Strong wrist, high payload and small footprint : Fanuc Controller

By Niraj M Wanikar, Chief Editor, CNCTimes.com, 2021-02-09 13:20:00

FANUC is adding the fourth variation to its growing SCARA robot line-up: the SR-20iA. The company’s strongest SCARA yet can carry payloads of up to 20kg. Combined with a wrist inertia of 0.45kgm² and a small footprint, the model opens up new possibilities in the world of assembly, material handling, picking and packaging. 

Small, lightweight and internally routed services give the robot a clear and clean look, which minimises the interference area and simplifies the integration of the FANUC SR-20iA into any assembly, material handling picking or packaging line. A footprint of 280 x 364mm, weight of 64kg, and 1100mm reach ensure maximum efficiency in terms of space and motion range. At the same time, performance is not compromised: The 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-20iA also fulfils all requirements of high-speed assembly, guaranteeing a high total part throughput. Additionally, a water proof, white epoxy paint IP65 variant will be offered to meet rough and/or cleanroom environment demands.

The SR-20iA can also be deployed beyond the usual applications for SCARA robots. The 20kg payload and 0.45kgm² wrist inertia make this model a viable alternative for traditional packaging applications. Compared to usual 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”, saysThomas Schneider, Product Manager Robotics at FANUC Europe GmbH. “For these scenarios, a SCARA robot with a 20kg payload can be entirely sufficient.”  For businesses with varied packaging needs, the SR-20iA can provide the well-known FANUC quality and functionality, to offer a practical and economical addition to the packaging line-up.
Like all FANUC robots, the SR-20iA 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 a 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.). FANUC’s RoboGuide® simulation software for feasibility studies 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-20iA brings proven FANUC quality and service to the world of SCARA robots. 

ABOUT FANUC

The FANUC Corporation is one of the worldwide leaders in factory automation for CNC control systems, robots and production machinery (ROBODRILL, ROBOCUT,ROBOSHOT and ROBONANO). Since 1956, FANUC is the pioneer in the development of numerically controlled machines in the automation industry. With more than 264 FANUC subsidiaries worldwide and more than 8,000 employees, FANUC offers a dense network in sales, technical support, research & development, logistics and customer service.

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