In what is being called a world’s first, robot manufacturer Fanuc has developed an explosion-proof, ATEX-rated collaborative robot (cobot) for industrial painting applications.
According to its manufacturer, the cobot is ideal for wet spraying, dry powder coating and several other processes that involve adhesive dispensing. The CRX-10iA/L Paint is expected to improve the precision of paint jobs, reduce waste, increase productivity and boost safety by protecting workers from paint fumes.
Source: Fanuc
With approval for use in ATEX-certified Cat. II Group 2G and 2D, the CRX-10iA/L Paint also allows human employees to work in the same painting area as the cobot without safety fences, thanks to a highly sensitive contact-stopping function.
The company noted: “Our CRX-10iA/L Paint, with its easy-teach features and drag-and-drop functionality, means no robot programming expertise is necessary.”
Further, the team suggests that paint shop professionals can complete programs in minutes using an icon-based app on a tablet teach pendant.
“Operators can manually move the cobot arm to the first position required, make a save point and continue through the paint path. The cobot will ‘learn’ its entire range of positioning — it’s that easy. What’s more, users can save and apply paint paths to other parts.”
The IP67-rated Fanuc CRX-10iA/L Paint six-axis cobot offers a maximum payload of 10 kg and the longest reach in its class of 1,418 mm.
Additionally, the robot offers process flexibility with its floor, upside-down or angle mounting option, while its under-flip motion means users can manipulate the paint gun in confined spaces. In addition, the cobot is fully compatible with almost all automatic end-of-arm guns.
The maximum speed in collaborative mode is 1,000 mm/s and if located in a closed paint booth, users can activate high-speed mode of 2,000 mm/s.
For more on the cobot, visit the Fanuc website.
