Yamaha Motor Europe announced today that it will release the LCMR200, a new linear conveyor module on July 1. The structure of the current model LCM-X has undergone a major review in order to further improve ease of use.
The LCMR200 inherits features from the current LCM-X model such as high accuracy and narrow pitch, but now with greatly improved rigidity through a complete reassessment of the module structure. The result is a more robust model that is better suited for work environments where intrusion of foreign matter and static noise are present. In addition, accuracy adjustments during setting up are easier thanks to the combination of a newly developed circulation unit. The system in which up to 64 sliders are controlled by one controller YHX is inherited from the current model LCM-X, but the newly developed Standard Profile program eliminates programming work inside the controller, and makes easier builds of automated equipment.
Since commercializing the linear conveyor module for the first time in Japan in 2013, Yamaha Motor has continued to make improvements by listening to feedback from customers who work with production lines. With the new LCMR200 even easier to use, this unit will further contribute to higher process efficiency in factories and a wide range of industries around the world.
MARKET BACKGROUND AND PRODUCT OUTLINE
Due to shortened product life cycles, the need for multi-product & variable-volume production is increasing at the Monozukuri (manufacturing) site, and therefore further flexibility and quick response capabilities are also required in the transfer process. Against this background, the linear conveyor module allows easier and more flexible line recomposition than conventional belt conveyors and roller conveyors, as well as high-speed and high-accuracy transfers. The LCMR200 is expected to be applied to a wide range of industries and its uptake seen at factories around the world.
In 2013, we released the linear conveyor module LCM100 as the next-generation carrier. Since then, it has been a market leader with its implementation into the assembly processes of electrical / electronic parts and in-vehicle parts, which have relatively small-sized carriers. The newly developed LCMR200, while maintaining the conventional concept, now brings improved usability.
From single axis to articulated robots, and linear conveyor applications, Yamaha Motor’s comprehensive lineup of products strongly support the automation of diversified production sites. The company continues to build on these strengths in the pursuit of greater efficiency and quality in increasingly complex and diverse production sites.
LCMR200 MAIN FEATURES
1) High-speed transfer, High-precision stop & Positioning
The direct drive via its linear motor enables high-speed transfers, highly accurate stopping, and positioning.
2) Improved rigidity
Almost the entire length of the module is installed directly on the frame to support the linear guide. The linear guide and the guide block of the slider have also been increased in size and strength, while keeping the same footprint.
3) Greater flexibility in layout
The cable extraction direction can be selected from two directions, front and back, increasing the degree of freedom in electrical wiring and improving the area efficiency when constructing reciprocating lines.
4) Newly developed circulation unit with improved transit accuracy
We have a newly developed circulation unit that greatly simplifies slider transfer accuracy adjustments. This has significantly improved the stability and durability of transit connections.
5) YHX controller equipped with new function Standard Profile
By using the YHX controller standard profile, customers do not need to create ladder programs in the YHX controller. This also enables control of the LCMR200 and single-axis robot as a positioner from the upper PLC.
ABOUT YAMAHA ROBOTICS FA SECTION
Yamaha Motor Factory Automation Section (FA Section), a subdivision of Yamaha Motor Robotics Business Unit in Yamaha Motor Corporation, is focused on delivering flexible, high-accuracy industrial robots for precision automation challenges.
With its roots in the introduction of robot technology to Yamaha motorcycle assembly activities, the division has over 35 years’ experience solving automation challenges from factory-scale to micron-level. Yamaha’s industrial robots are now trusted by leading corporations worldwide, in activities as diverse as semiconductor fabrication and assembling electronic products, domestic appliances, automotive components, and large liquid-crystal panels.
Yamaha Motor FA Section offers a unified range of solutions for robotic assembly, including single-axis robots, SCARA, cartesian, and articulated robots. Innovations such as the LCM100 linear conveyor module; a smoother, space-saving and more versatile successor to conventional belt and roller conveyors continue to set the pace in factory automation. Core robotic technologies as well as key components and complete robot systems are all produced in-house, ensuring consistent quality and control over lead-times.
Main distributor of YAMAHA Robots in Poland, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania and Bulgaria is RENEX Group. Robots can be tested in RENEX Technology Center in Włocławek, Poland.