ROBOTICS
HIGH PERFORMANCE SENSOR TECH FOR ROBOTICS APPLICATIONS
Sensors play a key role in the use of robots in industrial processes. They enable robots to perceive their surroundings, position themselves accurately and carry out work steps precisely. Using different products and measuring principles, sensor technologies can be integrated into numerous robotics applications, says Glenn Wedgbrow, business development manager at Micro-Epsilon UK.
The use of robots reduces production costs and waste, while increasing product quality. Sensor specialist Micro-Epsilon serves almost all industries with its broad sensor portfolio and supports countless manufacturing processes.
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CALIBRATION OF ROBOT AXES Micro-Epsilon sensors are already being used in the calibration of robot axes. To achieve fully automatic, independent calibration of robot cells, scanCONTROL laser scanners and optoNCDT laser triangulation sensors are used. These optical sensors enable continuous monitoring and restoration of the production process at the push of a button. The sensors are placed directly on the robot and measure onto a plate with reference targets. This system is operated together with special software from teconsult. Various Micro-Epsilon sensors can be directly integrated into the software. In addition, the solution can perform automated measurements, tests or corrections of the robot kinematics, the robot gripper and the periphery of the robot cell. The sensor technology is permanently integrated into the robot cell or used as a portable service tool.
3D SCAN BEFORE LASER CLADDING In laser cladding, a melt pool is created on the surface of the component and a new, pore-free layer is created by adding a new and powdered filler material. The core task of
ensors have a decisive influence on efficiency and accuracy in robot-controlled production processes. They help robots to perform tasks such as assembly, inspection and quality control quickly and reliably, as they act as sensory organs for the robot.
the sensors is to detect free forms and shape deviations before laser processing. A laser scanner from Micro-Epsilon's scanCONTROL series scans the components. If required by the component geometry, this is performed from several directions. Regardless of the reflection properties of the material, the sensor constantly provides reliable measurement values. The raw data is transferred directly to the customer’s software, merged into a 3D model and finally used for the path planning of the laser welding head. In addition, the nozzle can be placed at the correct distance from the surface and then guided along the calculated path. The result is a new, even and full surface. In contrast to a camera solution, laser profile scanners enable a 3D model to be created and are surface-independent in terms of contrast. The higher precision, as well as the various integration and processing possibilities of the acquired measurement data, also offer significant advantages in this application. Compared to tactile measurement, the cycle time required for non- contact measurement is also considerably shorter.
PRINT HEAD POSITIONING FOR CONCRETE PRINTING Micro-Epsilon laser profile scanners are used for process control in concrete printing. These compact and lightweight scanners can be mounted directly on a robot and measure the concrete strand immediately after application. Due to large measuring ranges and the integrated signal calculation and evaluation, the complete strand is measured quickly and precisely and the evaluated measurement signal is transmitted directly to the control system. Video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa2UzGmbQHQ
PRECISE WINDSHIELD ASSEMBLY In the automotive industry, there are measurement tasks that require simultaneous detection of several measurement values or three-dimensional detection of measuring objects within short cycle times. For example, when installing a vehicle windshield, a scanCONTROL laser line sensor detects detailed distance values in all axes. In the installation process, the sensor is mounted onto the robot, which fits the window into the vehicle. When the windshield is placed on the car, the scanner detects the complete profile and vicinity of the windshield while all necessary values are determined with a single run in quick time. It can be determined whether the windshield is placed straight and centred or whether it fits perfectly in every plane. The result, in this case gap and flushness, are directly generated in the sensor head and output to the PLC.
ADHESIVE BEAD INSPECTION Another measurement task concerns the adhesive, which has already been applied before the windshield is fitted into the chassis. Therefore, a laser scanner is directly mounted
Autumn 2024 UKManufacturing
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