SCARA (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm) type robots are widely used industrial robots. They allow for very fast, repeatable and precise movement in the horizontal plane. Their construction is based on a two-part arm, whose movement is enabled by rotary joints with a vertical axis of rotation, and a head equipped with a prismatic joint allowing for vertical movement. A total of 4 rotation axes.
YAMAHA Robotics, whose exclusive distributor in Poland is RENEX Robotics, offers industrial robots with arm length from 120 to 600 mm, with a range from 240 to 1200 mm. In addition, SCARA Orbit robots are offered, which, thanks to the central setting of the axis of rotation of the last arm segment, gain access to any point in the field of work.
This technology also makes them extremely efficient in terms of required production space. They take up little more space than the working field they operate. Depending on the model and arm length, SCARA robots can carry up to 50 kg. The most important feature of Yamaha SCARA robots, however, is that they are versatile.
This means that they are a movable base on which the user places the tools he or she needs. There are many possibilities. The simplest and most effective solution is to use Yamaha grippers. They are controlled by the same controllers as robots and are fully compatible with them. This allows for very easy installation and operation. With this solution the whole production line can be operated by one program.
The second option, giving an almost infinite range of possibilities, is the use of Yamaha quick assembly adapters. These are universal holders allowing to mount and quickly change tools chosen by the user. These robots can work independently or in groups as part of a production line.
All Yamaha robots are fully compatible with each other, allowing them to perform more complex tasks. The robots can build new lines and upgrade existing ones.
It should be noted at this point that all Yamaha robots are controlled by the same controllers and the same software. This allows for the free combination of these devices into production systems.
The Excel-like software is so simple and intuitive that it typically takes no more than one day to master it. In this approach, the range of applications of SCARA robots is limited only by our imagination. For inspiration we will discuss industries and tasks where these images have already become reality.
Robots are commonly used to mount whole devices. Most often for these activities SCARA robots are equipped with heads allowing to lift components using vacuum or gripping method and with riveting or screw tightening heads. It should be noted that the objects to be moved and folded are both very lightweight components of the device, as well as large, heavier elements such as TV matrices or product housings.
The main driver of automation is the need for precision and repeatability of assembly and the decreasing availability of a low-skilled workforce. The speed and precision required in the production process in small spaces far exceeds the efficient capabilities of human hands.
SCARA robots fit perfectly into these requirements. They do not use drive belts in their design, which allows to eliminate almost all of the vibrations resulting from the arm’s momentum deceleration. This allows to achieve the shortest real cycle times and highest repeatability. One of the applications of SCARA robots is the production of electronics.
In this area, Yamaha SCARA type robots have been used as an element of soldering and dosing robots REECO. The first of these robots meet the industry’s demand for the automation of the process of precision soldering of threaded parts (THT), finding application in all situations where the use of wave soldering or manual soldering is inefficient.
The first situation is due to the high cost of electricity and the cost of consumables associated with the use of soldering wave. The second situation is related to situations where the working time of employees would be disproportionate to the results achieved. In this case, the head of the SCARA robot was equipped with a soldering tip and an automatic binder feeder.
In the second variety — the Reeco robot has a dosing head that can work with different types of valves. It allows for precise application of virtually any substance with a gel consistency. The robot can automate the application of such substances as e.g. silicones, adhesives, greases, paints, in places where the right dose and precise distribution of the substance is crucial for the product. At the same time it reduces costs by eliminating human errors, which can normally result from applying too much (leaks, dirt, costs of the substance itself) or a small dose of the substance (obliteration, necessary corrections, deterioration of aesthetics).
Obviously, the potential use of such a device goes far beyond the discussed electronic industry. An example can be the food and confectionery industry — where it can be used to apply ornaments and inscriptions from pastes, icing or chocolate.
In addition, all Yamaha robots can be supplemented with vision systems. This technology allows for an even wider range of robot applications in tasks such as Pick&Place. The vision system is able to recognize the programmed shape (e.g. a component) itself, which drastically speeds up the calibration process and reduces employee involvement.
This system is supported by the same controllers and software as other Yamaha systems and robots. This allows for easy, quick installation and operation of systems without the need for additional training.
Similar application to those described above, the robots are found in automotive and related industries. Yamaha SCARA with a lifting capacity of up to 50 kg allows you to move and assemble large components.
The robots perform activities which, due to their repeatability and required precision, would be too burdensome for humans. In this industry, it is important that the components are properly positioned on the production line and properly combined. Pick&Place operations are most often carried out using gripper heads or, as in the electronics industry, vacuum heads. SCARA robots are also used for precise drilling and screwing. To sum up, Yamaha industrial robots are fully versatile, and the real scope of their application is determined by the user’s imagination.
The progressive automation of most industries makes it necessary for companies to keep up with this progress to remain competitive. Any forward-looking entrepreneur should consider whether SCARA robots would benefit their business.
EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR OF YAMAHA SMT AND YAMAHA ROBOTICS — RENEX GROUP
The RENEX Group is the exclusive distributor of YAMAHA SMT and YAMAHA Robotics in Poland and Central and Eastern European countries. YAMAHA devices, as well as other products from the RENEX offer, can be seen and tested in operation under test conditions of production lines, also on own components and subassemblies, in the RENEX TECHNOLOGICAL-Training Centre. In addition to equipment, the RENEX Group provides a comprehensive range of consulting and advisory services in the field of production process automation. If you are interested, please contact the RENEX Group Technical and Commercial Advisors.