SCARAs are industrial robots that allow very fast, repeatable and precise movement. In this review, we will look at the capabilities and applications of this type of robot using YAMAHA and REECO solutions as examples.
A key aspect of industrial robots is their versatility. They provide a movable base on which the user himself embeds tools selected to suit their needs. YAMAHA offers SCARA industrial robots with arm lengths from 120 to 1,000 mm, with reach from 240 to as much as 2,000 mm and maximum payloads of up to 50 kg. In addition, YAMAHA has developed a special type of SCARA robots, the Orbit, which, thanks to the central positioning of the axis of rotation of the last arm member, access any point in the field of work being performed and occupy little more space than the working field they serve.
Robot operation can be carried out, for example, using YAMAHA universal grippers. This is a convenient solution for use, as they are controlled by the same controllers as the robots, and the entire production line can be operated by a single program.
An alternative that gives an almost infinite range of possibilities is the use of YAMAHA quick-mount adapters. These are universal components that allow the user to mount and quickly change the tools of his choice. These robots can work independently or in groups as part of a production line. This is because all YAMAHA robots are fully compatible with each other and controlled with the same controllers and the same intuitive software.
YAMAHA SCARA’s standard robot variants do not use drive belts in their design, eliminating almost all of the vibration from braking the arm’s momentum and enabling the shortest real cycle times and highest repeatability.
Moreover, all YAMAHA robots can be supplemented with vision systems – in particular, YAMAHA’s RCXiVY2+, which was developed to allow rapid recognition and counting of many objects, including those with irregular shapes, such as food or clothing. The system is operated by the same controllers and software as YAMAHA’s other systems and robots, which allows for easy, quick installation and operation without the need for additional training.
Examples of implementation
YAMAHA SCARA robots have been used, among other things, as key components – manipulators – in robotic workstations ready for implementation into production lines – REECO Robots.
Awarded the TERAZ POLSKA emblem in 2020, REECO Robots were created to operate in manufacturing and production-service plants. For this reason, they feature solutions that allow them to work both offline and in-line. This allows them to be freely combined with other equipment or with each other, and to combine several processes.
What is particularly important, all devices in this series, in addition to using YAMAHA components in these units, have been based on the REECO Robotic System. Thanks to this full compatibility, the head can be changed in these devices. For example, the Varnishing Robot can, if necessary, be functionally changed into a soldering robot, a screwdriving robot, a dispensing robot or any other – in a custom-made application. This gives users the ability to respond to changing market pressures or production needs and quickly reorganize line elements without having to purchase a new machine.
REECO Coating Robot
The Coating Robot is a new device in REECO’s product range responding to market demand in the sphere of automation of the conformal coating process. However, the device allows for the automation of production steps involving the spray distribution of various liquids.
The machine is equipped with a spray valve to ensure even application of liquid coatings of low to medium viscosity and an innovative integrated nozzle cleaning system that eliminates the problem of manually cleaning the valve.
A distinguishing feature of the device is the ability to freely configure the dosing systems and dosing valves on the robot head. This allows it to be tailored to the specific application and materials (media) to be distributed. Up to three different valves can be mounted on the head of the device. This gives the possibility of simultaneous dosing of up to three media, increasing productivity and reducing the time of a single cycle.
The device can be optionally equipped with traceability software that collects statistical data in the course of ongoing projects.
Soldering robot
The REECO soldering robot allows for the automation of the assembly of through-hole components on PCBs. Relative to alternative solutions, the robot has low power consumption and does not require carriers of expensive materials, nitrogen shielding, or washing of the flux used in the soldering process. This makes cost-effective with its use already small- and medium-volume production.
The design is based on a soldering head with a binder feeder mounted on a YAMAHA SCARA robot. This allows the creation of precise solder joints according to the programmed scheme. The PLC used controls all auxiliary equipment, such as the transport, soldering iron generator, wire feeder and tip cleaning station, which significantly simplifies and speeds up the programming of the process.
Screwdriving robot
REECO’s screwdriving robot allows for the automation of production steps that require the screwing of parts with screws and bolts. These processes are often used in the assembly of finished product components such as housings. The robot provides an alternative to the human labor that is still common at this stage of production. In many cases, workers still manually – using an electric screwdriver to screw in a few to dozens of screws while assembling products.
Automating this process with robots allows for significant time savings and increased productivity. The workpiece on which the work is carried out is brought into the range of the working field on the conveyor. The robot, executing the program, takes the appropriate screws from the feeder and screws them into the holes with the selected clamping force, so that full repeatability and precision are maintained, while minimizing the risk of human error.
What’s next?
YAMAHA and REECO equipment and robots can be seen and tested in action at the RENEX TECHNOLOGY AND TRAINING CENTER. Within this center, the RENEX Group – which is one of the largest Polish companies in the electronics industry, as well as the distributor of YAMAHA Robotics for Poland and the Balkan countries – pursues its mission of providing comprehensive services to the electronics industry.
The RENEX Group provides not only the equipment itself but also a wide range of consulting, service and training services. RENEX TECHNOLOGY AND TRAINING CENTER specialists help identify production problems and select appropriate technological solutions.
The Center also provides training in the field of introduced robotic solutions. The center operates an AUTHORIZED YAMAHA TRAINING CENTER providing expertise in the operation and programming of industrial equipment and robots, allowing users to take full advantage of their capabilities.