Paint It Pretty With Precise and Versatile 6-Axis Robots
Armed with application-specific software and a controller that coordinates operation of the robot and painting devices, the three machines that comprise Yaskawa Motoman’s MPX Series precisely dispense paint on components of virtually any size.
Posted: July 8, 2020
The high-speed, 6-axis MPX1150, MPX1950, and MPX2600 robots from Motoman Robotics Division of Yaskawa America Inc. (Dayton, OH) create smooth, consistent finishes for a variety of painting and dispensing applications.
Ideal for painting smaller components, the compact MPX1150 has a straight wrist with 5 kg payload capacity. It’s well-suited for mounting a variety of spray guns and small bells. Its small footprint and slim arm design allow for minimum installation space. An optional location (right, left, or bottom) for manipulator cable connection reduces interference with walls. Features 727 mm horizontal reach; 1,290 mm vertical reach; and ±0.02 mm repeatability.
The slightly larger MPX1950 is perfect for painting small-to-medium-sized components and also has an optional location for manipulator cable connection. Its 7 kg wrist payload enables mounting an array of spray guns and small bells. Features 1,450 mm horizontal reach; 2,730 mm vertical reach; and ±0.15 mm repeatability.
Ideal for automotive components and other industrial applications, the streamlined upper arm of the MPX2600 is equipped with mounting points to optimize hose routing. Its 15 kg wrist payload allows for mounting a variety of spray guns and large bells, while the large 70 mm hollow wrist prevents paint and air tube interference. Features 2,000 mm horizontal reach; 3,643 mm vertical reach; and ±0.2 mm repeatability.
The robots as well as their DX200-FM controller feature Factory Mutual (FM) approval for use in Class I, Division 1 hazardous environments. An intrinsically safe pendant is available as an option.
The controller includes application-specific software for paint applications and coordinates operation of the robot and painting devices, including spray gun, color changer, and gear pump. It supports standard networks (EtherNet, EtherNet IP, CC-Link and DeviceNet), enabling connection to paint equipment controllers and production line controllers.
The controller is available with Category 3 Performance Level d (PLd) functional safety unit (FSU), which supports safety-rated speed control, safety-rated soft axis and space limiting, and safety-rated monitor stop. In addition to enabling safe operation in smaller spray booths with adjacent manual operations, these safety functions can be utilized to save costs and reduce floorspace requirements.