Robotic Cell Streamlines Part Loading

March 17, 2021

The LoadMate Plus Machine Tending Robotic Cell from Absolute Machine Tools partner Mitsubishi Electric Automation streamlines part loading, unloading, and palletizing in low-to-high volume applications. It features portability, easy setup and programming, high performance, and a safety-first design that makes it appropriate for both job shops and larger-scale production environments.

 

Mitsubishi and Absolute jointly designed the plug-and-play cell. It consists of a Mitsubishi industrial robot, a wheeled stainless steel base, a clear polycarbonate cell enclosure featuring a safety door with an interlock switch, and a side table extension. The cell accommodates Mitsubishi 6-axis RV-series robots ranging in load capacity from 7 to 20 kg and reaches up to 1,388 mm.

 

Integrating the robot cell with a CNC machine is a one-step process using a single Ethernet cable, Mitsubishi’s Direct Robot Control function, and the Mitsubishi M8 series control. The LoadMate Plus can also interface with other control types via remote I/O connectivity.

 

Built-in casters enable users to move the LoadMate cell from machine to machine. The cell enclosure is designed to handle heavy payloads and significant part momentum. Additional guarding and fencing may not be necessary when the cell is positioned correctly in tandem or in close proximity to the CNC machine. Depending on the application, the cell can be secured in position using built-in ratchet pads or an optional floor-mount latching system.

  • High-speed machine tending eliminates lost time between machining cycles
  • Palletize parts in any high/low volume mix
  • Maximum portability from machine to machine – just roll it!
  • One-step setups using ONE (1) Ethernet cable
  • Fully enclosed for safety-first functionality
  • Payloads up to 20kg using Mitsubishi RV series industrial robots
  • Reach up to 1,388 mm
  • LoadMate Packages start at $49,900
Robot Specifications RV-8CRLRV-7FRRV-7FRLRV-13FRDRV-13FRLDRV-20FRDPayload Capacity8 kg7 kg13 kg20 kgMaximum Reach931 mm713 mm908 mm1,094 mm1,388 mm1,094 mmAxes6 (J1-J6)Maximum Composite Speed10,500 mm/sec11,604 mm/sec10,977 mm/sec10,450 mm/sec9,700 mm/sec4,200 mm/secPosition Repeatability0.02 mm0.05mmController TypeCR800SoftwareRT ToolBox 3

 

Stand Dimensions
 3×3 ENCLOSURE & SIDE TABLE4×4 ENCLOSURE & SIDE TABLE
Leng?th36 in.48 in.
Width36 in.48 in.
Height82 in.82 in.

 

Options: 

  • Solenoid valve set
  • Teach pendant
  • Digital I/O interface
  • Digital I/O cable
  • CC-Link IE Field
  • EtherCAT interface
  • EtherNet/IP interface
  • Profinet interface
  • Force sensor
  • Standard software
  • End-effector/Gripper
  • Safety
  • Setup and Training
  • PLC Setup