Author: R&E Engineering

High Precision Robotic Handling System for Delicate Handling

 

An addition to our portfolio, is for an existing client of ours who wanted a third robot installed with longer arm reach, but without sacrificing its precision.

So, for this project, we supplied our client with a NACHI MZ12 Robot which combines high speed, payload capacity and excellent positional accuracy of ±0.04 mm. The robot has a long reach of 1454 mm, very slim base and small footprint, making it very compact yet practical, which is beneficial for small workshops that struggles with space or any size factory that needs a little addition with big advantages. The robot is IP67 rated and its compact arm design reduces interference with peripheral equipment.

Delicate, Handling, MZ12, NACHI, Long-Reach, R&E, Engineering, Automation, Robot

The project requires delicate handling of the products as they are thin silicon moulds that could easily tear if handled roughly or incorrectly. This is where the robot’s high precision comes into play, every product is picked up in the same fashion, with exact angles and distances according to the program. We integrated the robot with two machines to make the most of the robot’s high speed, precision and short cycle time. The robot also works with an inspection system that tells the robot to pass or reject the product onto a reject conveyor underneath. With all these, the robot is able to run automatically, non-stop, 24/7 as long as the production is running.

Click below to see how the robot operates!

Overall, the MZ12 is a great addition to enhance your productivity and throughput. Additional features could also be added to the already remarkable robot. Such as vision system, sensors, etc. We also have a large selection of robots, with various sizes, reach and payloads.

Regardless if you are new or experienced in automation, we can help you further improve your production. We have extensive experience in robotic and automation systems, if you have any enquiry regarding our products or automation systems, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook for more information and updates regarding our robotic systems!

Multi-Lane Diversion Conveyor System

 

We recently developed a diversion conveyor for Ivankovich Farms, which we integrated with their existing conveying system and conveyors connecting to the robotic palletising system which we implemented back in 2016 (you can read about it here). The diversion conveyor essentially, directs products from one line to different lines so that the products arrive into predestined locations/stations corresponding to their conveyor lines.

Diversion, Conveyor, System, Multi-Lane

The diversion conveyor can work on patterns to divert products, for example products are diverted into one left and one right at a regular interval or on product separation/distinction using barcodes (where a barcode scanner is stationed before the diverter to read and depending on the reading, the diverter will determine the product’s path).

The video below shows how diversion conveyor works using sensors to detect the incoming products, counts them (to work on patterns or number of products) and engages the pneumatic cylinder to direct the products in accordance to their paths.

We have extensive experience in making automation systems, if you have any enquiry regarding our products or automation systems, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook for more information and updates regarding our robotic systems!

Stronger. Faster. Better Robotic Controller.

 

The new QIROX QC2 Controller, is an optimum “man-machine” interface. The new control cabinet generation QIROX Controller QC2 is particularly designed to meet the requirements of welding technology and to improve user-friendliness of the interface.

An all new servo technology ensures dynamic movement and high path accuracy of the robot during welding. The processes are controlled by an industrial PC with the capacity to simultaneously control all internal and external axes.

Every component is clearly arranged in a robust system cabinet, where they are protected from dirt and can be easily exchanged.

In total, this leads to high reliability and low maintenance expenditure. The new QIROX QC2 Controller is available in different sizes with control capabilities of 8 (micro), 11 (master) and 20 axes (advanced).

 

QIROX, QC2, Robotic Welding, Controller
Advanced, Master and Micro Qirox QC2 Controllers respectively.

 

Comparison of Technical Specifications

Advanced Master Micro
Temperature 0 – 45° 0 – 45° 0 – 45°
Type of Protection IP54 IP55 IP56
Internal Axes 6 – 7 6 – 7 6
External Axes BIS 24 4 – 5 2
LAN 2 2 2
RS232C 2 2 2
Connection Capacity Up to 33 kVA
(Standard, Higher on Demand)
Up to 12 kVA Up to 12 kVA
Humidity EN60204-1/4.4.4 EN60204-1/4.4.5 EN60204-1/4.4.6
L/W/H
(Without attached parts)
800 x 1900 x 600 mm 800 x 1300 x 600 mm 706 x 700 x 400 mm
Weight 300 kg 250 kg 100 kg

 

Overview of Benefits

  • High End Distributed Computing Power: Dynamic movement and high path accuracy of the robot.
  • Absolute Reliability: Clear dirt-protected arrangement of all components in a robust system cabinet.
  • Numerous Extra Functions: Can be used in combination with any CLOOS software such as the RoboPlan and CarolaEdi offline programming software, Remote Service Manager (RSM), Process Data Manager (PDM) and User Management System (UMS).

Advanced and Master:

  • High Hardware Compatibility and Up-to-date Software: Compatible up to V7 QIROX Controller and the new QS2 QIROX Controller software.
  • Maximum Operation Comfort: Additional touch screen, lockable keyboard and optional accessories such as cabinet heating, air conditioner and plug assembly cover.

