The current trend of robot control is changing with PLC based solutions that offer different benefits and opportunities for compared to traditional, special robot controls. So what should be taken into account? be taken into account when selecting the right solution for the application?
Although it seems like a relatively simple choice, it has
Selecting a robot control solution has a major impact on the overall
machine capabilities and ease of installation and operation. By choosing the right
By making a choice you can improve system flexibility, increase performance
and prevent productivity from being compromised. In addition, simplify
and shorten the commissioning time for machine builders and integrators, while
the changeover time for operators is minimized.
By following some best practices and principles, users are assured that they select a control option that meets their requirements to the requirements of a particular application, while maintaining productivity and Return On Investment (ROI) is maximized.
PLC based control options can help with building a custom system
With today's PLC or motion control products, such as the
Mitsubishi Electric iQ-R, the kinematics are available to many different
to operate various types of systems. This allows an Original Equipment Manufacturer
(OEM) for example, design and build a custom robotic solution; a
2-axis gantry pick and place or a 4-axis delta arm for packaging.
While dedicated robot controllers provide ready-made solutions
offer solutions suitable for a wide range of applications, the
PLC based control options enable robot integrators to create their own,
to develop tailor-made systems.
There is an argument that suggests that designing a
custom-made system can offer a price advantage, because it is often less
expensive to buy a kit of parts and rebuild the system from scratch
than investing in a traditional robotic arm. This can indeed
be suitable for an OEM with multiple systems to build and would
likely to yield cost savings. Of course, the application will
determine the best approach, but designing this way can enable an OEM
to create a tailor-made solution.
An example of such an application would be the control
of a bakery. The motion profile of this application is a very
simple pick and place operation with perhaps 2 or 3 control axes; the
However, mechanics can be physically very large and must be located tens of meters from the production
overstrained. Using the built-in kinematics of the iQ-R PLC system
the control system setup times and programming can be
shortened, because the baking tin positions can be learned or the
coordinates can be calculated in the operating system.
This system also makes it easy to fit other axles into the
system could be integrated; for example, the system could be
extended with the control of the loading and unloading of the baking tins
When should you choose dedicated robot controllers?
Choosing a PLC-based robot control option
may seem like the most cost-effective way to go. However, it is
important to take into account the design time of the mechanical
system, the required flexibility of the production cell, the cell footprint and also
the configuration and engineering time. These additional costs are saved by
to opt for a dedicated robot system. A typical 4-axis SCARA (Selective
Compliance Articulated Robot Arm) system can now withstand very
competitive costs are provided. The mechanical robot system is already
designed and the CAD model can be imported into the machine design, which
saves time and money. When the system is built, the robot is also
easy to install and only requires four bolts to secure it in a
machine to assemble and can be programmed in less than an hour to
to perform simple editing.
The controllers contain hundreds of specific instructions that
the more complex functions, such as tracking a product along a
moving conveyor belt or dealing with external forces, easy to
integrate because they are already built into the system.
Further benefits come when machine safety is
considered. Dedicated robot controllers must meet industry standards that
relate to their design, including safety. This means that the
it is much easier for the system designer to create an integrated
safety system for the entire machine to be achieved by compliant
components to use.
Many alternatives, one comprehensive provider
When choosing between dedicated or PLC-based
robot control is still in balance, then manufacturers who both
supply, such as Mitsubishi Electric, both machine builders and robot integrators
support in selecting the most suitable alternative. Customers
can choose between state-of-the-art PLCs and dedicated robot controllers to
to meet the requirements of their systems.
Mitsubishi offers advanced MELFA robot controllers,
which allows users to program the robots using the powerful
technical environment of Mitsubishi Electric RT-Toolbox. When PLC-based
steering is preferred, says Mitsubishi's iQ Monozukuri Handling Suite
Electric users can take control of movement and
information management tasks. The suite includes a handling application package and
a control program that makes the MELSEC iQ-R PLC series powerful and scalable
controllers connects to robots, HMIs and other compatible
automation components.
When the best of both systems is needed,
Mitsubishi Electric also has the unique option of a special robot controller
directly integrated into the PLC rack. The controller is compatible with the
iQ modular PLC platform, which seamlessly integrates a range of different functionalities
controllers can integrate, along with I/O and networking options.
Ultimately, the control requirements and physical application features often determine which option is best, but for both Machine builders and integrators would be wise to adopt a flexible, use an integrated automation solution that offers choice and scalability offers.
Even with the right information, such an important choice is difficult. We are happy to advise on these choices and can also help with the engineering.
If you have any questions, please contact us:
Robin Mol
info@engineeringshop.nl
+31 (0)229-714212
