Robot selection - material handling (loading-unloading)

[rz]

We intend to buy a used robot and have to select one.

Since I am not experienced I am asking for help.

So the task it will be like:
pick the object, load to the first station, unload, load to the second station, place to the end position
The maximum weight will be: 0,5 kg
The reach in the range from 0,6 m to 1 m is OK
The sequences will be every 20 sec.
This mean that the robot has time to come let say from one point of the working place to the end (with two pick and place) within 10 sec. 

As I looked we could go with 4 axis scara models. But with some difficulties while in some cases a rotation for +/- 90 deg. of the object will be best for loading.
Maybe I could handle this with more advaced gripper or with an extra stop for rotation.
Of course there are also 6 axis small models.

There are some models I found: SONY SRX-611 (scara), FANUC LR MATE 200iB, ABB IRB 140 M2000, Stabli TX40.

Any suggestion.

Thank you.

Robert Zevnik
Slovenia

[jseger]

I'm familiar with KUKA, FANUC, and MOTOMAN.  ABB is good too.  I'm not sure which one you'll like best.  KUKA was very easy to configure.

One thing I reccomend is getting a 6 axis robot that is a little bigger than you think you need.  That way you are flexible if the task should change.  Also it is harder to setup when the robot is extended to it's full reach.

We have robots here that were purchased for a task that is now finsished and now they are working beyond their payload and they are extended all the way on their reach on a different task.   

[rz]

Thank you.

Yes I am more and more in for six axes.

Best regards

Robert

[MartinH]

I'm with jseger on this one.  If this is your first robot, choose a 6-axis one.  With our first robot, I was very glad it was 6-axis as there were things I realised that I needed to do that I hadnt planned on.

As for which robot, well I'm afraid that I wont be much help as I am biased.  All our robots are from Kuka - simple to set up, simple to program 

[Jim Tyrer]

another 6-axis vote here too.
The robot normally outlasts the product that it is handling, so when line is de-comissioned you still have a robot that you can use somewhere else.
My bias is with Fanuc, my job entails installing new/recon bots for customers, I've only done 3 Kukas but I know for a fact that I can integrate a Fanuc in 60% of the time it takes me to integrate anything else. They are also more forgiving with power brownouts, and best of all they don't run windoze off a hard drive.

[rz]

Thank you also to Jim and Martin.

I am now checking only for 6 ones.
Since I am looking for used one.
There is ofthen written "used robot with latest controller". How important is this?

I have few winding machine's with PTP 1000 here of different "generations".
But I must say that in their cases it is not much difference.

Thank you and best regards.

Robert
 

[Jim Tyrer]

There is ofthen written "used robot with latest controller". How important is this?

Easy way to check is to go to the manufacturer's website and see what their lastest controller is.
I'd say it's more important to get something reliable than the latest version. I'd walk away if I see signs of water/rust or worn bolt heads.
If you can jog it, then release the brakes (arm power on)  and then grab hold and pull on the arm to see if it's joints are loose. A small bot like you are looking for should be nice and snug.

[robocell]

You may want to check with your local robotics safety standards to make sure any used robot you buy will comply with them. Older robots may not have dual chain safety circuits that are required by many new regulations.