Total Flexibility Intelligent Bulk Parts Feeding for All Robots and Applications

Total flexibility Intelligent bulk parts feeding for all robots and applications

Robot feeder systems and all-in-one solutions The full range anyfeed™ – flexible feeders for parts of any shape and size

Switzerland-based flexfactory ag is a leading developer, anyfeed™ parts supply systems manufacturer and supplier of flexible, programmable anyfeed™ is a range of programmable bulk parts feeders feeding systems for bulk material. The highly skilled and and vision-based solutions for parts of all shapes and sizes committed team at flexfactory aims to revolutionize from 1 to 120 mm and is suitable for all robots and applica- feeding technology and supply cost-effective solutions. tions. All the models share the same functional principle, The unique technology offered by flexfactory brings a integrated controls with standardized communication, whole new dimension to automatic production systems. quick-change feed plates, an integrated bulk storage bin Parts are supplied with precision, throughput is high and and a quick-empty mechanism for rapid product change- product changeovers can be completed in the shortest overs. You can find a detailed description of the functional of times. The end result is an unparalleled combination principle behind anyfeed™ and the feedware™ CX vision of maximum flexibility and outstanding availability and solution specially developed by flexfactory on pages 4/5. performance – all of which give flexfactory customers a decisive competitive edge.

2 The full range anyfeed™ – flexible feeders for parts of any shape and size

Innovative, highly flexible feeder technology for all robots Application areas Maximum availability thanks to automatic error correction flexfactory feeding technology is used wherever small parts need to be Minimal changeover times when changing products supplied with flexibility, speed, and Automatic parts emptying at the touch of a button accuracy and where production systems Minimal footprint – one anyfeed™ replaces several are subject to continuous change, such conventional feeders as in the following sectors: Automotive Exceptionally gentle parts handling Sport and leisure Standardized communication with all models IT and telecommunications Simple servicing thanks to the use of identical servo-elec- Jewelry and watches tric drives in all models Toiletries and cosmetics Dental and medical technology Electrical engineering

3 Feeders that can see Intelligent parts manipulation and recognition for any robot

Vision system

Toplight (optional)

Bulk storage bin Ethernet

forward dispense empty/purge backward Pick + place via robot parts flip of your choice

Feeder platform Pallet, with quick-change conveyor belt, feed plates Pick window fixture

RS232 with backlight The camera identifies correctly oriented parts in the pick window The camera controls (marked in red) and sends the Ethernet the feeder’s actions corresponding parts coordinates to the robot.

Over 1’000 anyfeed™ units are being The basic principle used worldwide with these robots: The bulk parts are dispensed from the bulk storage bin into the pick window ABB of the feeder platform. The parts – both those in the bin and on the feeder DENSO platform – are moved forward/backward or flipped by the servo-controlled Epson actions of the feeder surfaces. Only two parameters – the speed and duration FANUC of movement – need to be adjusted to customize the feeding action for IAI Intelligent Actuators various parts. KUKA Mitsubishi A vision system installed over the pick window analyzes the orientation and Motoman position of the randomly distributed parts and tells the feeder what action to Omron Adept Technology take. An Ethernet connection is used to report the positions of “correctly” Precise Automation oriented parts to the robot, which picks the parts and places them in the Stäubli desired locations for further processing. Yamaha YASKAWA 4 Feeders that can see Intelligent parts manipulation and recognition for any robot

feedware™ CX software solution – The benefits of feedware™ CX seamlessly connects Cognex In-Sight, anyfeed™ and any robot and Cognex In-Sight It is the ideal and proven solution for turning any anyfeed™ model and any Simple integration using robot into a complete parts supply system – in next to no time and with the tried-and-tested components greatest of ease. The Cognex In-Sight camera installed above the window Intuitive user interface identifies correctly oriented parts and transfers the picking coordinates to the Patmax, the leading object identi- robot’s control system. fication technology from Cognex, feedware™ CX continuously monitors the parts in the pick window and sends makes it simple to teach the system action commands to the anyfeed™ telling it to make more parts available for the to recognize new parts robot. feedware™ CX is also responsible for teaching the system to handle new Management of up to 250 parts parts, parameterizing feed characteristics, calibrating robot-to-vision coordi- All data is backed up via a connected PC nates, and defining pick-points and clear-grip zones. No PC is required during run-time – flexfactory supplies the full package, including a Cognex In-Sight camera with only for setting up feedware™ CX preloaded. The company also provides the appropriate lighting Remote support for teach-in and and optics and helps customers get the entire solution up and running. optimization of parts 5 The full spectrum anyfeed™ – the feeder range for all uses

Designed for Flexible Product changeovers parts of all types and fast couldn’t be simpler anyfeed™ uses a universal When using fast robots, feed All anyfeed™ models feature feeding principle that rates of up to 60 parts per an automatic empty/purge ensures feeding of a wide minute can be achieved function. This is a crucial and range of parts. Only one with anyfeed™ – without valuable advantage for type of part is handled at a compromising on maximum just-in-time production given time. One anyfeed™ flexibility. If two anyfeed™ operations that involve with a vision system replaces systems are being used per frequent product change- several conventional custom- robot, rates of up to 80 parts overs and small batch sizes. designed vibratory feeders. per minute can be achieved. There is no need to empty This eliminates expensive parts by hand and product changeover times and frees changeovers are fast and up valuable production space inexpensive. for other uses. anyfeed™ is a solution that is ready for future needs, new or modi- fied parts.

anyfeed™ anyfeed™ TODAY TOMORROW Maximum availability and Always ready for new performance combined parts and challenges. with optimum flexibility.