Micro:

  • Space-Saving: Compact design and low weight.
  • Flexible Use: Easy transport with overhead crane, pallet or forklift.

 

QIROX QC2 Controller is a product of Carl Cloos Schweißtechnik GmbH.

References:
Carl Cloos Schweißtechnik GmbH. (2017). QIROX QC2 Advanced.
Retrieved from http://www.cloos.de/de-en/products/qirox/steuerungen/roboter-qc2-adv/.

Carl Cloos Schweißtechnik GmbH. (2017). QIROX QC2 Master.
Retrieved from http://www.cloos.de/de-en/products/qirox/steuerungen/roboter-qc2-master/.

Carl Cloos Schweißtechnik GmbH. (2017). QIROX QC2 Micro.
Retrieved from http://www.cloos.de/de-en/products/qirox/steuerungen/roboter-qc2-micro/.

Follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook for more information and updates regarding our robotic systems!

R&E at CLOOS APAC Sales Conference 2017

 

In December 2017, Rafal Pysz, represented R&E Engineering at a CLOOS Sales Conference for Asia-Pacific regions. The sales conference was hosted by CLOOS China and was attended by many CLOOS representatives, such as Germany, Australia, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and China.

CLOOS Representatives from the Asia-Pacific Regions

The conference was focused on discussing the welding markets in different countries, showcase of achievements and sales performances of each representative and how to better CLOOS sales performance in the industry as a whole. R&E Engineering is the one and only supplier of CLOOS Robotic Welding Systems in Australia and have given insights of how the welding market is like in Australia.

Some other activities include conducting site visits to where large scale robotic welding systems are implemented. One of the sites visited was a large organisation in the mining machinery manufacturers industry in Beijing, China.

Site visit to BMJ Beijing Coal Mining Machinery Factory in Beijing, China

As shown in the picture below, the system utilises a total of 8 QRC Welding Robots, 8 Vertical Stroke Robot Positioners and 2 Single Axis Workpiece Positioners. There are four robots working on one workpiece simultaneously, which skyrocketed the company’s production flow. These welding systems are autonomous and require very minimal to no supervision, resulting not only in a huge reduction in manual labour costs, but also improvement in both efficiency and quality.

Robotic Welding System at BMJ

If you are interested in a robotic welding system, do not hesitate! Contact us and chat with one of our friendly sales representatives for more information!

Follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook for more information and updates regarding our robotic systems!

6 Dec

Merry Christmas 2017 & Happy New Year 2018

 

We have come close to the end of 2017! How time flies!

We would like to thank all of our clients and suppliers for choosing and trusting us & we apologise for any inconvenience that we may have caused.

We hope that 2018 will be an even better year and brings our partnerships to a higher level!

Please note, that we will be closed from:

22nd of December 2017 – 1st of January 2018.

We will be back on the 2nd of January 2018 and operates as per our usual business hours.

Christmas, New Year, R and E

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

9 Benefits of Automation Systems

 

In the recent years, the application and benefits of automation in various industries and businesses have grown dramatically. Automation covers a broad range of processes from raw material processing, product handling to packaging and implementation of safety systems. The idea behind automation is to efficiently utilise resources, lower emissions and costs and improve safety.

Innovative Automation System, Benefits

Back in the days, automation is targeted more towards the mass production industries. Now, automation is more readily available not only to the giant corporations, but also to small businesses. The recent systems also possess more features, compact and affordable. Smaller businesses are now able to apply process automation as well due to the advancement of automation system.

Here are 9 benefits of implementing automation systems:

  1. Keeping up with the competition
  2. Competition, Business, Benefits

    The traditional barriers between information, communication and automation technology are fading as technology advances. It is foreseeable that in the future, more businesses, big and small, are going to implement process automation. It is becoming the norm in the industries and as time goes by, competition will become even fiercer, justifying the need to implement more advanced technology.

  3. Improve productivity & efficiency
  4. Productivity, Efficiency, Conveyor

    It is common sense that manual labours have fluctuating productivity and efficiency levels depending on the focus, mood and fatigue of the workers, just to name a few. However, there are so many more factors involved when employing manual labours which affect the output of production. It is highly advantageous for a business to implement automation, as robots and machines do not have these biological factors that would undermine their output consistency. Even a single conveyor system would improve production throughput significantly.

    Additionally, robots can work 24/7, 365 a year and produce consistent output throughout. With minimal and regular maintenance, it is guaranteed to skyrocket your production efficiency. Aside from that, you get a detailed breakdown of technical data that can be analysed for continuous improvement on the production processes.

  5. Reduce costs in the long run
  6. Cost, Savings, Economic, Benefits

    Investing in an automation system has never been cheap. However, when is it designed properly, it will be cost-effective. Meaning, the improvements in effectiveness and productivity of the business will justify the cost for automation. Higher production output results in higher sales and returns in investment and in the long run, increases profit for the business.

