Product category:
Robots and robotic systems
News Release from: Staubli UK (Robotics) | Subject: MPS 360/HP Robot Tool Changing System
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 25 June 2001
Robots can pierce and clinch metal sheet
Staubli has developed a tool changing system for robot arms that can withstand, reliably and safely, the high and pulsating pressures generated during piercing and clinching.
Two recently developed techniques, self-pierce riveting and metal clinching, are becoming increasingly popular as alternative methods to spot welding for joining sheet metal, particularly in the automotive sector In response to this demand Staubli, the connection specialists, have developed a tool changing system for robot arms that can withstand, reliably and safely, the high and pulsating pressures generated during these processes
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 22 Feb 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Powerful 6-axis robots have IP 65 protection
More powerful, more compact and rigid 6-axis robots complement an existing high speed robots suitable for floor, ceiling or wall mounting and have Class IP 65 protection.
SCARA robot is very compact, versatile
A very compact SCARA robot is being offered for automation tasks such as dispensing, testing, packaging and assembly and will be shown at K 2007 alongside a fast demoulding activity.
The MPS 360/HP is the latest addition to the well-established range of tool changing systems available from Staubli.
The facility to automatically change from, for example, a welding gun to a rivet gun or flange tool increases the utilisation of each robot arm and can often eliminate the need for additional investment.
The MPS 360/HP is directly mountable on the robot flange in accordance with ISO 9409-1 A125 or A160.
Further reading
Wide range of peripherals support robots use
Company not only makes robots, it also offers advanced software, peripherals and control systems, including machine vision, multi-robot working and high power laser cutting.
Compact SCARA robot fits into tight places
A high performance, mini-SCARA robot is a very compact robot for use in limited space automation systems and inside the working area of a machining centre.
Injection mould grippers change automatically
Gripper changing mechanism significantly improves productivity on automated plastic injection moulding cells and automatically and simultaneously connects or disconnects all fluid lines.
Locking and unlocking are controlled by compressed air and the clean break, flush face fluid couplings are designed to work on an extremely short stroke, minimising changeover times.
The ability to handle payloads of up to 360kg is a distinct advantage over competing systems.
Automatic, clean break connections are made for air, water, electrics and data systems however it is the hydraulic connections that gives the 360/HP the ability to work with self piercing guns and metal clinching tools.
In standard form a maximum working pressure of 320 bar provides the power to operate each of the selected tools while the robust wrought steel construction and patented secure locking systems are built to withstand the pulsating pressures encountered during the piercing process.
Self-pierce riveting technology was used for the first time in the automotive sector on the aluminium body for the Audi A8.
The method produces a joint with 30% higher strength than spot welding while requiring a significantly lower amount of energy.
It can be used to join similar or dissimilar metals of any thickness, even joints between several layers are possible.
By using a semi-tubular rivet in a single, low-noise and emission-free operation, a positive leak proof joint is made.
The rivet pierces through the upper material and deforms on the die side making a secure joint.
The system is readily automated, only a low level of operator skill is required, no pre-drilling or piercing are needed and the joint produced is easily inspected for quality.
In contrast, metal clinching produces a joint without the need for a secondary fastener.
The sheet metal is pressed together to produce a cold reform which holds the layers securely together.
By using a punch-die combination, a joint similar in form to a press-stud is produced.
Multiple thickness of steel, aluminium and other non-ferrous metals can be joined by clinching, a reliable, efficient and environmentally friendly process.
Staubli MPS 360/HP robot tool changers are currently in use on both piercing and clinching activities as well as for many other robotic tool changer applications in the automotive sector and elsewhere.
Installations at Audi, BMW and Daimler Chrysler are proving the capabilities of this new system.
The MPS 360/HP and Staubli's connection expertise are increasing the scope and potential for these new metal joining processes, especially in the automotive sector where the trend away from steel towards aluminium and light alloys is becoming well established.
Staubli Connectors Division are specialists in providing solutions to all coupling requirements.
Manufacturing is based in France and Germany with offices across Europe, North and South America and the Far East.
The UK base is in Telford.
2 2.
• Staubli UK (Robotics): contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Manufacturingtalk email newsletter
• Manufacturingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
