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Anyone know about robots?
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Posted by: Jon K.
Who has knowledge of welding robots in the manufacturing process?
We are looking at a Fanuc Arcmate Jr. This is interesting stuff, but I have no experience with these, and was hoping someone might steer me in the right direction. Avoid some of the pitfalls.
We moved some drill presses yesterday, and Kevin asked me today what I was going to put in the spot where the drill presses were.
I told him "My Robot"
Then I couldn't help myself . . . . "My girl robot!"
It's going to be the best prom ever! 
Seriously; any info or experience would be appreciated.
Jonny
Posted by: biglou
I can answer or probably get answers for you. What are your specific questions?
Posted by: Jaybird
Single most important thing to do is set-up a lubrication schedule as they recommend and stick to it. Normally 5000/10000/20000 hrs service intervals for constant run machines. Intermitant use machines should cut the hours in half.
That may sound backwards, but grease left to set will seperate faster than in working machines.(*do it the way FANUC tells you to for warranty sake)
Always use the proper greases and oils that are called for, and in the specified amounts.
Free travel of a robot is serious business. No matter what moves you have programmed...If it can get there, it most likely will one day. Make a lock-out cell that is protecting you from the machine.
If you will have operator interface, consider light screen protection at the interface area.
Water cooled welding guns are high maitenance items.
Leaks are abundant.
Tips will need changing early and often.
I understand there is often troubles with the electrical welding shunts.
It pays to have a welding tip dresser close by so you can program it to dress itself up.
(Unless you go titanium tips.)
Have fun!
Posted by: MrMXer327
Fanuc is one of the better names in robots, but there are other mfg's. It sounds like the Fanac is what your getting, but regardless of the Robot Mfg, it's been my experience the real problems come from the tooling mounted to the robot. The robot's themselves are normally pretty solid and problem free as long as the payload or duty cycle isn't exceeded and the Mfg's PM schedule is followed.
Safety is not to be taken lightly - no body part will stop a robot. The envelop of the robot can be restricted using redundant safety switches, Light curtains, Hard Stops and other simular devices... Programming can't and won't.
As I mentioned earlier - tooling creates the most problems. Any plumbing be it electrical or mechanical that will be moving with the robot requires a lot of upfront thought to minimize issues. Any time the MFG provides plumbing that runs through the robot, take advantage of it first. The MFG's spend a lot of time and effort in to make that stuff problem free.
Hope all goes well for you
Posted by: Jon K.
Thanks guys.
The unit we are looking at is reconditioned used. 17K hours sounded like a lot when I first heard it, but maybe it is not that bad.
Jay, Mr MXer; I never really thought about the machine freaking out and hurting someone. Excellent point. We will make it a point to keep the operator (and everyone else) well away from the available reach. We will have masonry walls on two sides, so we should be able to control access to the "envelope" very well.
Posted by: Jaybird
I think Kawasaki and ABB both recommend recondition after 20k hours.
If the machine has been under a strict lubrication schedule, it will probably give you many more hours of service. Especially if it has been truely reconditioned.
Posted by: kmccune
Light curtains and pressure sensitive mats are the way to go, short of a full cage. Even with a cage during maintenance or repairs scary things can happen without the mats right beside the robot. They are way cool machines but they demand a lot of respect. As said above lubrication is very important and if the environment is dirty cleaning of lubed parts prior to lubing is good too.
I comment because two of my former co-workers were pinned at different times by the same robot that had both a light curtain and a pressure matt. But during a repair they both decided to override the safetys. They are OK, as it was a small robot going pretty slow. But it was pretty scarry.
Good Luck with the purcase and just be aware.
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