SECTION TITLE
MOTORS, DRIVES & CONTROLS
welding guns to ensure strong welds, and non-marking material to eliminate backside marking. For the production speed and placement-accuracy challenges, the engineers decided that a Cartesian robot, rather than a six-axis model, was the best option for this type of system. Cody Larson, Mesh product manager,
says the robot can reach a speed of 1.25 metres per second, while maintaining a position accuracy of ±0,075 mm. It covers a large work area of 1.2 x 2.4m and is rugged enough for 24/7 operation in a welding environment. Other system features include a mounting plate, linear slides, pneumatic actuators, a light ring and a camera for post-assembly inspection.
ROLLER PINIONS M
ROBOTSAND
Engineers mesh Cartesian robot with roller pinion system for superior positional accuracy and repeatability
anufacturers in many industries have relied on Mesh Automation’s machine engineering, design and installation services for many
years. During that time, the company has completed more than 850 projects of all sizes related to robotic workcells, vision inspection and system integration.
Based in Georgia, USA, Mesh builds custom automation equipment and offers a standard line of pre-engineered modules that make up the backbone of its system. It uses robots and motion-controlled linear systems to move raw materials or finished goods throughout its processes. Te equipment is frequently used in many dirty environments typical of fabrication processes such as welding, grinding and finishing. One project involved building an automation system for welding studs to a sheet metal door. Design challenges included producing welds strong enough to withstand high pull-out force, preventing backside marking on the door, and maintaining production speed while accurately placing components. Mesh used six
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A key aspect of system design was finding the best way to move the robot within the work area. Mesh engineers looked at various rack-and-pinion and ballscrew systems before consulting with Mahx F. Linster (MFL), their local motion control expert. MFL recommended that Mesh use the RPS roller pinion system from Nexen, in conjunction with servomotor gearboxes, to optimise robot motion.
“Te RPS made the machine design straightforward,” explains Larson. “Also, our expectation concerning performance was exceeded while maintaining our budget.” Shortly after this project, Mesh
developed two modular automation cells. MAC cells are equipped with either a Cartesian robot (servo-powered RPS) or a six-axis robot, as well as manual, semiautomatic or automatic part handling. Te skid-mounted design allows for easy installation and repositioning. Other features include built-in LED lights, a process equipment shelf and a pneumatic preparation station. MiniMAC models feature a small
Cartesian robot that operates on a working table and frame of either 0.5m² or 0.7m². Tese compact semi-automatic machines are ideal for lower-volume applications where quality, consistency and safety are important.
Both series are designed for mission- critical applications involving processes as varied as assembly, welding, dispensing, routing, machining, cutting and inspection. According to Larson, the RPS and other high-quality components contribute to the cells’ robustness. Unlike the traditional rack and pinion system, the RPS features a pinion
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