Fanuc's High Payload and Small Footprint: A Winning Combination

By Niraj M Wanikar, Chief Editor, CNCTimes.com, 2020-09-15 13:33:00

FANUC is adding a third variation to its growing SCARA robot line-up: the SR-12iA. The company’s biggest SCARA yet can carry payloads of up to 12kg. Combined with wrist inertia of 0.30kgm2 and a small footprint, the model opens up new possibilities in the worlds of assembly and packaging. 

The compact SR-12iA has market leading payload performance, exceeding the normal 10kg payload for robots in this class. Robots able to handle the same high 12Kg payload usually come with a big footprint and a larger interference area. Small, lightweight and internally routed cables/pipes give the robot a clear and clean look, which minimizes the interference area and simplifies the integration of the FANUC SR-12iA into any assembly or packaging line. A footprint of 280 x 364mm, weight of 53kg, and 900mm reach ensure maximum efficiency in terms of space and motion range. At the same time, performance is not compromised: The unusually high payload and wrist inertia support larger grippers and thus the assembly of bigger parts. FANUC’s sturdiest SCARA robot to date brings a maximum push-down force of 250N, making it ideally suited for growing application areas like solar panels or battery packs. The  SR-12iA also fulfils all requirements of high-speed assembly, guaranteeing a high total part throughput. Additionally a water proof, white epoxy paint IP65 variant will offered, to meet rough environment demands.

The SR-12iA can also be deployed beyond the usual applications for SCARA robots. The 12kg payload and 0.30kgm2 wrist inertia make this model a viable alternative for packaging applications. Compared to traditional in-line transfer units, the SCARA robot is not only significantly smaller, but also more cost-efficient. “While there are still packaging applications that require a traditional six-axis robot, a simple packaging application doesn’t always require all 6 degree of freedom”, says Thomas Schneider, Product Manager Robotics at FANUC Europe GmbH. “For these scenarios, a SCARA robot with a 12kg payload is entirely sufficient.” For businesses with varied packaging needs, the SR-12iA can therefore be a practical and economical addition to the packaging line-up.

Like all FANUC robots, the SR-12iA comes with FANUC’s state-of-the-art software and features. It is powered by the R-30iB Compact Plus Controller, which supports FANUC’s image processing tool iRVision®, the logistics software iRPickTool®, conveyor tracking, wide range of fieldbus connectivity, integrated safety functions (e.g. DCS), and almost all available robot software options. Since the robot can be delivered with or without Teach Pendant, for easy robot set-up and programming, FANUC offers the programming software iRProgrammer®, which runs on tablets or PCs and can be easily accessed through various web browsers (safari, chrome, IE, etc.). Our ROBOGUIDE® simulation software for feasibility can check a picking or packing project in respect of throughput, reach and robot durability in advance without taking a financial risk or creating expensive mechanical designs. Thus, FANUC can offer a one-stop solution for varied picking and packaging applications and the SR-12iA brings proven FANUC quality and service to the world of SCARA robots. 

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