Browse by Editorial Category
Browse by Edition Date

January 2017

Skip Navigation Links.
Expand Applying TechnologyApplying Technology
Expand DRO-EncodersDRO-Encoders
Collapse Current NewsCurrent News
Mazak to Expand in Texas
New Metal Bonding Adhesive
Die Design Class at TMA
Akira Seiki Opens Factory Outlet in Dallas
AmTTech Named TRAK Machine Tools Distributor
ANCA Expands in Michigan
Quad-Core Processor Power in Small Spaces
BIG KAISER Receives NTMA Distinguished Service Award
Boston Centerless Expands Services with New Technology
Features Added to Tool Monitoring System
Benchtop Robotic Dispensing System
Flexible Linear Automation System
Car Workers Buddy Up with Robots
Protecting Robots in Harsh Environments
Wear Plate Improves Service Life at High Temperatures
Hollow Shaft Actuators
Miniature Stepper Motor Linear Actuator
New 28-Page Catalog of Angle Heads from Heimatec
Hyundai WIA Dealer SMT Company Expands Territory
Plastic Strain Wave Gearings Enable 6-Axis Robotics
Kennametal Partners with EWS Tool Technologies
Gantry Robot System for Smaller Lighter Components
Lyndex-Nikken Partners with MachiningCloud
Machine Tool Specialties Receives Doosan Distributor of the Year Award
Mahr Federal Inc. Announces Expansion Plans in the Southeast
Mazak to Expand in Texas
Electrical Connectors for Automation in Harsh Environments
MGS Consolidates Equipment Divisions
Higher Load Capacity Slide Product Systems
Cutters with Doubled Feedrates Short Cycle Times
Nicolet Plastics Celebrates 30th Anniversary
NIMS Wins Federal Contract to Grow Apprenticeships in Manufacturing
Complete Line of Programmable Actuators
Okuma Earns ISO 90012015 Quality Management Certification
Custom Electrical Control Panels
Presto Lifts Acquires ECOA Industrial Lift Products
Q-Mark Manufacturing Announces Distribution of European Diamond Styli
QVCC Cuts Ribbon on Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center
State Opens AMPrint Center at RIT
Modular Chain Fixture Designed for Small and Medium Size Machine Shops
New Production Monitoring Product
SME Installs 2017 Officers of its Board of Directors
Solar Atmospheres Souderton PA Maintains Nadcap 18-Month Merit Status for Heat Treating
Flexible Parts Feeding and Assembly
TOG Manufacturing Joins Nelson Fastener Systems
Townline Machine Receives Parker Aerospace Award
TUV Rheinland to Help Clients Transition to IATF 169492016.
U.S. Army Research Laboratory Announces ARL South
VMA Elects Board of Directors and Chairman
Technology to Improve Performance of Indexable Inserts
WNT Now Available on MachiningCloud
Boeing Provides $50000 Grant to Workshops for Warriors
Southwestern Industries to Host Illinois and Ohio Open House Events
Toyoda Hosts West Coast Lunch and Learn Featuring ISCAR and MASTERCAM
PRI Trade Show to Deliver Top-Flight Events
Southwestern Industries to Host Open House
Rockford Systems Announces Machine Safety Compliance Webinar
Learn How to Get Connected and Leverage the Power of IIoT at Okuma’s Technology Showcase
Expand Machinery-Metalcutting-ChipmakingMachinery-Metalcutting-Chipmaking
Expand People In The NewsPeople In The News
Expand Special MachinerySpecial Machinery

show all editions →

Click here to watch Tutorial Videos >

Flexible Parts Feeding and Assembly



Calvary Robotics has selected Stäubli Robotics as its partner for its Flexible Feeding / Sorting Module. Tasks will include picking, placing and inspecting bulk fed parts with the module.

"Calvary Robotics selected Stäubli Robotics on this platform based upon the quality, speed, reliability and seamless integration of its robots to the Cognex vision system and conveyor tracking functionality," said a Calvary Robotics spokesperson. "In addition, the support provided in the development and debugging of the systems was paramount in the success of the product and implementation into a production environment. The robots performed flawlessly, contributing to the high uptime, throughput and reliability of the production systems."

The Calvary Robotics Flexible Feeding / Sorting Module features a bulk storage hopper that deposits randomly grouped and layered bulk parts on demand to a secondary belt feeder. During transport, the parts pass through both active and passive features that reduce bulk parts to a single layer consisting of separated, randomly positioned/oriented individual parts. The precision vision system that is incorporated into the platform determines the viability of parts for successful picking. Using Calvary Robotics vision algorithms, the vision system then identifies and records location relative to conveyor position and orientation of individual parts, which enables acquisition via the robot. The Flexible Feeding Module enables a high percentage of parts to be presented to the robot for picking. Any parts not deemed viable to acquire are then returned to the secondary belt for reuse.

Robot Based Picking and Placing

The relative position and orientation of identified parts is communicated to the robot. The robot then calculates the most efficient order to pick parts. Using seamlessly integrated line tracking the robot is able to pick parts while they are continuously moving on the feeder belt. The robot picks the identified parts and loads them to assembly fixtures which are located on the modular walking beam transfer system included within the module. A secondary vision system is included to verify that the assembly is correct following placement. Programs are selected via the intuitive and user friendly software interface which is included with the system. This module allows for multiple part variants to be fed through the same feeder with minimal or no changeover when running the next part variant.

Flexible Manufacturing Platform

As an alternative for those parts that do not have suitable features for the flexible part feeding method, the feed module can be re-configured to accept feed systems that are more dedicated in nature. This includes some of the most reliable industry standard feeders such as vibratory feeder bowls, step feeder systems or matrix tray feeders. This is made possible through flexibility built into the platform, which is comprised of multiple standard feed modules that feature plug & play modularity as well as a pass through rapid transport system to transfer parts between modules. Simple mechanical interface points allow quick and easy scaling of interconnected modules for process changes or simple redeployment. A dedicated master control module is required for distributed process control of each flex pick module in the system. This module features the PLC and HMI for operator interface. A dedicated unload module is also utilized for unloading of parts and/or bulk part packaging. The flexible feeding technology is dependent upon the part geometry for orientation purposes and applications need to be assessed on a case by case basis.

Customer benefits include:

  • Increased productivity
  • Short cycle times
  • Compliance with high quality standards
  • Ease of service and maintainability
  • Low energy consumption
  • Compact space requirement
  • Modular cell design
  • Quick change robot EOAT
  • Fully automatic assembly
  • Integrated vision and inspection.

For more information contact:

Calvary Robotics

855 Publishers Parkway

Webster, NY 14580

585-347-6127

info@calvauto.com

www.calvaryrobotics.com

Staubli Corporation

201 Parkway West

Hillside Park P.O. Box 189

Duncan, SC 29334

864-433-1980

www.staubli.us

< back