By Nick Gilbert
The new Toshiba Machine THL model Scara robots were debuted during Automatica 2012, a European trade show. This product became so popular among customers that within a short period of weeks following the demonstration, about four new THL robots wee deployed.
Toshiba Machine THL model Scara robots
he THL range has met the need for cost-effective, flexible automation for beyond-industrial applications like robot-assisted materials handling, packaging, and welding.
The target was to attain low inertia and low mass with the essential rigidity that leads to high accuracy. The deployment of lightweight cast aluminium mechanical components including a series of ribbed sections ensures reduction in mass in addition to providing rigidity. This enables fitting smaller servo motors. A convenient gearbox has been deployed as less inertia results from the lightweight system.
Compared to other Toshiba Machine models, the THL range is 50% lighter and uses 50% less electricity. These robots have high-performance and high-maintenance capabilities than their predecessors.
The robots are being offered in arm lengths measuring 500, 600 and 700 mm. Each robot includes four axes of movement such as ±360° rotational, having a working envelope of ±125° on the first axis and ±145° on the second axis. Maximum composite speed based on first and second axes provides 6.3 m/s for the THL 500, 7.1 m/s for the THL 600 and 7.9 m/s for the largest THL700. A 2 kg payload ensures cycle time such as 0.45 s for the THL 500 and THL 600, 0.05 s slower for the THL 700. Maximum payload is 10 kg for all three models. The permissible moment of inertia is 0.2 kg/m2. The use of absolute encoders repeatability is 0.01 mm in X-Y.
Source: http://tmrobotics.co.uk/