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May 2015

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CNC and Robot Solutions for Automotive Applications



FANUC America Corporation's CNC and robot solutions for automotive applications include: CIP Safety functionality with the new EtherNet/IP Adapter Safety function for the FANUC Series 3xi-B CNCs that enables safety communication with Rockwell Automation controller (Logix PAC) systems used in automotive transfer lines, and the FANUC LR Mate 200iD robot equipped with FANUC's new iRVision 3DA/400 Area Sensor for machine tool load/unload of automotive parts.

EtherNet/IP Adapter Safety Function with CIP Safety

FANUC announces CIP Safety functionality with the new EtherNet/IP Adapter Safety function for the FANUC Series 3xi-B CNCs that enable safety communication with Rockwell Automation controller (Logix PAC) systems. This new function was specifically designed to communicate between a safety controller and CNC with safety signals for automotive transfer lines. "The FANUC and Rockwell Automation integrated automotive architecture provides customers simplified architectures, faster startups, improved synchronization between platforms, lower maintenance, integrated safety signal communication, improved productivity and transparent data access across the entire connected manufacturing enterprise," said a company spokesperson.

FANUC EtherNet/IP Adapter Safety function with CIP Safety is an enhancement to the current dual check safety function. The EtherNet/IP Adapter Safety function makes it possible to handle safety signals on the EtherNet/IP Adapter function, transferring safety signals between a master safety controller and CNC. It communicates digital input/output signals across Ethernet to further simplify the hardware and connections needed.

Dual check safety on the FANUC Series 3xi-B CNC supports an integrated safety function over a single cable. Using built-in redundancy, a special processor monitors safety-related parameters and guarantees the integrity and safety of the system by tracking the actual position and speed of the servomotors, spindle motors and I/O interfaces.

Using the CIP Safety functionality of the new EtherNet/IP Adapter Safety function with dual check safety, the sending side device cross-checks the safety signals, adds the inspection data, and then transmits both data sets to the receiving side device. The receiving side device ensures integrity and safety by confirming the inspection data and cross-checking the safety signals.

The initial release of EtherNet/IP connectivity allowed for open interconnectivity of FANUC CNCs to factory automation solutions. The use of EtherNet/IP network architecture allows customers to leverage common tools and technology for device configuration and maintenance across CNC, robot and Logix PAC cell environments.

"With CIP Safety functionality in the new release of EtherNet/IP Adapter Safety function, end-users and machine tool builders will additionally benefit from the added integrated safety communication between CNC and Logix PAC control environments as well as further simplification of the hardware and connections," said a company spokesperson.

Robotic Machine Loading and 3D Bin Picking with the LR Mate 200iD Robot

FANUC continues to expand its line of robotics and automation technology for automotive machine tool load/unload applications with the introduction of FANUC's latest high-speed iRVision 3DA/400 Area Sensor, a solution for loading/unloading randomly located small to medium size parts from a bin into a machine tool. FANUC's high-speed 3D Area Sensors provide a detailed 3D map of a bin of randomly-oriented parts in one quick vision shot. It is an easy-to-use vision tool, allowing bin picking set-up through the iPendant in a matter of minutes. The FANUC 3DA/400 Area Sensor is designed for use with a small or medium size robot with smaller containers measuring less than 400 mm long x 300 mm wide x 300 mm high. FANUC's 3D Area Sensor is available in two variants - the 3DA/1300 for a wider range of view, and the compact 3DA/400 for small to medium size applications. Both models are equipped with a higher-resolution mode for greater 3D location precision.

FANUC America has released a video featuring an automotive machining application on YouTube: http://youtu.be/C9llYcjz3ns

An LR Mate 200iD robot equipped with FANUC's new iRVision 3DA/400 Area Sensor locates and picks randomly oriented uncut slugs from a bin. The 3DA/400 Area Sensor provides 3D location of the slugs in the bin. The robot picks an uncut slug and loads it into the first of two high-speed machine tools for the first half of a machining cycle. The machine tool features automation with tight integration and easy connection with the robot and Servo Doors, which are controlled by the auxiliary axis of the robot, enabling the robot to anticipate door opening and closing. Once the first machining cycle is finished, the machine servo door opens and the LR Mate 200iD unloads the slug from the first machine. It loads it to the second machine to complete machining. The second machine finishes a completed small engine camshaft. The robot unloads the finished part and places it in a bin out of the system.

For more information contact:

FANUC America Corporation

3900 West Hamlin Rd.

Rochester Hills, MI 48309-3253

888-FANUC-US (326-8287)

www.fanucamerica.com

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