  7. Custom designed systems
  8. Custom, Design, System

    Automation systems are made to the business’ requirements. Automation systems for every business is different as they have different products, procedures, building layout, etc. This makes the system very personalised to each business and made to run the production line at its most optimal state, taking into account the factors mentioned above. Just like a key made to only fit a particular keyhole, it is how an automation system should be designed, to fit a particular business’ wants and needs.

  9. Increased workplace health and safety
  10. Health, Safety, Workplace

    Australia is big on workplace health and safety, which makes it the perfect place to adopt automation systems into your business! Any automation system should come with an appropriate safety system. The purpose of safety not only to protect the workers but also the machinery and products.

  11. Provide quality assurance
  12. Quality, Check, Quality Assurance

    Manual labour quality fluctuates depending on the status of the labourers. Mood, fatigue, environmental condition, etc. affect the quality of work. Automation systems eliminate the dependency of the outcome quality. Machinery, especially industrial/heavy duty level ones are not bothered by any of those factors and will provide consistent quality throughout.

  13. Reduced and easier maintenance
  14. Repair, Fix, Maintenance, Service

    Automation systems are made to handle specific processes, which means that their design would include prevention or minimisation of damage due to product handling. Any other damages from wear and tear are generally easy to repair and require minimal maintenance. Don’t worry, we can teach you how to maintain your system and it won’t be as difficult as fixing a space ship!

  15. Compact-sized
  16. Compact, Tiny, Layout, System, Design

    As mentioned before, the size of the system would also be dependent on the layout and space available. The system could have multiple layers or levels of operational lines, which significantly reduces the size of the system. We have always been challenged to think outside the box and to use our creativity to provide the clients with the most effective, yet compact system possible.

  17. Expansive modular system
  18. Expansion, Expand, Modular, Addition, System

    One of the biggest factors driving businesses to adopt automation system is due to its limitless possibilities in system expansion. You don’t need to buy separate systems to do different things on the same product, you can grow the system instead so that the production flow automatically from one process to another. Automation system is a long-term investment that can grow your business indefinitely. In the industry, we always say, “it’s not about how much we can do, it’s about how far the client wants to go”.

With all these advantages, businesses should really consider automation for their processes. Benefits of adopting automation systems are tremendous and worth the investment.

If you have a feeling that you can improve the productivity and efficiency of your production line, but don’t know where to start, give us a call! You can visit our contact us page for more details! It will be worth your time as we could give you options and ideas on improvements without obligations. So, don’t wait! Get your business in the front-line now!

Follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook for more information and updates regarding our robotic systems!

Leap in Packing System Technology at Ivankovich Farms

 

Ivankovich Farms is a Western Australian, family owned, growing and packing operation, specialising in onion and carrot production. As a huge and growing local vegetable grower and fresh produce supplier, Ivankovich Farms looked for a way to improve the efficiency of their production line.

R&E Engineering and TecnoPlatform partnered together in providing Ivankovich Farms with a reliable fully customised Powered Roller Product Conveyor System that is fully integrated to the NACHI Pallet Handling Robot and PIERI Pallet Wrapping machine.

Overall, we are very happy with the outcome and resulting system. The system improved productivity and throughput significantly. Product packing also outputs consistent, neat and securely wrapped palletised products.

We thank Ivankovich Farm for trusting us in introducing automation into their business. This is a step forward into the future for WA agriculture industry. We wish Ivankovich Farms good luck and all the best for their future!

Check out Ivankovich Farms’ website here.

Also check out the article below on Ivankovich Farm during the system installation!

Ivankovich;Packing;Pallet

Pressreader (2017). Farm steps into future. [online]
Available at: https://www.pressreader.com/australia/harvey-waroona-reporter/20160802/281642484546139 [Accessed 1 Oct. 2017].

Leap in Packing System Technology at Ivankovich Farms

 

Ivankovich Farms is a Western Australian, family owned, growing and packing operation, specialising in onion and carrot production. As a huge and growing local vegetable grower and fresh produce supplier, Ivankovich Farms looked for a way to improve the efficiency of their production line.

R&E Engineering and TecnoPlatform partnered together in providing Ivankovich Farms with a reliable fully customised Powered Roller Product Conveyor System that is fully integrated to the NACHI Pallet Handling Robot and PIERI Pallet Wrapping machine.

Overall, we are very happy with the outcome and resulting system. The system improved productivity and throughput significantly. Product packing also outputs consistent, neat and securely wrapped palletised products.

We thank Ivankovich Farm for trusting us in introducing automation into their business. This is a step forward into the future for WA agriculture industry. We wish Ivankovich Farms good luck and all the best for their future!

Check out Ivankovich Farms’ website here.

Also check out the article below on Ivankovich Farm during the system installation!

Ivankovich;Packing;Pallet

Pressreader (2017). Farm steps into future. [online]
Available at: https://www.pressreader.com/australia/harvey-waroona-reporter/20160802/281642484546139 [Accessed 1 Oct. 2017].