) at Sheffield University to design a 10m x 5m cell for building near net shape parts from the ground up as well as add metal features to large structures. The cell comprises a 6-axis KUKA robot, mounted on a 3-axis, 5m high gantry, and a 2-axis manipulator with 3.5m diameter turntable. The robot arm is equipped with a TOP TIG arc welding system that integrates the wire feed into a welding torch. The robot works directly from a CAD model to lay
building a small shaped metal deposition cell that was originally supplied to Rolls-Royce and later moved to the Nuclear AMRC facility, explains Dave Burns, KSUK’s project sales engineer. “The research team asked KUKA to tender for a bigger cell based on the same technology so that they could work on larger components. A new design was evolved and the new cell was built and installed over a six-month period,” he adds. Discussions were now underway with the Nuclear
AMRC team on how to upgrade the cell and further expand its capabilities and flexibility, says Burns. KUKA Systems UK, based in Halesowen, West
Midlands, produces automated production solutions for a wide range of industry sectors including aerospace, automotive and nuclear decommissioning.
KUKA Systems UK
www.kuka-systems.co.uk
Getting a grip on collaborative robots
The Universal Robots from R. A. Rodriguez are proving immensely popular for human/robot collaborative working. Indeed the latest generation of these six-jointed arms includes a newly developed and patented safety system that enhances the robots’ use for tasks that require human interaction. Now R. A. Rodriguez is extending the scope of its service to include the supply of Robotiq grippers to complete the Universal Robot package. This is an ideal combination as it makes affordable automation accessible to any manufacturer. R. A. Rodriguez has become the only supplier in
the UK to offer the complete range of Robotiq grippers. These are off-the-shelf products available in two-finger and three-finger configurations and are known for their ease of integration. A notable model in the range is the two-finger 85 which has been specifically designed
for collaborative work in terms of payload, flexibility and user-friendliness. Completing the Robotiq range is the FT-150 Force Torque Sensor that provides flexible handling and sensor feedback to the Universal Robot. This six-axis Force Torque Sensor is designed for force and position control, it’s easy to integrate and offers immunity from external noise. Use the signal directly as digital input to your robot controller, without the need for an external signal processing box.
R. A. Rodriguez T: 01462 670044
www.rarodgriguez.co.uk
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AUTOMATION | OCTOBER 2015 27
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