Extended-Reach Robots for Processing Large Parts

The flexible design of the high-speed MH50 II-series robots from Yaskawa Motoman make them suitable for a range of applications, including coating, dispensing, machine and press tending, material cutting, and handling. The long reach of the MH50 II model and the extended reaches of the MH50 II-35 and MH50 II-20 models also make the robots capable of processing large parts. In cell layouts, the extended reach models can eliminate the need for an external track, decreasing system cost and simplifying programming, the company says. The robots have brakes on all six axes and can be floor-, wall- or ceiling-mounted for layout flexibility. 

The MH50 II model offers a 50-kg (110.3-lb) payload with a horizontal reach of 2,061 mm (81.1") and vertical reach of 3,578 mm (140.9"). The MH30 II-35 has a payload of 35 kg (77.2 lbs) with horizontal reach of 2,538 mm (100") and vertical reach of 4,448 mm (175.1"). The MH50 II-20 offers a 20-kg (44.1-lb) payload with horizontal reach of 3,106 mm (122.3") and vertical reach of 5,585 mm (219.9"). Repeatability is ±0.07 mm (0.003") on the MH50 II and MH50 II-35 models, and ±0.15 mm (0.006") on the MH50 II-20 model.

The DX200 controller handles multiple tasks and can control as many as eight robots (72 axes), as well as I/O devices and communication protocols. The control uses a Windows CE programming pendant with color touchscreen. According to the company, the control enables faster processing speeds for smoother interpolation; built-in collision avoidance; faster I/O response; and accelerated Ethernet communication. Its I/O suite includes PLC and HMI pendant displays, 4,096 I/O, and a graphical ladder editor that can provide system-level control. The control is said to support all major fieldbus networks and is compliant with ANSI/RIA R15.06-2012 and other ISO and CSA safety standards.