New SCARA to be launched at Hanover

Toshiba Machine launches its new TH450 SCARA robot at the Hanover Messe on April 11 to 15, 2005. The robot greatly enhances the speed capacity of the previous models and is the quickest SCARA robot in its class, achieving goalpost cycle times of less than 0.3 seconds. The new robots meet the increased speed and productivity demands from European manufacturers, struggling to compete with cheaper labour costs overseas.

As well as the traditional users of robot systems, this powerful package should be of great interest to manufacturers operating high-speed processes such as food and pharmaceutical handling and assembly work - such as cosmetic or health and beauty products. "This extremely cost effective solution, with very short payback times, should attract manufactures of all sizes," commented Nigel Smith of TM Robotics. "Smaller companies will be interested in its affordability, while manufacturers specifying larger lines will note the extremely attractive return on investment cycle."

The TH-450's enhanced speed capability and linear and circular conveyor synchronisation capabilities represent a very powerful package when combined with easily integrated vision systems.

The new robot's user-friendly TS2000 controller features a built-in PLC, allowing complete system control to be handled from the robot controller. The TS2000 controller is equipped with 70 I/O's as standard but expandable up to 166, to satisfy even the thirstiest of I/O requirements.

The robot programming language is SCOL, which is similar to BASIC and this can be used across the complete Toshiba Machine SCARA and Cartesian range, creating an easy upgrade migration from previous models to the TH450. Motion control commands include single axis motion, synchronous motion, linear interpolation, circular interpolation and arc motion.

An extensive range of control options includes Toshiba Machine's Windows based TSPC programming software, inclusive of 3D simulation of the robot movement. Ethernet, DeviceNet and Profibus communications provide advanced programming flexibility.

The new SCARA can be seen at the Toshiba Machine stand situated in the Robot Application Centre for Factory Automation in Hall 17 of the Hanover Messe.