R12-500 (firefly*): Low cost bench-top 500mm 5-axis general purpose articulated robot arm
| The R12-500 is a complete self-contained five axis vertically articulated robot arm system designed as a cost effective solution for bench top automation. Applications include testing, sample handling, machine feeding. The hand terminates in a mounting plate for grippers, vacuum cups etc. R12-500 is a very low cost entry to robotics, fast, accurate and reliable and easy to program. It has a useful 500mm reach. The mechanics are simple and phenomenally reliable, in fact we give a 2 year warranty. It is easy to apply and program yet is capable of the most intricate tasks. It is a technological breakthrough in bench top robotics. Like the R17 it is a 5 axis articulated robot arm but smaller, lighter, faster and above all lower cost. To further save cost encoders are an option (see below). The precise micro-stepping drives eliminate altogether any possibility of motor error in normal use. |
| Specifications | ||
| Drives: | High power micro-stepped stepping motors, optional encoder watchdogs | |
| Reach: | 500mm/20ins in any direction; 360 degree waist rotation | |
| Repeatability (no payload): | +/-0.1mm | |
| Payload: | nominal 250g, max 1Kg (2.2lbs) at flange (repeatability and speed degrade with increasing payload and reach). | |
| Compliance: droop at 250mm at nominal payload: droop at max reach with max payload: | 0.4mm 5mm | |
| Maximum speed: | Shoulder 180 deg/sec, Elbow 270deg/sec, Waist 180 deg/sec. | |
| Standard cycle time: | 2 secs. | |
| Max torque for hand pitch or roll: | 2 Nm (repeatability figures degrade). | |
| Weight | 15Kg/33lbs (robot only) | |
| Power: | 110/240v ac 420VA (standard controller) | |
| MTBF: | 10,000 hours | |
Encoder Watchdog Option level 1
The role of the encoders in the R17 and as an R12 level 1 option is as watchdogs. The R12 will run accurately and indefinitely without error thanks to micro-stepping drives and accurate transmission. Without the encoders if the robot suffers a collision then the controller does not know and carries on with the program even though the robot could be out of position. Such collisions usually only occur during programming and rarely during normal running. The watchdog option is an option if extra integrity is required.
If the encoder option is not fitted ST provides a software solution in the form of a quick calibration check that can be included in every robot cycle or n cycles. Upon recalibration, if there is an error it is reported and the system stops.
Encoder Read-back option level 2
High resolution encoders fitted to each axis act not only as watchdogs but may also be used to read back the position of the robot when de-energized. The robot can be positioned by hand and its position updated on pressing a key on the keypad. The kinematics software then computes the exact X-Y-Z position of the robot with the hand pitch and roll in degrees.
http://www.strobotics.com/
david4@strobotics.com