FANUC UK Limited

FANUC UK TO DEMONSTRATE OPEN NETWORK CAPABILITIES AT MACH 2018

FANUC UK Limited — 19/03/2018

Hall 19, stand 610
All automated cells will be connected by FANUCs scalable operation management software
Exhibits will include partnerships with NIKKEN and Renishaw for enhanced functionality
Visitors will learn how to prepare their factories for Industry 4.0
FANUC UK will demonstrate its next-generation automated capabilities, alongside its latest advances in robotics, RoboMachines, drives, and controls, at its fully-connected stand during this years MACH exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham.
Our theme this year is Connectivity, says Andrew Armstrong, FANUC UKs sales and marketing manager. Alongside a selection of our most recent product launches, many of which will be making their UK debut at MACH, we will also be demonstrating FANUCs capabilities within the emerging markets of artificial intelligence, Industry 4.0 and the IoT.
The stand, which will include a range of robot models across FANUCs collaborative, SCARA, and machine-tending portfolios, will be connected via a single software platform: the MT-Linki. This scalable operation management tool, which was first unveiled at EMO last year, will collect, monitor and display the data of every machine on the stand, in an easy-to-digest format for all visitors to see.
The MT-Linki represents an easy and cost-effective way to connect and monitor machines on the factory floor, says Andrew. The technology is scalable, with a connection capability of up to 100 machines per server. The data, which can be collected via a dedicated Collector PC software, can then be used to optimise production processes, maximise machine usage, or diagnose potential problems, all without having to visit the factory floor.
This software will be joined by FANUCs Zero Downtime technology, which was also unveiled at EMO. The ZDT will demonstrate FANUCs abilities within condition monitoring: an arguably quick and easy win for manufacturers looking to adopt Industry 4.0.
Three of the cells connected by MT-Linki will showcase FANUCs RoboMachine capabilities within electronic discharge machining and vertical milling.
The ROBOCUT C800iB, which is the largest of FANUCs wire EDMs, will be making its UK debut as part of a gear-cutting and hole-drilling cell, and will be equipped with both a FANUC CCR rotary table, and a bonding alloy Pentron attachment.
The C800iB is suited to high-capacity, complex cutting requirements, and is capable of working, without human interference, for extended periods of time. This is due to its automatic wire feeding functions and Core Stitch technology, a software that allows operators to plan cutting jobs, and increase unmanned machining hours.
The two ROBODRILL cells will demonstrate FANUCs industry partnerships for enhanced capability. The D21LiB model will be integrated with a NIKKEN 5AX-DD200BF2 direct drive 5-axis unit to cut a special-edition World Cup trophy out of brass.
The ?-DiB5 ADV, which represents the latest advanced series of the ROBODRILL machining centre, will be paired with a FANUC robot, and equipped with a Renishaw Equator. The Equator will demonstrate a no-fault-forward functionality, by analysing machined parts and correcting any perceived decline in part quality, without disrupting production.
Andrew Armstrong says: Were particularly excited about our ROBOCUT and ROBODRILL cells, which will provide a full demonstration of FANUCs automated, connected capabilities. Were also pleased to be partnering with Renishaw and Nikken, amongst others, for MACH 2018. This will show how FANUC can offer bespoke services and enhanced capabilities, depending on the customers requirements.
Also making its UK debut will be a laser cutting cell featuring the latest integrated CO₂ and fibre laser systems from FANUC. As well as offering high performance and reliability, FANUC CO₂and fibre lasers are compact, easy-to-use and cost-effective. They also use the same hardware systems, which means the laser source can be swapped out when required for maximum flexibility.
Andrew says: The FANUC brand often gets aligned to one of our product portfolios, whether thats CNC or robots. We hope that visitors to MACH will realise the true extent of what we can offer, from our robots and RoboMachines, right the way through to our enhanced machine-to-machine capabilities.
FANUC will be exhibiting in Hall 19, stand 610, from 9^th to 13^th April. Sales representatives will be available for one-to-one meetings and consultations. To book an appointment, please visit http://www.fanuc.eu/uk/en/mach2018-book-your-meeting.
For more information on the exhibits at FANUCs stand, please contact marketing@fanuc.co.uk.

FANUC launches purpose-built academy at Ansty Park

FANUC UK Limited — 01/11/2017

FANUC, the global manufacturer of factory automation solutions, has launched a purpose-built training academy at its new 107,000 sq ft facility in Ansty Park, Coventry.

