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DoigTalk Newsletter from Doig Corporation

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January, 2017 - Each month we bring you the latest Industrial Automation news from Doig and our preferred supplier partners.

Doig Updates
Jim Winistorfer
President & Head Coach

Welcome to another issue of DoigTalk. 

This issue focuses on Robotics – one of our six key Technology Areas. 

My favorite economist says “There is no bad economic news for robots in the next 15 years.”  Global investment in factory automation featuring robots has been growing at double digit rates.  Wisconsin’s manufacturing environment will be no different.  In the past, the primary drivers fueling robot investments were a need to remove workers from harsh environments or limit/eliminate their risks of injury.  Improving quality by automating mundane, highly repetitive tasks moved into the justification game early on as well.  As SCARA, 6 Axis and Collaborative robots became easier to use and price points declined, eliminating bottlenecks in the production process emerged as another key driver.  As we move ahead, we think that the scarcity of qualified labor resources – I touched on this a few issues ago - will further stimulate investment in robotic automation.

This issue highlights two general application stories where robots have really made an impact.  Our suppliers (Epson Robots, ABB Robotics and Schunk Grippers) have built solid product lines around your needs. They continue to invest in integrated options to further assure success with your application, decrease your install and start up time while also providing networking tools to plug these assets into your factory data highway. 

But as you approach an investment in robots, there’s much more to be considered beyond the robot. In this issue you’ll see four examples of factory automation solutions we can provide in addition to the robot.  As a Wisconsin factory automation products distributor, we can offer you broad arrays of end of arm tooling (EOAT), Sensors and Vision systems, Safety guarding, safety fencing, safety detection equipment and Motion Control equipment and software – all of which augment the core robot, and maximize your ROI.   Your Doig Corporation team is able to tackle as much of this work as you desire. 

Let Doig Corporation partner with you in navigating through your next Wisconsin factory automation project.

Applications of the Month

In light of our focus in this issue on robots, we look to peek your interest in investigating robotic automation by sharing two frequently automated applications – a high speed Pick and Place application featuring an Epson SCARA style robot, and a palletizer application and capabilities overview featuring heavier payload range of robots from ABB.  

EPSON Robots – Conveyor Pick and Place Applications

 

 

 

EPSON Robots – Conveyor Pick and Place Applications

This video highlights two Epson G-Series Scara robots picking and placing packaged cookies on edge into trays. We’ve been successfully providing robotic pick and place applications to Wisconsin customers in a variety of industry segments. It seems that almost everyone we visit these days has a need to group or organize products off of a conveyor – and many times this section of the line creates a bottleneck to 

downstream operations. These applications are usually great candidates for using robotic automation to open up that bottleneck and increase your throughput and ROI.

Staring at $12,500.00, Epson Scara style robots are well known for their ease of use, reliability, performance and overall value. With over 55,000 robots installed in factories throughout the world, more companies rely on EPSON Robots and their value adding channel partners like us every day. Not just a robot supplier, Epson builds on the capabilities of their easy to program controllers. We can add integrated options to the mix such as Fieldbus, expanded I/O, GUI builders, .Net Support, teach pendants, vision guidance and conveyor tracking. And know that once a quarter, we run EPSON robot training classes at Doig to assure that your team is always up to speed on the EPSON line.

Click the button below if you are interested in a "Lunch with a Robot” demo/training for your company. 

ABB Robots – Palletizing Applications

When it comes to high payloads and long reach applications, like the single station case palletizing application shown here. ABB has built a tenured global presence in the world of robots.  With USA headquarters in Novi Michigan, ABB’s robot group partners with systems integrators and value added service providers like us to define your application requirements and select from a portfolio of over 35 robot models, a foundation robot that is optimized to handle your challenges for the long haul.

When it comes to heavy load, long reach palletizers, ABB has three core robots to choose from: 

Model Max Payload Max Reach Comment
IRB-460 110Kg (242lbs) 2.4M (8ft) Fastest in Class – Single Case Picks
IRB-660 250Kg (551lbs) 3.2M (10.5ft) Multiple Case Picks
IRB-760 450Kg (992lbs) 3.2M (10.5ft) Full Layer Picks

These units can be configured to include ABB’s exclusive “Palletware” software tool kit, touchscreen HMIs and/or a flex pendant, vision systems and more depending on your application requirements.  Palletizer cells are typically set up to be able to run unmanned as cases are accumulated at the end of the line conveyor(s) and then picked and placed into position following the case pattern you set up and load into the controller for quick changeovers.  

