What Robotic Applications Can Benefit from Force Sensors?
Robotic force sensors have been key in the advancement of robotic applications. Their addition to robotics has greatly improved many material handling processes. They have also made automating many material removal applications possible. There are numerous benefits of robotic force sensors and soon this technology may be just as common as vision systems for robots. The following is a list of some robot applications that can benefit the most from the addition of force sensors.
Assembly
There are some assembly applications that require more than the capabilities of robot vision for putting parts together. Robotic vision systems have helped greatly improve the accuracy of robotic assembly, but some have such complex and tight tolerances that only the sense of touch can allow for their successful completion. A FANUC LR Mate 200id/7L being used to insert a microchip into an electronic device can greatly benefit from being able to sense resistance and force applied. Parts like microchips can be extremely delicate, so having force sensor feedback allows the robot to detect the correct amount of pressure, preventing parts from becoming damaged. Force sensors increase the precision, accuracy, and reliability of robotic assembly processes. This is just one of the ways FANUC robots are improving electronics.Polishing
Robotic polishing applications have significantly improved with force sensor technology. Automating polishing tasks requires force feedback in order to properly finish parts. Polishing can be tedious and demands a great deal of accuracy and consistency. Applying too little force can result in a poor finish, while too much force can completely ruin a part. A FANUC M-710ic/20L integrated with force sensors will use feedback from them to make necessary adjustments while operating. Resulting in polished, high-quality finishes that are consistent with every part. Robotic polishing using force sensor technology is more consistent and reliable than manual methods.Deburring
Deburring is a type of material removal process involving the removal of burrs, edges, fins, or other imperfections from parts. Deburring processes demand precise force control between the EOAT and part in order to be successful. Force sensors provide robots with controlled precision, allowing for the automation of deburring tasks. Rough castings can be accurately deburred with force sensors, preventing errors or deviations that may result in parts being scrapped. Force sensors also ensure tooling remains on the contour, even if there are changes to the application path. Force sensors can allow robots to push down on parts and in different directions at the same time for the most precise deburring of even complex parts. The FANUC M-710ic/50 is a top choice for deburring cells integrated with force sensors.Grinding
Robotic grinding processes can significantly outperform manual ones with the integration of force sensor technology. Grinding away material to produce smooth and even surfaces requires consistent and accurate pressure of the tooling device. Force sensors allow robots to determine the correct amount of pressure needed while in operation and to make any necessary adjustments resulting in higher quality products. Cycle times will be significantly sped up with the elimination of operator mistakes. Force sensors also increase operation flexibility of robots since they can adjust immediately to different parts. Integrating a FANUC M-10ia with force sensors improves the operation and outcomes of grinding applications.Robots Done Right is the place to start when it comes to used robots. Contact us if you are interested in buying or selling a used robot.