TM Robotics repeats successful Hanover venture

Toshiba Machine Co. Ltd, and TM Robotics, will be exhibiting at the Hanover Messe, between the 15th and the 20th of April, on stand C50, in hall 17. Following the restructuring of Toshiba's industrial controls operation, TM Robotics Ltd was formed to focus on the development of Toshiba Machine's European industrial robot business. This is the second consecutive year in which the company has exhibited at the Messe.

The main exhibit will be the new Toshiba Machine SCARA robots, the TH-250 and TH-350, which provide better accuracy and repeatability than existing SCARAs, and offer quicker cycle times and faster motion. The new SCARAs provide such high-precision accuracy they can even be used in electronics production. The TH-250 and TH-350 feature top-level speed, payloads of up to 3kg and repeatability of +/- 0.01mm. Both SCARAs feature absolute encoders as standard, dispensing with the need for a home return function. The robot's controller has a built in PLC, which facilitates the use of Ethernet, DeviceNet and Profibus links, a function which will be demonstrated at the show with particular focus on Profibus. The robots are suited to assembly and handling applications, particularly with small components such as electrical, mobile phone and camera parts.

These new additions to the existing range give Toshiba Machine one of the largest ranges of mechanical arms on the market. The range now extends from the TH-250 (250mm) to the large palletising SCARA, with a 1950mm arm length and a payload capacity up to 70kgs.

TM Robotics and Toshiba Machine will also be exhibiting the BA series of linear, multiple actuators and Cartesian robots, designated the ROIbot. These use a modular building block design, allowing single or dual axis configurations to be built from the same standard components. This system allows for over 500 configurations whilst the compact design minimises space requirements. Each axis can handle up to 100kgs and features AC servomotors, precision ground ball screws and high rigidity linear guides. The ROIbot can be used in applications ranging from water-jet cutting to PCB assembly.