Staubli (UK) Ltd

Staubli Join MIM to Help Members Get Up to Speed with Automation

Staubli (UK) Ltd — 02/02/2021

Global mechatronics solutions provider Staubli has recently joined Made in the Midlands as a Silver member. Made in the Midlands, part of the Made in Group, is excited to have the prestigious business on board. Being part of the membership, Staubli looks forward to collaborating with members, building lasting relationships and helping manufacturers get up to speed with automation.

The Telford based business joined the group at the beginning of the year as they believe it is important to support initiatives which promote innovation and expertise within UK Manufacturing, especially now as the UK forges ahead in new directions. Craig Forrester, General Manager at Staubli, said:

“Businesses such as Stäubli can play an important role in assisting UK manufacturing to attain and maintain the competitive advantage they need in today’s dynamic marketplace.”

Although the business operates in 29 countries and has a global workforce of 5500 people, their commitment to building rapport with clients is as important locally as it is nationally. Gary continued:

“Being part of one of the fastest-growing membership groups in the UK is in itself a worthwhile benefit. As the group continues to grow, so too will the opportunities for Säubli to make a valuable contribution, not just to the group, but hopefully further afield.”

Staubli is particularly looking forward to Collaborating with the membership of the Made In Group as much as possible to influence and initiate positive change which will help to maximise the potential of UK manufacturing. Gary added:

“We are hoping to meet and network with members from multiple sectors across some of the key manufacturing regions of the UK. The UK must continue to leverage the benefits available from robotics and automation, and we are keen to share our expertise with members seeking to drive their manufacturing processes forward to maintain a competitive advantage in the global marketplace.”

By approaching Stäubli UK, Made In Group members can take advantage of their expertise in Coupling Technology and Robotics. As a business, innovation is the cornerstone of the group and all Stäubli products are manufactured to the highest standards.

The company’s reputation for quality and reliability is recognised across multiple market sectors where manufacturers rely on their products and technology to improve quality, yield and productivity. They are also recognised as market leaders within a wide range of market sectors and therefore understand the specific requirements and regulatory demands of each sector.

Stäubli Expands MPS Robotic Tool Changer Range To Cover All Robots And Payloads

Staubli (UK) Ltd — 31/05/2023

As a world leading manufacturer of connectors and industrial robots, Stäubli is recognised internationally as a trusted partner across a diverse range of industry sectors. Also credited as one of the pioneers in the development of robotic tool changing systems, Stäubli already offers a comprehensive product range up to 1530 kg robot payload capacity.

Five new sizes have now been launched to expand the existing MPS tool changer range, covering payload capacities from 15kg to 80kg, enabling Stäubli to offer a robotic tool change solution for virtually all robots and payloads. Key characteristics of the new compact range include repeat accuracy of +/-1.5 µm and a wide variety of available transfer technologies.

Automatic tool changing systems can significantly increase the flexibility and productivity of a robot. Indeed, for many manufacturing processes and applications across a wide range of industry sectors, automatic tool change systems are the only way to address the specific and individual operations required.

All Stäubli robotic tool changing systems are based on a modular product concept, with three different and efficient ways for customers to obtain their ideal tool changing system. The MPS COMPLETE designation offers pre-configured complete systems ready for immediate use and available on short delivery times.

Stäubli’s MPS MODULAR option offers readily available and production ready solutions tailored to meet individual customer requirements. The third option is MPS CUSTOMIZED. These systems are designed around the pre-requisites of each unique application.

Integrated functionality and a wide range of modules

Feed-throughs for pneumatics or vacuum are already integrated into the locking units of the new systems. For customers considering future flexibility and functionality, there are numerous additional modules available for the transmission of pneumatics, vacuum, signals, data transmission up to 10Gbit/S, shielding, earthing, RFID tool coding and data storage. The ability to combine these different technologies and modules as required makes it possible to configure a solution for the widest possible range of applications.

