We have an old k6sb that we're about to set up for welding. My boss is considering mounting it horizontally (as if on a wall). Obviously we'd build a rugged framework for it, but we don't know if it's ok to mount this kind of manipulator horizontally. Is there any way to find out, or is this just a bad idea?
Horizontal Mounting k6sb
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JLG -
February 15, 2017 at 9:22 PM -
Thread is marked as Resolved.
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Hi ,see attachment K6SB manual, see page 13.
Basically playing around with an ERC is a bad idea ,
but i suspect you all ready know that. -
I see on page 13 it says "... wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted types are available". I'm not really sure how to interpret that. Does it mean that I need a certain sub type of manipulator or does it mean I can just mount it that way so long as I maintain the operating range (+/- 30d eg in S-axis).
I'm well aware that everyone one here scoffs at the idea of using an ERC, but to put it into perspective; we paid less than $500 for the ERC and manipulator (with 2 teach pendants, welding tool tip and Hobart welder). How many tens of thousands would I pay for that new (or newer)?
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The problems with ERC are essentially as follows:
- lack of availability of spare parts
- lack of support
We just want to make sure that you aware of these two issues. The robots themselves were built like tanks. Sounds like you got a good deal on them. Good luck to you in your ERC endeavours! -
For sure. It's not as though our operation will be completely dependant on it, and the experience we gain from this will carry over when it comes time to replace it (which will likely be another bargain deal). I don't remember the exact amount that was paid, but I remember the welder alone was worth almost as much. Maybe when it finally bites the biscuit we'll get an XRC or something slightly newer.
Any insight on the interpretation of page 13?
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Over the years I have seen a variety of ERC/MRC K10 arms and MRC SK6/SK16 arms mounted upside down. Couple of recommendations:
- as stated, S axis will only be able to go +/- 30 degrees for wall mounts. You wont have this issue with an upside down mounting
- check your manipulator mounting bolts on a regular basis to prevent the arm from falling
- for greasing purposes on upside down mounted robots, the inlet becomes the outlet and vice-versaOn some newer robots, they have the "T" version (for example, UP130T) for certain arms for upside down mounts, but I have also seen UP20, HP20, HP20D arms mounted upside down on rails. On the newer robots, there is also a screen where you can dictate how the robot is mounted.
I'm sure other people on the forum have some good ideas for you. I don't see wall mounts as often as I used to. Hope this is a good start!
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Thanks. That does give me some confidence. We'll proceed and I'll let you know how things go.