The academy, which is more than four times the size of FANUCs previous facility at the Seven Stars Industrial Estate, includes more than £300,000-worth of brand new equipment, allowing students to receive practical training in a safe, controlled environment.

The academy features eight cells of new FANUC M-20 and M-10 robots, as well as a ROBOCUT (wire electro-discharge cutting), ROBODRILL (highspeed milling) and a ROBOSHOT (injection moulding). The academy also includes two established robot models, which can be stripped down and rebuilt for maintenance training.

Each machine is equipped with the latest touchscreen teach pendant and human-machine interface (HMI) technology. The machines are smaller versions of the FANUC models on sale and operate at a teach speed, allowing students to work on them at their own pace.

The basic introductory course, which lasts for around five days, allows students to learn the fundamentals of machine operation, from basic safety protocol to programming and control. The academy also offers advanced and maintenance courses, as well as bespoke programmes. Applications are accepted from both experienced and first-time users of automated machinery.

The FANUC academy is one of several similar facilities at various locations around the world, helping customers to increase their productivity and minimise downtime by giving them the knowledge they need to work and maintain their machines without requiring the assistance of a FANUC engineer.

Anthony Bentham, Customer Service Manager at FANUC UK, said: The FANUC training academy helps customers and staff to make the most of the machines they work with, be they a robot, a plastic injection moulding machine or an electric wire cutter.

With robots and automation becoming key tools for global manufacturing, its vital that the UK workforce is ready to meet the challenges and opportunities that this technological innovation represents. As a global leader in factory automation solutions, FANUC is the perfect learning partner for anyone looking to develop their skills and knowledge, from established factory workers, to the next generation of engineers.

To find out more about the FANUC academy, or to book your place, please call 02476 053001, or email academy@fanuc.co.uk. Alternatively, please visit http://www.fanuc.eu/uk/en/lifetime-management/academy.

SERTEC INVESTS IN NEW £500,000 ROBOT WELDING CELL

FANUC UK Limited — 28/11/2017

Tier One automotive supplier Sertec has invested in a new £500,000 robot welding cell to manufacture parts for the new Toyota Auris.

The West Midlands-based company won the contract to manufacture the rear seat assembly for the new Auris from Toyota supplier Adient.

The new manufacturing cell, designed and supplied by Cyber-Weld Ltd, FANUCs strategic arc welding systems supplier in the UK, is scheduled to produce circa 80,000 rear seat assemblies every year at Sertecs Coleshill facility.

Sertec will manufacture two variants of the Auris rear seat, which will be manufactured at Toyotas Burnaston plant in Derbyshire, with different assemblies for the hybrid and all-electric variants.

The new MiG welding cell, which was designed by Cyber-Weld, the Southam-based robot welding specialist, is equipped with two Fanuc ARC Mate 0iB robots, controlled by R-30iB controllers. In addition, the cell is equipped with a 500kg payload turntable capable of 180^o indexing, air-cooled Binzel welding torches and a torch cleaning station. Safety is provided by metal guarding and the FANUC dual check safety (DCS) software package.

Many of the welds on the Auris seat structures are deemed safety critical and the cell has therefore been equipped with the ARCAgent weld monitoring system, including industrial PC and cabinets, to monitor and record every weld.

Sertec are one of the worlds leading structural body parts suppliers, specialising in aluminium welding techniques alongside more traditional resistance and MiG welding. The move into aluminium welding has helped support the companys long-term relationship with Jaguar Land Rover, which now includes a manufacturing facility in Hungary to support the carmaker. Sertec structural body parts have been used in a number of JLRs flagship vehicles including the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Discovery and Discovery Sport.

Colin Partridge, Head of Welding Projects at Sertec Group, commented: The contract to make the rear seats cushion assembly for the Auris is our first venture with Adient / Toyota and a very important one for the company. We needed a completely new robot manufacturing cell, which would have the flexibility to weld the different seat structures required by Toyota. Cyber-Weld reacted quickly and suggested a design that both impressed Toyota and Adient, and also delivered on the key production KPIs that we stipulated. The cell was delivered and commissioned on schedule, which has allowed us to fulfil our commitments to the customer.

Fraser Reid, Managing Director at Cyber-Weld commented: We have a long relationship with Sertec that now includes more than 70 FANUC robots across the companys Coleshill and Tyseley sites. The new cell is a state-of-the-art robot welding cell complete with a range of technologies that will ensure the highest levels of productivity allied to guaranteed weld quality on safety critical components.

FANUC UK expands its M-20iD and ARC Mate 120iD series

FANUC UK Limited — 25/06/2019

FANUC UK has expanded its range of industrial robots by introducing two new models: the M-20iD/25 handling robot, and the ARC Mate 120iD welding version.