The location of the transmission modules is also highly flexible, allowing users to position them as required to suit the individual robot’s cable package, and order them using a simple code. The robot mounted component of the MPS Tool Changer incorporates all of the services required to provide functionality for the various tools which may be used by the robot in production. On the tool change element, the only transmission modules required are those relating to the operation of specific tools. This makes it possible to use multiple individually configured tool elements with one robot mounted element, optimising customer return on investment.

Stäubli combines cross-shaped guide surfaces with a spring-loaded ball locking system to achieve interconnection between the robot and tool sides of the MPS system. This makes it possible for the system to maintain the highest levels of precision throughout its entire product lifecycle. The tools always return to their original insertion position with a repeat accuracy of +/-1.5 µm. Status monitoring, which is available as an option, is integrated directly within the locking unit of the tool change system. This space-saving concept means that there is no overall height increase in the coupled tool changer, keeping the mass moment of inertia of the tools to the minimum possible, and therefore optimising the robot payload.

In keeping with the already established Stäubli tool changing systems, for robot payloads up to 1530 kg, the new systems for payloads up to 80 kg also attach directly to the ISO standard flange of every robot produced worldwide, without the need for an adapter. This drilling pattern is also the same on the tool side for ease of assembly.

Individually configured robotic tool changers are delivered to the customer fully assembled and ready for use. Thanks to the modular design of the systems, Stäubli’s MPS robotic tool changers can be adapted or expanded at any time for new applications.

A range of tool stands are available for all sizes to locate and store the individual tools being used by the robot. These are available as complete units, or as separate modules which can be mounted to standard profile section framework arrangements.

End-of-Arm-Tooling Powered By Stäubli Fluid Connectors

Staubli (UK) Ltd — 31/05/2023

Stäubli Fluid Connectors have announced a new End-of-Arm-Tooling range. The mechatronics specialist already offers a broad technology portfolio from a single source, coupled with advice for individual solutions in robotic material handling. This is now further enhanced through a close partnership with FIPA GmbH. Furthermore, Stäubli's international presence ensures uniform End-of-Arm-Tooling concepts are available globally.

Driven by the potential for data networking of future-oriented manufacturing concepts, under the heading of Industry 4.0, the automation of material handling operations is on the rise worldwide and Stäubli Fluid Connectors is now establishing a new product range to address these applications.

A close partnership with FIPA GmbH

Stäubli Fluid Connectors has entered into a close partnership with FIPA GmbH In the field of End-of-Arm-Tooling. As a company, FIPA is active internationally, specialising in the development and manufacture of innovative quality products in the area of vacuum and handling components as well as complete systems for handling processes.

FIPA’s flexible product system, and their corporate philosophy, are a perfect match for Stäubli Fluid Connectors, and its own modular product concept. Armed with this joint expertise, the partners intend to develop solutions for future-oriented manufacturing concepts.

Martin Bergmüller, Project Manager for End-of-Arm-Tooling at Stäubli Fluid Connectors, commented: “FIPA is the ideal partner: With the Stäubli Fluid Connectors - FIPA cooperation, we have established a strong partnership that is characterised by high standards of quality and solution orientation on both sides. The cooperation combines the skills of both companies into a strong proposal consisting of global availability, broad applications knowledge and excellent technical expertise."

Handling, Vacuum and Tool Change - Everything From a Single Source

"Stäubli Fluid Connectors is known for its expertise in automatic tool changers and is now expanding its range to include material handling components and systems," says Norbert Ermer, Head of Robotic Tool Changer Business at Stäubli in Bayreuth. " Stäubli Fluid Connectors offers all functions and technologies for this from a single source. And we support our customers comprehensively right up to the fully assembled handling solution."

Both system developers and system operators will benefit from this partnership: The components supplied are ideally matched to each other. From Stäubli's point of view, this not only reduces interface problems but also eliminates time-consuming coordination with various points of contact.

