Latest Production Tech: ATI Tool Changer, OMRON Manufacturing Robots & More

ATI Tool Changer

MC-10 mounted to a Universal Robot. (Image courtesy of ATI.)

ATI has released the MC-10 Manual Tool Changer, providing a system for quickly changing tools on a collaborative robot by hand. The ergonomic twist-collar locking mechanism ensures a secure attachment of the tool and manual operation with tactile feedback.

The MC-10 Manual Tool Changer can carry payloads of up to 22 lbs and includes multiple fail-safe features that resist vibration and prevent loosening. The MC-10 also has integrated air pass-through connections and options to connect electrical utilities if needed.

For more information, visit ATI’s website.

c3controls Miniature Circuit Breakers

Series 1100 of MCBs. (Image courtesy of c3controls.)

c3controls has introduced the Series 1100 line of Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs). The MCBs feature a 10kA Short-Circuit Current Rating (SCCR) and 2x the 5kA, generating short-circuit and overload protection for branch and downstream devices.

Including both UL 489 Branch Circuit Breakers and UL 1077 Supplementary Protectors as well as over 500 configurations, the Series 1100 line is suitable for a range of uses. Configurations include one-pole, one plus neutral, two, three and three plus neutral, with current ratings from 0.5A to 63A, all with thermal and magnetic trip elements for overload and short-circuit protection.

For more information, visit c3controls’ website.

Kepware Industrial Connectivity Software

KEPServerEX software. (Image courtesy of Kepware.)

Kepware has announced the release of its KEPServerEX version 6.5 industrial connectivity platform. Freely available for existing users with valid V5 and V6 licenses of KEPServerEX, version 6.5 includes secure deployment guidelines, greater project file protection, enhanced password configuration and other updated security components.

Version 6.5 also provides updates to 32 other server components, drivers and advanced plug-ins. Enhancements were made to the Torque Tool Ethernet driver, TIA Portal Exporter Utility, MQTT Client driver and server performance, as well as store-and-forward capabilities for the ThingWorx Native Interface.

For more information, visit Kepware’s website.

OMRON Manufacturing Robots

i4 SCARA family of robots. (Image courtesy of OMRON.)

OMRON has unveiled a line of line of SCARA manufacturing and production robots. Named the “i4,” this generation of SCARA robot will save space during installation and allow easier configuration into existing production lines. The i4 line features better communication through EtherCAT, enabling synchronization between other automation devices.

These abilities facilitate advanced assembly, inserting and mounting processes that require high accuracy and demanding throughput, as well as ensured quality control with vision integration. In addition, i4 visualizes working data and supervises its status with built-in signals for preventive maintenance, allowing users to mitigate unplanned downtime.

For more information, read our article on the new product family.

Universal Robots COBOT Technology

e-Series of COBOTs. (Image courtesy of Universal Robots.)

Universal Robots has launched its e-Series of collaborative robots (cobots). Improvements include a built-in, tool-centric Force/Torque sensor, better repeatability and quieter operation.

Furthermore, a re-designed control panel and new programming and control software make deployment and programming easier than before – regardless of the application. Seventeen safety functions, including customizable stopping time and distance, have also been integrated.

For more information, check out this article comparing the new E-series to the existing 3^rd-generation robots.

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