You may think that an ROI for automating your palletizing process is not achievable, but let us help you explore the possibilities of automating this process in your plant today.  You might be surprised at what we can discover together. 

Let us know if you'd like a Quick Quote.

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Featured Products
N2 6 Axis Robot
G-Flex™ 1500 – A Better Parts Feeder


The new N2 6 Axis Robot from Epson

-- Compact – Energy Saving – High Precision

Review the two minute overview video above for an overview of this new line of robots.

N Series robots are designed to fit into tight spaces but deliver high throughput. The N2 model was rolled out here in North America at the Assembly (Oct, 2016) and Pack Expo (Nov, 2016) exhibitions in Illinois. This compact unit offers:

  • 2.5kg (5.5 lbs) Maximum payload 
  • 220mm (17.7in) Maximum reach
  • High Repeatability of +/- 0.02mm (0.0008in)

Fast and Accurate, Additional N2 Features include:

  • Space Saving 6-Axis Robot with Revolutionary Design 
  • New Compact Folding Arm Technology – the World’s First
  • Maximizes Motion Efficiency for Faster Cycle Times 
  • Reduces Required Workspace Area by up to 40% Versus Standard 6-Axis Robot
  • Unique Tight Space Motion Capability Keeps Arm Extremities Out of the Way
  • Wide Motion Range Allows Robot to Easily Approach Objects from any Direction
  • No Need to Teach Additional Move Points – Robot Maneuvers to Avoid Collisions
  • Mounts on the Floor or the Ceiling

Click here for access to the latest information from Epson on the new N2!

Contact Eric Kraus if you’d like our Automation Specialist to review your application.

G-Flex™ 1500 – A Better Parts Feeder

Increase your ROI and shorten your feeder delivery times with Graco’s G-Flex™ 1500 parts feeders.  G-Flex feeders are the perfect fit to keep your vision guided pick & place robots humming at maximum throughput rates.  An affordable parts feeding solution to traditional vibratory bowl feeders with dedicated “dead nests”, G-Flex delivers the ultimate in flexibility.  

Check out the short video above and see how G-Flex:

Delivers Flexible Feeding Benefits

  • Seamless part change-over without time consuming and costly set-up
  • High tolerance for process contamination (oily parts, chips, etc. are no problem)
  • Easily accommodates a wide range of part sizes and shapes

Provides a Stand-Alone, Easy-to-Integrate Package

  • One size fits most applications
  • Minimal interface is required – simply connect power and one PLC input

Is Truly a Great Value

  • Attractively priced as compared to complicated bowl feeders
  • Pre-configured to meet most applications – get quicker delivery of G-Flex feeders compared to unique and highly customized bowl feeders 

Download the G-Flex 1500 brochure

Or request a quote or a demo of your parts running on our G-Flex unit at Doig’s Cedarburg location.

Dalsa vision systems
GSM - Modular Machine Safety Fencing

Dalsa Vision Solutions for Robotic Guidance - Solutions “à la carte”

For over 30 years, Teledyne DALSA has delivered industry-leading technology for a broad range of digital imaging applications.  When it comes to robotic guidance and parts positioning applications, we’ve deployed affordable Dalsa vision systems for robot-guided pick and place, inspection on high-speed production lines, assembly alignment and even offline verification audits – all within promised delivery dates. 

Component Pick & Place  Part Finding & Positioning Assembly alignment

Positioning tools are critical to successful machine vision. Selecting the appropriate positioning tool (or tools) for a specific application is typically based on the following criteria:

  • Part Features: high contrast unique features or complex similar patterns
  • Part Movement: XY only or with rotation
  • Part Appearance: pattern variation due to process or environment changes
  • Part Orientation: small rotation or 360° rotation

Results are digitally transferred directly to robots or other tools depending on application specifics.

Teledyne DALSA provides a variety of positioning tools that range from simple edge finders to sophisticated pattern finding algorithms. Here’s an overview of the portfolio (with links to product details) that you can choose from: 

High speed, low light, high resolution image capture equipment

  • Line scan cameras
  • Piranha4 Piranha HS series
  • Area scan cameras
  • Falcon2 and Genie series
  • Smart cameras
  • BOA series
  • Extended spectrum cameras
  • Piranha HS NIR for near-infrared imaging
  • X-ray detector panels
  • Xineos or Skiagraph series
  • Framegrabbers for data acquisition
  • Xcelera series

Match your imager with Sapera, Sherlock,or iNspect software for powerful image processing. 

