Foundry robot has more versatile wrist

A more versatile robot wrist, which is coated in an extra heavy duty, heat-resistant paint, allows a foundry robot to continuously withstand temperatures of up to 100degC.

KUKA Automation + Robotics has added a new model to its range of foundry robots which are specially designed to work with ease in challenging environments where there is a high degree of fouling and high temperatures.

KUKA's new KR16F features an improved, more versatile robot wrist which is coated in an extra heavy duty, two-component epoxy resin, heat-resistant paint, ensuring it can continuously withstand temperatures of up to 100degC and even 180degC for short bursts.

The rest of the robot is also finished in a heat-resistant foundry paint, which is not only chemically resistant to diluted acids and alkalis but is also extremely hard-wearing and abrasion-resistant.

The KR16F, which can handle payloads up to 16kg, incorporates a pressure regulator that prevents fluid from entering the robot arm while the robot wrist comprises a number of corrosion-resistant components.

To protect the robot, KUKA produces a range of guards which are easy to remove and don't affect the robot's movement.

This includes fibreglass covers for the 6 axis motors and motor lead protective sheaths for axis 2 and 3.

Both the robot wrist and gauge cartridges for axis 3 to 6 conform to IP67.

The robot, part of KUKA's foundry range which also includes other versions capable of handling a variety of payloads up to 570kg, offers several important benefits such as fast tool and product refitting, complete process safety, optional Euromap E12 interface and reduction in cycle times by as much as 40%.

KUKA robots can undertake a wide range of tasks including loading and unloading, spraying, finishing and palletising.

Some models can be mounted on machines while others can be supplied with KUKA's KL1500/2 linear unit which has been specially designed for the foundry industry to boost robot flexibility and mobility.

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