Controlled by the R-30iB Plus Controller, both robots are characterised by higher axis speeds and a large working area relative to previous models.

The M-20iD/25 is suited to handling tasks including loading/unloading machines and parts manipulation.

Due to its slim, lightweight design, combined with a compact arm and wrist, this provides maximum reach in crowded production environments.

Capable of lifting payloads of up to 25kg at a range of 1,831mm, the M-20iD/25 also boasts an IP67 protection rating ideal for applications under adverse environmental conditions, such as grinding or deburring.

The ARC Mate 120iD, in possession of a maximum payload and range identical to that of the M-20iD/25, has been designed for welding applications.

Due to the R-30iB Plus controller as standard in both robots, this helps to simplify the programming process through an easy-to-use interface.

Andy Armstrong, FANUC’s UK Sales and Marketing Manager, said: “The introduction of the M-20iD/25, alongside the ARC Mate 120iD, represents our determination to provide customers with a comprehensive range of robot solutions. Both robots are uniquely suited to operating in tight environments, able to reach closer to their own base than predecessor models with an active stroke range of 1,585mm.”

FANUC apprentice shortlisted for SEMTA Skills Award

FANUC UK Limited — 16/01/2019

A robotics apprentice from FANUC UK, Christian Atwell, has been shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year (SME employer) at the prestigious Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Alliance (SEMTA) Skills Awards 2019.

Christian, 22, who has progressed through the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centre (AMTC) apprenticeship programme, joined FANUC in 2016, and completed his apprenticeship in September 2018.

His nomination stems not only from the breadth and depth of his technical understanding at a young age, but from proving himself time and again in challenging circumstances.

For example, just a couple months into his time with FANUC, Christian was flown in to resolve a resourcing challenge on a large customer project in Ireland. His knowledge and practical experience meant he could fit seamlessly within the team, without the need to call upon local subcontractors; thus saving significant time and money for the project.

Another example of Christian’s diverse skillset – and willingness to adapt to unexpected circumstances – is when he was called upon to deliver a customer training course at short notice, when the original trainer fell ill. The training team were so impressed he was subsequently seconded to deliver the rest of the week’s courses, again avoiding the need to engage additional resource. He now regularly delivers technical presentations to key customers.

Andy Armstrong, UK Sales & Marketing Manager for FANUC, comments: “Christian is a fantastic example of how the cross-collaboration between different industrial partners – in this case, the MTC and FANUC – can produce exceptionally well-rounded engineers that will go on to shape the future of British manufacturing.

“In short, Christian’s commitment, capability and competence has cemented his position as an incredibly valuable member of our robotics application engineering team. He is very much seen by his colleagues as an ‘engineer’ rather than an ‘apprentice’ – and that is the ultimate accolade.”

Christian Atwell, added: “One of the elements I’ve enjoyed the most about my apprenticeship has been the sheer diversity of projects I have been able to turn a hand to. From working on large projects at FANUC’s Coventry HQ and directly on-site with customers, to devising a self-contained automated cells for MACH, as well as running external training sessions for key customers; the opportunities have been invaluable.

“My apprenticeship has also enabled me to put back in to a system that has given me so much, by engaging with pro-apprenticeship lobbying campaigns and acting as a STEM ambassador for the AMTC. Here, I have been able to engage young people from all ages – from primary school through to GCSE and university students – and hopefully inspire more people to consider a career in this fantastic industry.”

Christian concludes: “To be shortlisted for a SMTA Skills Award is an amazing feeling – I love what I do, and to be recognised for that is a fantastic feeling.”

FANUC INJECTION MOULDING MACHINE SEES OUTPUT DOUBLE IN A SHOT FOR ADVANCED PLASTICS

FANUC UK Limited — 19/07/2022

The UK’s first installed FANUC ROBOSHOT S450iA injection moulding machine has doubled output on a key range of moulded products for Advanced Plastics Ltd, a supplier of precision-engineered parts to OEMs in the automotive, medical, packaging, defence and consumer goods industries. Installed in combination with the integrated FANUC M020iD35 robot, the success of the installation prompted Advanced Plastics to order a second machine-robot combination from FANUC UK, which has already been delivered and commissioned.

“The combination of the FANUC robot and moulding machine allows us to seamlessly integrate our processes,” says Rob Anderson, Managing Director of Advanced Plastics. “This has resulted in a dramatic increase in our output from around 600,000 parts on a particular range up to a planned 1.3 million.”

