Compact multi-finger robot grippers are an essential element of the automated production of electronic equipment, transporting parts between operations. It is critical that in the event of an unplanned human intervention or a machine malfunction, there is not a collision hazard – Therefore machine designers insist on an anti-collision system. Miniature distance sensors, monitor the gripper jaws, monitor the monitor the gripper’s position.
CUSTOMER APPLICATION
During the automated production of solar cells, compact two-finger robot edge-grippers transport trays of silicon wafers between operations. To avoid impacts on the wafer’s surfaces, process engineers require reliable confirmation that gripper jaws are fully open before the gripper descends to pick up a tray.
Eliminating avoidable scrap costs is top of any production engineer’s to-do list, particularly when rectifying component damage also means interrupting a fast-moving automated production line. When the component in question is a costly photovoltaic silicon wafer, designers often turn to robotic handling systems, although relying on robots to achieve perfect alignment isn’t always the answer.
In a manufacturing cell, robotic handling systems assemble solar cells before presenting them for automated testing. To start, trays of silicon wafers are transported between operations by two-finger robot edge-grippers. If gripper malfunctions occur, scrap costs can mount rapidly, with mechanical damage caused by impacts on the wafer surfaces being a common cause.
Analysis showed that open/close errors account for a significant proportion of gripper malfunctions. Software routines alone can’t identify the position of the gripper fingers; attempts to pick up a wafer tray with the jaws only partially open result in fingers impacting on the wafer surfaces. A cost-effective hardware solution is required to provide overriding inhibition of picking routines if this situation arises.
CUSTOMER SOLUTION
Designers specified two-finger grippers fitted with Contrinex Ultraminiature inductive sensors as a reliable and cost-effective means of detecting the position of the jaws at the extremes of travel. Before the gripper descends to pick up a tray, these miniature proximity sensors, mounted directly above the top faces of the gripper fingers, sense the position of the jaws in the fully open position.
The Ultraminiature inductive sensors are designed with the needs of OEMs and system integrators in mind and provide an unobtrusive fit-and-forget solution. These miniature devices weigh only 25 grams, and with a compact 3mm-diameter x 22mm V2A stainless-steel housing, they allow easy integration in tight spaces with insufficient room for traditional devices.
With a sensing distance of 1mm, MiniDist devices offer designers attractive alternatives when specifying equipment. Industry-standard PNP and NPN outputs with normally open or normally closed options ensure optimum flexibility when interfacing with a wide range of control systems. Connection is via a PUR-sheathed cable with a 3-pin connector or 2-meter flying lead; alternative lengths are available.
These highly versatile miniature sensors meet designers’ needs for reliable operation while preventing accidental damage. The solution is both highly reliable and cost-effective while eliminating avoidable scrap costs; payback is rapid, while production throughput is maintained at target levels without increasing the cost of quality.
PLUS Automation aims to help you #MAKESENSEOFSENSORS, helping solve applications, improve machine performance and reliability, and reduce costs using Contrinex’s exceptional Inductive🧲, Photoelectric🔦, Ultrasonic🦇, RFID📻 & Machine Safety👷 sensors. Find more information and read other application examples go to www.PLUSAx.co.uk
PRODUCT ADVANTAGES
🤏Ultraminiature sensors from Ø3mm2 sensor
📏Long sensing ranges
💪Robust & reliable in demanding conditions
🔨Stainless-Steel body
🕵🏽Fast and accurate detection
✨EMC resilient
🌡️Wide temperature range -25°C TO +70°C
🎛️IO-Link – Ideal for Industry 4
Click to find out more about these sensors, or Click to download Contrinex’s Product Overview brochure