Solutions for All Applications and Robots

The automation of material handling processes requires expertise and precise planning. Stäubli Fluid Connectors relies on their many years of experience in the development of individual solutions and offers comprehensive support: As an established supplier of automatic robotic tool changer systems – and now also of material handling solutions – the company has the product portfolio and the expertise to offer solutions even for particularly complex handling processes.

From the analysis of the framework conditions and application requirements, to the concept and CAD planning of the system, through to the delivery of all components: Stäubli Fluid Connectors offers a complete service package. Also, upon request, the solutions can be delivered fully assembled.

Long-term Productivity Thanks to Flexibility and Quality

The more durable an End-of-Arm-Tooling solution is, the longer it can remain productive and generate revenue. In today’s environment a general scarcity of resources heightens this effect, therefore extended periods of use and operation are desirable from both an ecological and an economic point of view.

With the uncertainty of which robot applications will be required in the future, in their own words, Stäubli Fluid Connectors is leading the way forward here with the high level of flexibility inherent in their solutions: The systems should be adaptable to meet new requirements at any time, for example within the scope of a retooling or retrofit. In this way, durable products really can be given a long life.

Worldwide Presence for Worldwide Tooling Concepts

Stäubli Fluid Connectors is represented by subsidiaries around the globe. "This enables us to offer a worldwide network with well-established expertise," says Norbert Ermer. “We are the ideal partner for international companies that want to implement all-encompassing End-of-Arm-Tooling concepts or establish globally uniform standards."

Stäubli's local presence in all of these markets is an important factor in such ventures. Notwithstanding standardisation across borders and continents, country-specific directives and standards must also be taken into account.

Stäubli’s new generation CombiTac connector solutions reduce assembly times and cut maintenance costs

Staubli (UK) Ltd — 31/05/2023

Building upon an already solid reputation for safe and reliable performance, Stäubli has launched a new generation of CombiTac connector solutions. Now available as two distinct product ranges, CombiTac direqt and CombiTac uniq, these compact and space-saving modular connector solutions can be configured to meet exact dimensional and technical requirements.

CombiTac direqt is ideal for applications where fast, tool-free connections are required, and where combinations of electrical signals, power and pneumatics need to be integrated within a single connector. Stäubli’s “Click-and-Connect” system allows the various modules to be quickly configured to meet individual customer requirements, reducing the time needed for assembly and keeping future maintenance costs to the minimum. In addition, each carrier and frame is coded, eliminating any possibility of assembly errors or incorrect polarity mating between male and female connectors.

All configurations, whether for panel mount or housing applications, ensure a reliable connection for signals, power and pneumatic coupling for up to 10,000 mating cycles. Medium and high current contacts up to 350A are available, offering IP2X protection on both the male and female side, together with leak-free pneumatic couplings up to 15 bar. The quality of the contacts are designed to remain at the highest level throughout the product life cycle, providing constant low contact resistance and stable performance even in the presence of shock and vibration.

Stäubli’s long-established existing family of CombiTac connectors has been renamed CombiTac uniq. This 100% customisable range offers connections for high power – up to 300A, signal, data, thermocouple, coaxial, fiber optic, fluids and pneumatics. Rated at up to 100,000 mating cycles, CombiTac uniq continues to meet the highest possible standards within demanding mechanical and environmental environments, guaranteeing high performance levels and a long service life.

Both CombiTac direqt and CombiTac uniq connectors can be supplied ready assembled, including cable assembly if required. They can also be quickly and easily configured online using the intuitive and award-winning CombiTac configurator at configurator.combitac.com. Both CombiTac variants are suitable for a wide range of applications within general industry, automation, automotive manufacturing and testing, medical and healthcare, rail, transport and logistics.

Stäubli Magnetic Platens Further Improve Performance And Productivity For Polypipe Building Services

Staubli (UK) Ltd — 31/05/2023

Polypipe Building Services are leveraging the additional benefits offered by Stäubli’s QMC122 range of magnetic platens to further improve productivity levels in the manufacture of the company’s injection moulded plastic waste fittings.

