I would like to know if anyone has controlled an AB Armor block directly from a Fanuc? I am thinking of using the Self-Configuring module maybe and using the Fanuc Ethernet Scanner option to control it. Any info would be helpful thanks!!
Fanuc R30iB Plus And AB Armor Block
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Iprogram -
December 30, 2020 at 11:44 AM -
Thread is Unresolved
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If you already have the scanner option I would go for it, if you have to buy the scanner option, things start to get expensive, unless you already have a PLC and the robot has the E/IP adapter option.
I haven't used AB armor blocks with a Fanuc before (I have used them with control logix though when customers spec them), but I have used this :
It has ethernet/IP, is really quick to setup, plus it supports I/O link devices. If you've never used I/O link before, you're in for a real treat. The module that I listed is also nice as it has both type A and type B ports. Type B ports are nice because they can source extra current. I/O link also self configures any I/O link device and saves any manual configuration to the block itself. If you have an adjustable sensor that has been taught and then the sensor gets destroyed, all you have to do is plug in a new one and it will automatically re-parameterize the sensor for you. On top of that the cost is much lower than the AB devices.
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I like the idea of IO link but i believe you need a PLC to configure it and i dont want the end user to have to do this when replacing the modules. The AB armor block can configure the IP address with rotary switches. i am specifically looking to see how easily the scanner can be configured with the Fanuc and if i should use a pre difined IO ports or if a configurable block can be configured via the Fanuc.
Thanks
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The I/O Link master blocks can be configured with free software from most of the vendors. IFM uses LR Device which has two versions, a free one that can do 95% of what you need and a paid version that does it all. I'm not sure of the current pricing, but I believe it's less than $200.
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I did something similar where we setup a 1734 remote IO rack using the robot as the master in this thread. Was a bit of a bitch to get up and running. Hard part was figuring out the proper instance configuration.
I believe the armor block is pretty similar.
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The IFM I/O block was very simple to setup. You just need to provide the assembly instances along with the vendor info and your set to go. My experience with Allen Bradley hardware has been frustrating to the point that I never spec their hardware unless the customer mandates it.