A UK first

Based in Hull, Advanced Plastics undertakes everything from initial design concepts to volume production of plastic mouldings and assemblies, structural plastic components and technical automotive components. The company has almost 10 years’ experience of using FANUC equipment, as Rob explains: “Our injection moulding machines produce high-level engineering parts in various grades of plastic. Since we purchased the first FANUC robot back in 2012, we now have nine ROBOSHOT machines and over 40 FANUC robots. We are proud to be the first company in the UK to purchase the FANUC ROBOSHOT S450iA. We purchased this machine on the back of our experience with FANUC, as we needed a bigger machine that gives us the sensitivity to protect very delicate tooling. This machine perfectly fits the bill.”

Winning combination

The ROBOSHOT S450iA injecting moulding machine operates with a clamp force of 4,500kN, a double platen die height of between 350mm and 1m, and a clamping stroke of 900mm. Weighing 29.7 tonnes, it boasts a rated maximum injection speed of 180mm/s.

FANUC’s M-20iD35 robot, meanwhile, is a high-inertia, high-strength model with a hollow wrist and base that delivers fast and efficient movement in all six axes. Its maximum load capacity of 35kg is more than sufficient for the lightweight plastic injection moulded components produced on the ROBOSHOT S450iA at Advanced Plastics. Similarly, its reach range of 1,831mm means it can easily cope with stretching into the ROBOSHOT S450iA to extract components and load them into a collection point or pallet – regardless of the dimensions of the moulded part.

Smart protection

Like all of FANUC’s offerings, the solution provided to Advanced Plastics has a range of intelligent, digital features. In this instance, one of the key smart benefits is the FANUC AI-Protect system for both mould and ejector. This provides unparalleled mould protection, which in turn neutralises an important potential cause of downtime.

By measuring the motor torque, AI-Protect immediately stops the machine if any restriction is detected, shielding the mould during the full opening and closing cycle while having no impact on clamp closing speeds. The same technology protects the ejector’s forward and reverse movement without affecting productivity. AI-Protect even alerts operators when greasing is required, or the mould is worn.

“AI-Protect allows the moulds to open and close at fast speeds with full protection of the tooling. The tooling can often be just as expensive as the moulding machines so we must protect it,” says Ed Darling, Advanced Plastics’ Process Manager.

To highlight the effectiveness of this feature, Ed outlines an incident when an apple was dropped between two surfaces of the mould: “Because of the accuracy of the AI-Protect, the apple wasn’t crushed. That shows the precision that we need on these moulding machines.”

Auto-adjustment and control

Other automated features include Clamp Force Adjustment, which checks and adjusts the minimum clamp force to provide increased security, eliminating the need to manually modify this critical parameter. Optimising clamp force also minimises mould wear and increases machine life, cuts component defects, reduces energy consumption and compresses start-up times.

The M-20iD35 robot at Advanced Plastics is controlled via the latest R-30iB control system. This integrates more than 250 software functions to ensure industry-leading speed, accuracy and safety. This is all neatly packed into the FANUC A-cabinet, with a high-performance CPU and mainboard with increased memory, a compact and stackable design, and the user-friendly iPendant Touch control interface.

As a result of the close integration of machine, robot and software, exceptionally fast cycle times can be achieved. As Ed Darling explains, this is a key benefit to Advanced Plastics: “I particularly like FANUC moulding machines because, being all-electric, they are economical to run; but mostly, I like them because we are a cycle time-oriented business.”

Repeat custom

For Rob Anderson, meanwhile, the success of the first system quickly led to the company placing an order for a second: “We went for the second machine due to the easy installation of the first. The short lead times offered by FANUC meant we could get products to market extremely quickly. At Advanced Plastics, we like to experience new technologies and look at innovative technologies where we can achieve better results for our customers. In essence, the FANUC ROBOSHOT S450iA was the only machine that could do the particular job that we needed it to do – and it does it very well.”

FANUC extends collaborative robot range with high-strength low-footprint addition

FANUC UK Limited — 13/08/2019

Manufacturers are now able to process even heavier workpiece applications in narrow locations thanks to FANUC’s latest addition to its collaborative robot portfolio, the CR-14iA/L.

The CR-14iA/L fills the gap between FANUC’s small and medium-sized six-axis collaborative robots, and can handle payloads of up to 14kg, twice of that of the low-footprint CR-7iA model.

The CR-14iA/L benefits from the same integrated sensors and highly responsive ‘touch-to-stop’ reactive functionality as the rest of FANUC’s green ‘cobot’ range.