Productivity in any manufacturing business is an essential element in both satisfying customer demand and achieving profitability targets, therefore every opportunity to improve productivity and efficiencies should be fully evaluated.

Within the plastics injection moulding sector, a key element in attaining target productivity levels is reducing the time required to change mould tools. The traditional method requires multiple bolts to be undone and clamps removed to release the mould tool from the platens. These bolts and clamps then have to be replaced and correctly re-tightened to secure the new tool in place. The logistics surrounding this process requires all of the equipment and hand tools needed to perform these operations to be in place if mould change times are to be kept to a minimum.

With mould tools weighing anything between 500kg and 5 tonnes, it is also essential that any new tools are correctly secured to the machine platens, as any slippage could not only result in machine damage but trigger significant safety issues for the maintenance teams and the operators.

The Attraction Of Magnetic Platens

Magnetic platens offer a quicker and simpler solution to mould tool changes and the Polypipe Building Services site in Aylesford Kent has experience of using this technology as explained by Steve Tulett – Polypipe Building Services Manufacturing Innovation Manager: “We adopted magnetic platen technology some time ago and quickly realised the benefits in terms of simpler and faster tool changes, saving on average around 30 minutes each time. However, we continually review the technologies available to us to ensure that we can take advantage of any new developments. We identified Stäubli’s QMC122 Range of magnetic platens as a solution which provides a number of additional benefits such as greater levels of feedback from the interface, which for example allows us to obtain an exact measurement of the clamping force when we install the new tools.”

Stäubli’s QMC solution integrates a wide range of features which enable anticipation of possible malfunctions. These include an interactive control panel which enables the validation of the safety points during mould changing operations. Also, the system accurately controls clamping force in real time, and the operator is alerted if there is insufficient force exerted on the mould tool. Stäubli’s IMAG-Editor software enables the clamping force for each mould tool to be calculated beforehand, depending upon the press within which it will be used. Signal data from the injection moulding machine is handled and displayed by the IMAG safety interface which is compliant with EUROMAP 70 and SPI AN-145.

Stäubli’s QMC 122 Range is currently being used by Polypipe Building Services on a 150T Demag Ergotech Machine and a new Haitian 160T machine, with other installations planned to follow.

The recent adoption of Stäubli’s QMC122 Range has initiated further discussions on the complete range of Injection Moulding Related technologies available from Stäubli and the benefits they can bring to Polypipe Building Services, as explained by Steve Tulett. “We are now looking closely at a number of options available from Stäubli, including their RMI Multi Plate technology, which could contribute to reducing tool change times and further improve efficiencies. In addition, the new range of MPS robotic tool change systems recently launched are also of interest as we can see the benefits of consistency in quality and performance across a complete range of inter-related products available from a single source.”

Stäubli Technology Keeps Rail Sector Performance On Track

Staubli (UK) Ltd — 31/05/2023

With world-renowned expertise across mechanical, fluid, and electrical disciplines, Stäubli Group has become a trusted partner across multiple market sectors where end-to-end fluid, gas and electrical connection solutions are required.

The rail sector, whether it is urban or intercity rail transport, passenger, or freight, faces significant environmental and demographic challenges in today’s fast changing world. Rail users are increasingly demanding services that offer superior comfort, safety, and speed, while operators continue to raise their demands for performance, productivity, and reliability.

Rail Sector Technology & Expertise

Rail vehicles are constantly subject to different types of stress. Service availability expectations are high, with little or no tolerance for disruption. This means that quick replacement for specific types of components during preventative or remedial maintenance procedures is essential if the anticipated availability targets are to be met. In addition, the mechanical and electrical components used on today’s rail vehicles need to be compact and lightweight in design to meet demanding specifications without any trade-off in performance.

As an industry partner and key supplier in the international rail sector for over 30 years, Stäubli has a clear insight into the sectors’ unique challenges and expectations, such as service continuity, extreme weather conditions and mechanical stresses. This close partnership with the sector during this time has been the catalyst for the development of a series of connector products which are now generally recognised by many as industry standard solutions.

