Cartesian Robot Line Enhances Control, Increases Speeds and Boosts Takeout Functions

Absolute Robot Inc. (ARI) Max series of full-servo top-entry cartesian-style robots now feature a control enhancement; increased traverse speeds; and the ability to handle more complex automation scenarios, which all serve to reduce overall cycle times.

Max series now has “Y-Free” robot takeout functionality, which can serve to reduce the amount of time the robot spends within the mold, ultimately cutting overall cycle time. The “Y-Free” feature allows the robot synchronize the takeout of parts as they’re being ejected, instead of waiting for the ejectors to fully advance before grabbing the part.

The Max series’ new control has up to 16 axes of control, versus 5 axes on the previous control. In addition to control of multiple additional movements on robot arm, this makes it possible to  control downstream automation like an indexing rotary table from the robot’s control.

ARI says these additional axes augment the typical X, Y, Z movements with the ability to spin, grab, flip and reorient parts in exponentially more ways. The layout, programming and form-factor of the robot remains the same, which ARI says keeps it affordable and easier to operate compared to a floor-mounted 6-axis robot arm.

The new generation of robots are also equipped with higher performing ASDA A3 servodrives, upgraded from ASDA A2 drives, with the new motors delivering a 10 to 15% increase in speed.