The aim of the project was the fully automated loading of an AXA 5-axis machining centre with 5 m of bar material and a single weight of 300 kg by an industrial robot. SERO Automation took on this task and selected the Fanuc M900iB robot with a payload of 700kg. A special gripper (hydraulic) with an integrated 7-axis for positioning the gripper jaws gave the loading system the required flexibility for handling the bars. SERO Automation is also building a matching, fully automated bar rack with 5 drawers. Another highlight is the automated jaw change at the jaw chuck by the robot. This enables autonomous production over several hours with maximum flexibility.
The Fanuc M900iB/700 robot is not only characterised by what Fanuc calls its "processing of ultra-heavy payloads", but also has a working area of 2832 mm. This is reflected in the enormous length of the robot arm. This is where the challenge of safe and trouble-free cable routing begins. The already long energy supply due to the long robot arm would become even longer without a backfeed system, as the robot arm and energy supply would tear due to the robot's movements if they were the same length. The significantly longer energy supply compared to the robot arm would result in an impractical and visually unattractive working environment. There is also an increased risk of the energy supply getting caught on objects.
Solution
SERO Automation has opted for a pneumatic retraction system (TR.RSP.70.R ) for the energy supply on the robot between axis 3 - 6. The biggest advantage of this retraction system is the constant and linear retraction force over long distances, which is even infinitely adjustable thanks to a pneumatic cylinder. The adapter plate (TR.910.876 ) enables the retraction system to be attached without drilling, as this adapter is designed precisely for the Fanuc M900-iB700. A compact connection (TR.70.21.01.30 ) with a tiewrap plate was used to securely fix the energy chain in the area of the 6th axis. This allows the cable and energy chain to be optimally secured. A tension clamp (TR.907.667.275 ) was screwed onto the axis 6 for easy attachment of the compact connection. The compact connection TR.70.21.01**.30** with its 30 mm clamping fits perfectly on the 30 mm thick tube of the clamp. Simply slide it on and tighten. A 2000 mm triflex® R TRE chain ( TR.RSP.70.110.2000.0 ), which is protected against impacts or abrasion by 2 protectors (TR.70.30 ).
