Weiss North America, Inc. has introduced its 60 mm wide HP70 pick-and-place direct-drive component. Despite its compact design, it achieves over 100 cycles per minute with repeat accuracy of 0.01 mm, according to the company.
Key to the HP70's design is a new drive concept that works with two linear motor axes that feature a knuckle design on the Y/Z axes that, according to the company, virtually eliminates the need for another linear motor for the Z-axis. Essentially, two horizontal axes with 125, 225 or 325 mm stroke length are arranged in parallel above one another, and then connected via a kinematic unit. This provides a vertical stroke of 70 mm.
"Unlike most other units, the HP70's two axes do not run vertically towards one another," said a company spokesperson. "If a unit has one horizontal axis and one vertical axis fitted next to one another, it becomes wider. By arranging the horizontal axes in parallel above one another, a more compact unit is achieved.
"Additionally, whereas other devices must start and stop two axes each time, the HP70 only brakes on one axis when transitioning from full-speed horizontal movement to vertical movement. The time-consuming start of a second axis is then completely eliminated. This allows the module to achieve over 100 cycles per minute with repeat accuracy of 0.01 mm.
"With these design enhancements, the same machining processes are handled in a smaller area and twice the number of work stations can be set up on the exact same rotary indexing table or linear assembly system. Additionally, transport times from one processing station to the next are reduced. In many cases, the optimization potential can reach as much as 50%.
"The design also offers another key performance benefit, as both motors are encapsulated in fixed casings. With the obvious exception of the grippers, no moving cables are required either outside or inside the housing.
"The process for changing and retrofitting components has also been simplified, as customers can now easily fit additional valves themselves while the device remains in the installation. The fast and convenient procedure for setting up motion sequences has also been carried over from previous models.
The manual teaching of positions has been further simplified. The module can be moved freely and have its respective position saved by the Weiss Application Software (WAS) at the push of a button. Utilized for fast, convenient and secure commissioning of all freely programmable Weiss components, WAS features an intuitive and uniform graphic user interface.
The HP70 series offers possibilities for market applications such as packaging, small parts assembly, automotive supply, cleanroom, batteries, switches/sockets, etc.
"Finally, in all phases of the manufacturing process, particular emphasis was placed on consistent cost optimization," said the spokesperson. "The result is a cost savings of over 10%, which Weiss passes on directly to its customers. Combined with the significantly lower operating costs in comparison with pneumatic units (particularly when processing large quantities) and the lack of any maintenance costs, the compact HP70 powerhouse quickly pays for itself."
For more information contact:
Weiss North America, Inc.
3860 Ben Hur Avenue, Suite 3
Willoughby, OH 44094
888-934-7762
info@weissna.com
www.weissna.com