Click here to request a review of your application or a demo so we can help you to start saving time and money with Dalsa industrial vision solutions.

GSM - Modular Machine Safety Fencing

A critical part of your process of selecting and commissioning a high performance robot system includes addressing the safe operation of the system, while also assuring the safety of your teammates when in the area of the system.  Doig was one of the first distributors in the USA to add the GSM line of modular safety fencing, modular access door systems and custom safety hard fencing solutions to our line card. 

What’s unique about GSM is its’ patented post/fence design, which allows the tool-less assembly of fencing sections to posts.  Check out the brief video above that illustrates how simple and easy it is to assemble a GSM machine safety fencing system.  There are other “tool-less” style options on the market, but GSM continues to stand out by providing a high quality, rugged all steel design - not only for the posts, but the fencing too.  In addition, GSM’s state-of-the-art powder spray coating system applies a sturdy structural color (“safety yellow” posts with black fencing here in the USA) coating that guarantees high-class durability – all at affordable price points and available for quick delivery from their USA headquarters in North Carolina. 

This modular approach allows you to define your fencing requirements, layout your design and order all the components from GSM which can be delivered straight to the site for assembly – that’s one alternative.  While we’re delighted that we added GSM, we’re even more excited about being able to offer the design support and safety assessment capabilities to your GSM project of our own full time safety expert – Kevin Timm.  Kevin will review your safety requirements with you, recommend a safety fencing layout, help you order the components through Doig, and at times, even pre-assemble your GSM safety fencing system at Doig for an acceptance review by you before shipping it all to you for final installation and cell commissioning.  We think it’s hard to beat that approach! 

Contact Kevin by clicking on his photo to request a project review and/or a quote for a GSM machine safety fencing system.

Kevin Timm
Safety Products Manager
Kevin.Timm@DoigCorp.com
(262) 243-0243
Training and Upcoming Event
 

ABB PLC Training- February 1, 2017

Click for More Details

Intro to Robotics Training March 8, 2017

Timely Tips
Eric Kraus
Eric.Kraus@DoigCorp.com
(262) 483-4465

Last year we launched a series of “Intro to Robotics” workshops featuring Epson Robots which we’ve hosted in our Learning Center in Cedarburg. The instructor for these workshops has been our own Eric Kraus – Doig’s Automation Specialist.

In light of our focus in this issue on robots, we asked Eric to share with you a short list of the “bell ringer” questions that he gets at these workshops and in the field.  So, here’s some answers to selected FAQ’s from Eric that we hope are helpful for you:

Q: What Robots Lines do you carry? 

A: Epson and ABB Robots.  The combined capabilities of these two suppliers allow us to offer Scara, Cartesian, Delta and Six-Axis style robots.

Q: What does SCARA Stand for? 

A: Selective Compliance Articulated Robotic Arm 

Q: What are your most common robot applications? 

A: Pick & Place and Machine Tending projects.  We are doing more and more applications that include conveyor tracking and/or integrated vision or part sensing work.  We encourage allowing us to help you review the safety requirements for both the area of operation and for machine motion control to assure that regulation compliant, safe operation is fully addressed on each project.

Q: What is the payload and reach of Epson Robots? 

A:  Max Payload of Epson SCARA robots is 20kg (44lbs) and reach is 1 meter (3.3ft).  Payloads on Six Axis style robots run up to 8kg (17.6lbs) and reach is up to 1.5 meters (4.9ft).  Note that these are maximums – delivered results are also dependent on the application.  Don’t forget that speed and overall payload (meaning the weight of the part along with the tooling to support your application) may restrict the maximum payload.

Q: How do you program Epson Robots? 

A: You can do your programming work through software on your PC or on a teach pendant.  The language is a "Basic" type textual language called SPEL+, which is a free download from Epson as part of your purchase.

Q: Can Epson Robots easily integrate vision systems for vision guidance applications? 

A: Yes, Epson has their own integrated vision system that works within the same programming environment as the robot programming (Epson RC+ Software).

Q: Can Epson Robots support more than one robotics arm with a single controller? 

A: Yes. Epson can support up to 4 robot arms with one controller.  The arms can be set to operate individually or the motion can be coordinated.

Contact me, Eric.Kraus@DoigCorp.com if you have additional questions that we can help you with as you size up your next application.

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