Stäubli designs and manufactures reliable, lightweight and compact quick-release couplings that are very easy to use, even in confined spaces, thereby minimising equipment maintenance processes and subsequent rolling stock downtime. The rail sector fluid and electrical applications covered by Stäubli’s connector technology include cooling of on-board electronic circuits, body-to-bogie and inter-body connections, hydraulic circuits, braking systems, battery pack connections and converters.

A key element of the Stäubli product offering to the rail sector is the Modular Power Connector (MPC) range, which facilitates electric connectivity between the various functions that are part of the electric traction chain on different types of rolling stock. The Modular Power Connector (MPC) range has the advantage of delivering a universal multi-application, compact and modular solution, through the rationalisation and the standardisation of common components.

Thanks to the modular nature of the connector design, combined with a series of options, a complete customised solution can be configured for each specific application. The MPC connector solutions offer a range of benefits including the fact that all on-board power applications can be connected, the same system can be used for every power connection plus the fact that the range offers easy and fast assembly and maintenance. Stäubli connectors are certified for high voltage and high current applications and are tested to rail sector standards IEC 62847 – EN 61373 and EN 45545-2.

Stäubli MPC Connectors In Action

The Appenzell Regional Railway offers convenient schedules and new rolling stock for efficient connections onward to long-distance transport. The new low-floor trains used on this route were produced by Stadler, the innovative Swiss train manufacturer. For the first time, these narrow-gauge trains have been fitted with the proven MPC (modular power connector) from Stäubli Electrical Connectors to deliver an easy-to-maintain electrical connection between the vehicle and the traction unit.

The low-floor design of the new trains for the Appenzell Railway ensures that all passengers have barrier-free entry and exit. In addition, the wide doors enable quick passenger changes to keep trains running to schedule. All the trains are air conditioned and offer a first-class carriage. Applying its innovation, passion, and flexibility as well as its knowledge of the respective local conditions, Stadler puts the best possible vehicle on the track for its customers, and this is where their aspirations meet those of Stäubli Electrical Connectors.

The partnership began with a Stäubli solution for earthing blocks for high-performance Stadler double-decker interurban trains to meet the train builder’s safety requirements. Over the next few years this collaboration continued and grew. Stäubli Electrical Connectors was able to build trust and together with the company’s engineering team for gear, narrow-gauge and specialty vehicles, evaluated best-in-class solutions for safe, fast, and vibration-resistant power supply connectors for a variety of applications.

As a result of the collaboration with Stäubli Electrical Connectors, Stadler decided to compare the existing screwed connections with the compact and space-saving MPCs between the car and the drivetrain on the bogies. In railway operations, maintenance must be completed as quickly as possible to minimise rolling stock downtime, and therefore pluggable connections are considered to be the ideal solution for efficient maintenance.

Proven Quality Based Upon Tailor-Made Tests

Durability and low-loss energy transmission for high currents, maximum shock, impact and vibration resistance and high robustness - even in extreme climatic conditions - are required for all components in railway technology. The route and elevation profile of the track in Appenzell were all considered when tests were conducted to ensure that the MPC could transmit the required power over the acceleration sections after the halts, and that the bespoke cable assemblies could withstand even tight curves and steep hills. On completion of the tests Stäubli was able to prove that the MPC range could meet the customer’s high expectations in all areas.

A combination of expert advice, excellent supply availability and close collaboration during all phases of the project resulted in the installation of the new Stäubli connectors in the Appenzell trains. Pascal Duvoisin, Installation Planning Team Leader commented: “The electrical tests carried out specifically for the Appenzell Railway project prove the outstanding suitability under the required conditions. This ensures that we can offer our customers the safety and operational warranty they need. The MPC allows for speedy handling and contact reliability during maintenance periods, which brings the entire train back into operation and back on the rails faster.”