SCARA robots (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm) are widely used industrial robots. They allow for fast, repeatable and precise movement in the horizontal plane. Their construction is based on a two-segment arm, moved by rotary joints with a vertical axis of rotation and a head equipped with a prismatic joint that allows movement in the vertical plane. A total of 4 rotational axes.
The offer of the YAMAHA Robotics company, whose exclusive distributor in Poland, Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Romania and Bulgaria is RENEX Robotics, includes robots with the shoulder length from 120mm to 600mm, with a range from 240mm to 1200mm. In addition, SCARA Orbit robots are offered. These thanks to the central positioning of the axis of rotation of the last arm segment gain access to any point within the workspace.
The technology also makes these robots extremely efficient in terms of the required floorspace. They occupy little more space their range of work. It should also be noted that the YAMAHA SCARA robots, depending on the model and arm length, have a load capacity of up to 50kg.
The bottom line, however, is that YAMAHA SCARA are universal industrial robots. This means that they are a movable base on which the user mounts the tools selected for his own needs. There are many possibilities. The easiest and most effective solution is to use YAMAHA grippers. They are controlled by the same controllers as the robots and are fully compatible with them. This allows for an easy assembly and service. Using this solution, the entire production line can be operated by one program.
The second option, which gives almost an infinite range of possibilities, is the use of YAMAHA quick mount adapters. These are universal holders allowing for mounting and quick changing tools selected by the user. These robots can work as separate units or in sets as part of a production line.
These robots can work as separate units or in sets as part of a production line. All YAMAHA robots are fully compatible with each other, allowing them to perform more complex tasks. Robots can be used to create new production lines and modernize existing ones.
It should be emphasized that all YAMAHA robots are controlled by the same controllers and the same software. This allows for easy combination of these devices into production systems. It may be surprising that the software is similar to MS Excel and is so simple and intuitive that it should not take more than one day to master.
The scope of applications of YAMAHA SCARA robots is limited only by our imagination. As inspiration, we will discuss industries and tasks where these ideas have already become reality.
Robots are commonly used to assemble entire devices. Most often, SCARA robots are equipped with heads allowing them to pick components by vacuum or grip, to rivet or to tighten screws. It should be emphasized that within the range of workpieces that are moved and assembled using the robots are both those very light – such as electronic components – and those large and heavy – such as television sets or product enclosures. The main drive behind automatization is the need of precision and repeatability of assembly as well as the decreasing availability of a low-skilled workforce. The speed and precision required in the production process often goes far beyond the efficient capabilities of human hands.
The YAMAHA SCARA robots fulfill these requirements perfectly. They do not use drive belts in their design, allowing for elimination of almost all vibrations related to the braking of the arm’s momentum.
This allows for the shortest real cycle times and the highest repeatability. One of the applications of SCARA robots is the production of electronics
In this area, YAMAHA SCARA robots have been used as part of REECO soldering and dispensing robots. Soldering robots respond to the industry’s demand for automated precision soldering of THT components, and can be applied in all situations where the use of a soldering wave or manual soldering is inefficient.
Soldering waves in certain sizes of production can be inefficient due to of large costs of electricity and the cost of consumables associated with their use. Similarly in certain sizes of production employees’ working time may be disproportionately large to the results achieved. To answer these needs SCARA robot head was equipped with a soldering tip and an automatic solder dispenser.
The other model of REECO Robot has a dispensing head that can work with various types of valves. It allows for a precise application of virtually any substance of a gel consistency. The robot can automate the application of substances such as silicones, adhesives, lubricants, paints, in places where the right dose and precise distribution is crucial. It also reduces costs by eliminating human errors, which can normally result from the application of too much (leaks, staining, the cost of the substance itself) or too small dose of substance (necessary corrections, aesthetics).
Of course, the potential use of the device goes far beyond the discussed electronic industry. An example can be the food industry and confectionery production – where it can be used to draw ornaments and inscriptions with glazing or chocolate.
In addition, all YAMAHA robots can be supplemented with vision systems. This technology allows for an even wider range of robot applications in tasks such as pick & place. The vision system is able to recognize the programmed shape itself (eg a component), which drastically speeds up the calibration process and reduces employee involvement.
This system is supported by the same controllers and software as other systems and YAMAHA robots. This allows for an easy and quick assembly and servicing of systems without the need for additional training. A similar application to the previously described, robots found in the automotive and related industries. YAMAHA SCARA with a lifting capacity of up to 50kg are used to carry and assemble large components.
The robots perform activities that, due to their repetition and the required precision, would be too burdensome for humans. In this industry, the proper placement of components on the production line and their proper assembly is of a great importance. Pick & place operations are most often carried out with the use of gripping heads, or – as in the electronics industry – using suction. SCARA robots are also used for precision drilling and screwing. In summary, YAMAHA industrial robots are fully universal, and the real scope of their applications is limited only by the user’s imagination.
The progressive automatization of most industries means that companies need to keep up with this in order to remain competitive. All forward looking entrepreneurs should consider whether SCARA-type robots would serve their business.