ROBOTICS
Figure 3. (Right) The LCMR200-based solution, with large pallets and branching, elevates productivity and quality.
production lines their way by configuring up to 64 individually controllable and identifiable sliders. Each module has its own built-in driver that simplifies installation and minimises wiring. Workpieces are retained in pallets, trays, or other tooling fixed to the sliders and production processes can be performed without unloading workpieces from their tooling as the sliders have a maximum payload of 30kg and positional repeatability is ±5µm. This relieves handling, saves time, and reduces the engineering costs involved to design and implement the line. The sliders allow bidirectional movement, with programmable acceleration, deceleration, and start/ stop positions, without sensors or mechanical stoppers, giving flexibility to ensure optimum production speed and efficiency. The speed of each slider can be set independently up to 2,500mm per second, with variable speed control between work stations. All the sliders, as well as any peripheral robots such as SCARA machines that may be used to perform assembly processes, can be controlled through a PLC from a single Yamaha YHX controller using standard profiles that eliminate writing ladder logic. A choice of vertical and horizontal circulation units lets sliders return quickly to the start of the production line.
TRAVERSING MODULE
With the traversing module, designers can add branches in the production line or retract individual units
UKManufacturing Autumn 2025
without interrupting automation or slowing the line rate. This makes it possible to bypass optional processes, customise or personalise individual items efficiently, deal with bottlenecks by performing processes in parallel, isolate units for sampling, or divert to a quarantine area for correction or rework. “The traversing unit is a powerful part of the LCMR200 system that combines convenience and modularity with efficiency and adaptability,” confirms Tatsuro Katakura. In this application, the traversing unit let the team create three branches to perform electrical testing inline (figure 3), relieving the bottleneck to throughput and avoiding the handling risks associated with unloading and reloading the units for testing. Also, the LCMR200 sliders provide enough room to carry pallets containing four items to be inspected and tested simultaneously. Compared with the indexing table system that handles each unit in a cycle time of 4.5 seconds, the LCMR200 line inspects and test four items at once in 3 seconds. This enabled the
factory to double its output in one-third of the time, effectively meeting its expanded production target in a single daytime shift of eight hours. In contrast, production using indexing tables had been operating continuously 24 hours per day.
CONCLUSION
“This project delivered an extremely satisfying result, enabling our customer to boost production and increase quality while also relieving stress on equipment as well as staff by reducing the number of working hours,” concludes Tatsuro Katakura. “The traversing unit demonstrated the benefits of its branching capabilities very clearly, simplifying the production line as well as protecting the assemblies against handling hazards. The LCMR200 system is an excellent solution for production teams that are facing speed, space, and scalability barriers.”
Yamaha Factory Automation Section
fa.yamaha-motor-robotics.de
25
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