As such, if the arm comes into contact with a fixed object or person, it gently stops and retracts.

A safety system ensures that the robot stops at a maximum of 150N, however this can be reduced even further if required.

Crucially, the kinematics and flexibility of the slim-profile CR-14iA/L allow it to work close to the robot base, thus making the best use of the available workspace, especially in narrow applications.

Andy Armstrong, Sales and Marketing Manager for FANUC UK, said: “For a small robot, the CR-14iA/L has a comparatively long reach. This means that it can be used not only for applications in limited spaces, but also for those for which a heavier payload is an advantage, such as when loading and unloading machines.”

“As with all FANUC collaborative robots, the CR-14iA/L is fully safety-certified, and eliminates the need for perimeter guarding to facilitate a much closer working relationship with human operators.”

“We are increasingly seeing more interest from UK manufacturers in relation to collaborative robotics, and this most recent addition to our portfolio represents the ideal solution for a variety of small-space applications, from pick-and0place through to full machine-tending.”

Managing Director of FANUC UK warns UK Government about lack of automation in manufacturing

FANUC UK Limited — 28/06/2019

The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee has heard evidence from numerous UK manufacturing experts, including the Managing Director of FANUC UK, Tom Bouchier, about the dangers of falling behind other European nations because of a lack of automation.

Speaking at Parliament, Bouchier explained how, when compared with other European countries, the UK has been slow to adopt automation in manufacturing processes.

Despite demand in automation increasing in the UK, slow adoption has led to lower levels of industrial robots across the manufacturing sector, according to FANUC.

Outlining the scale of the disparity, Bouchier commented: “The UK is the only G7 country with a robot density below the world’s average - a figure that stands at just 74 units per 10,000 workers. This positions the UK behind 14 other European countries, whilst Germany has a density of 309, making it the most automated nation on the continent.

“It is no longer a question of whether businesses can afford greater automation, but a case of whether they can afford not to automate. If we’re 30 per cent less productive per hour than a German worker, then we are not going to stay competitive. We can’t put the genie back in the bottle, we have to automate in order to keep pace with our competitors.”

Bouchier was referencing a recent report from the International Federation of Robots (IFR), which discusses the extent to the UK’s lack of industrial robots.

He added that negative attitudes towards automation could be a contributing factor to the slow adoption in the UK, which is something that needs to be addressed for British manufacturing to increase its capabilities.

UK ROBOSHOT SALES HIT THE THOUSAND MARK FOR FANUC

FANUC UK Limited — 19/07/2022

As the number of sales of the FANUC ROBOSHOT injection moulding machine to UK customers passes the 1,000 mark, the company is taking this as a clear indication that repeat precision, automation and all-electric operation are becoming firmly established as priorities for the plastics sector.

The models chosen by leading UK drug delivery system manufacturer Bespak by Recipharm were the S220 & 300iA machines. The machine taking this flagship production platform past such an important milestone was one of the multi-machine projects recently ordered by Recipharm.

Incorporating the latest technology has yielded clear benefits, as UK and Ireland ROBOSHOT Sales Manager David Raine explains. “FANUC moulding machines remain at the cutting edge of repeatability, consistency and reliability,” he says. “Whether it is harnessing the benefits of CNCs, servomotors or amplifiers, the ROBOSHOT series brings the full productivity potential of automation to the moulding process.”

Having a system that is repeatable, consistent and reliable is what customers such as Bespak value most, Raine adds, since this allows them to focus on delivering the best results to customers. “With a FANUC CNC, true multi-axis technology can be employed to ensure the best possible process, in the most consistent manner, resulting in the most stable moulding process,” he says.

Introduced in 2016, the α-S220iA was originally conceived with the specific needs of the automotive sector, but was quickly identified by the medical and pharmaceutical sector as a valuable addition to the Roboshot fleet. This sector’s requirement for precision parts from higher-cavitation moulds, allowing increased production, can be satisfied using the larger Roboshot machines extensive standard range of screw & barrel combinations.

For some manufacturers, Raine believes, the future possibilities of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) are favouring their choice of integrated and automated platforms such as those delivered by FANUC. “Greater acceptance of Industry 4.0 – including the uptake of OPC-UA type communication – should improve connectivity and communication between devices,” he says.

Bespak has been a supplier of drug delivery devices to the pharmaceutical industry for over 60 years. Products include pressurised metered-dose inhalers, soft mist inhalers, auto-injectors and standard nasal sprays. This is a market where precise pack and component profiles and reliable dispensing are vitally important.