** Part size and weight depend on feed performance and, in critical cases, anyfeed™ anyfeed™ must be determined through testing. SXM50 SXM100

Recommended part size* 15 mm 30 mm 45 mm 50 mm 75 mm 110 mm Maximum part weight* 2 g 15 g 25 g 60 g 60 g 80 g Bulk storage capacity 0.3 dm3 3 dm3 4 dm3 10 dm3 10 dm3 15 dm3 Pick window (width by length) 50 x 67 mm 100 x 134 mm 140 x 193 mm 160 x 214 mm 240 x 320 mm 340 x 430 mm Pick window (area) 34 cm2 134 cm2 270 cm2 342 cm2 768 cm2 1462 cm2 Permissible load inside pick window 100 g 500 g 500 g 1500 g 1500 g 1500 g Pick level above feeder installation surface 138 mm 171 mm 160 mm 241 mm 241 mm 255 mm Feeder weight 7 kg 18 kg 22 kg 48 kg 50 kg 55 kg

6 The full spectrum anyfeed™ – the feeder range for all uses

No downtime due No stress Minimum footprint Optimum feed to jammed parts for parts in production characteristics If the robot is unable to The bulk storage bin is All anyfeed™ devices feature A wide selection of feed remove a part on its first only activated when more a rectangular footprint, an plates is available featuring attempt, a new feed cycle parts are needed in the pick integrated bulk storage bin different materials, colors, is initiated. The robot window, otherwise the bulk and integral controls – the surface finishes and proper- automatically repeats its parts are left completely ideal combination for build- ties, including FDA-approved gripping attempt until the stress-free. The parts in ing elegant, space-saving models and plates with anti- part can be successfully the pick window are picked solutions. static properties. supplied. This automatic quickly and there is no risk of These plates can be used error correction eliminates them being left in ongoing to optimize both the feed downtimes, maximizes recirculation. As a result, the action and contrast condi- availability and reduces system can be used to sup- tions for image processing. operator interventions. ply parts that are cosmeti- Feed plates are changed by cally or functionally fragile. hand in a matter of seconds – no tools required.

anyfeed™ anyfeed™ anyfeed™ anyfeed™ SXM140 SX 160 SX240 SX340

7 The turnkey package feedbot™ – all-in-one feeder cells for any application

Scope of supply feedbot™ – the fastest way to ramp-up your production Machine enclosure with integrated flexfactory has combined a robot, feeder, vision system, gripper technology and control system and operating station operating software to develop the highly flexible and user-friendly feedbot™ High-speed 4-axis gantry robot automation system. Thanks to this all-in-one solution, users can set up new with integrated gripper changer parts without having to carry out programming work. Cognex In-Sight or PC-based vision system The standardized feedware™ hardware and software platform enables users Multiple anyfeed™ units to continuously integrate their experience and new functions for future (number as appropriate to size) applications. Usually, programming is only required when customer-specific Optics and lighting technology requirements can’t be met using the standard functions of the feedbot™. Application-specific multipurpose grippers feedbot™ is available as a standalone solution or can be integrated into Additional inspection cameras production lines and comes in a range of sizes and designs. What’s more, it Servo turn station for parts supports all the feeders in the anyfeed™ range. flexfactory supplies turnkey manipulation feedbot™ solutions that are adapted to the specific tasks involved, including on-site startup.

8 The turnkey package feedbot™ – all-in-one feeder cells for any application

feedbot™ – all-in-one

Software

Roboter

Vision

anyfeed™

Gripper

Feed rates of up to 60 parts per minute Applications Up to four different parts can be fed simultaneously Placement of parts on workpiece carriers, conveyors and fixtures Integrated gripper change mechanism Loading and unloading Additional cameras for refining the part position on the fly component testers Standard design as table-top model – Palletizing, packaging, available with optional base frame counting parts Automatic emptying of feeder systems during Loading process machinery Simple assembly tasks product changeover

Graphical user interface with access rights and Conditions functions for statistics and cycle time optimization Bulk parts ranging from 1 to 120 mm Short delivery times, calculable costs Suitable for applications in dry and clean surroundings Not suitable for applications involving unpackaged foods Not suitable for use in environments with explosion hazards

9 The full engagement Application support from A to Z

Typical feedlab testing program Putting parts under the microscope – for well-founded decisions Evaluation of ideal anyfeed™ Application engineers in the feedlab at flexfactory subject critical parts to model and feed plate intensive testing to collect valuable data for making the right decisions and to Cycle time estimation enable new findings to be fed into innovative solutions. Best recognition method for parts Part-grasping technique As a customer, you want to raise quality standards in production while lowering Pick & place testing with feedbot™ costs. You expect short cycle times, high accuracy and complete reliability. flexfactory offers you all of that. Basis for decisions Test report Recommended equipment configuration Commercial quotation Next steps

10 The full engagement Application support from A to Z

First-class application support Services flexfactory puts flexible feeding technology to work in your plant. Set us a Feasibility tests for critical parts challenge with new parts and requirements and send us your parts for free Customer project support testing. Teach-in of new parts Cycle-time optimization Our products and services are the results of our workforce and its continuous Support for starting up new systems efforts to improve and innovate. Countless parts from a vast range of industrial On-site training for your employees sectors give us the opportunity to train day in, day out for your next challenge.

11 www.flexfactory.com [email protected] 774 55 67 Fax 44 +41 774 55 66 44 +41 Phone Switzerland Dietikon CH-8953 15 Giessenstrasse ag flexfactory respective owners. respective of their property are the document this in mentioned names orproduct brands other All ag. of flexfactory are trademarks feedware™anyfeed™, andfeedbot™ notice: Legal