New SCARA fits the part precisely

Citation

(2002), "New SCARA fits the part precisely", Industrial Robot, Vol. 29 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2002.04929bad.001

New SCARA fits the part precisely

Keywords: Robots, SCARA, Precision instruments

Toshiba Machine has released two new SCARA robots, theTH-250 and TH-350, which provide better accuracy and repeatability than existing SCARA's (Plate 1), and offer quicker cycle times and faster motion. The new SCARA's are so precise that they can even be used to good effect in the electronics industry.Both SCARAs feature absolute encoders as standard, dispensing with the need for a home return function. The TH-250 and TH-350 feature top-level speed, payloads of up to 3kg and repeatability of ± 0.01mm. These robots are suited to applications in the handling of small components, such as electrical, precision and mobile phone and camera parts, assembly and test equipment. Other applications that demand similar precision are hard disk drive assembly, as well as very high precision work, such as optical lens grinding and watch assembly. Furthermore, this kind of precision and accuracy allows the user to place electronic components on PCB boards, or even handle the optical 'pick up' lenses used in CD and DVD disc drives.

Plate 1 Toshiba Machine's new SCARA robots, the TH-250 and TH-350, are accurate enough to be used in electronics manufacturing

Both robots feature a built in PLC, which, regardless of robot operation and program, can control I/O equipment. The TH-250 and TH-350 robots can be programmed using a ladder sequence program and, as an option, can feature Ethernet, DeviceNet or Profi-bus connectivity. A further option is the Toshiba Machine teach pendant, an external switch pad that can be used to direct the robot through a sequence of movements.

These new additions to the existing range will mean that Toshiba Machine has amongst the largest family of mechanical arms on the market. The range will now extend from the TH-250 and TH-350, which have arm lengths between 420mm and 1050mm, to the large palletising SCARA's with a 1950mm arm length and a payload capacity up to 70kgs. Further options include Clean Room Class 10, for use in pharmaceutical or electronic manufacture, and ceiling mounting.

For further information contact: Nigel Smith, TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd, Suite 1, Concord House, Grenville Place, Mill Hill, London, NW7 3SA, UK. Tel: 020-8906- 9825; Fax: 020 8959 0081; E-mail: sales@tmrobotics.co.uk