Introduction

About Part Feeding

The Part Feeding option for Epson RC+ 8.0 ("Part Feeding option" hereinafter) can be used for easily developing a system in which parts are separated by a part feeder and a robot picks up the parts from the feeder.

Background

Types of manufacturing are becoming more diversified in response to the growing trends of shorter product life and multi-product diversification, "Just-in-time" manufacturing (small lots with short turnarounds), and similar factors. In contrast, factors such as continuously increasing wages, persons moving away from production site areas, and the aging of the worker population make it increasingly difficult to perform manufacturing, resulting in the issue of how to achieve the flexibility necessary to respond to diversification.
Let’s look at part feeding as one element in creating automated production lines. Part feeding is a key element for production equipment because you cannot increase productivity beyond the part feeding capacity. Currently, the main method used for part feeding is the comparatively inexpensive vibrating bowl feeder which provides great diversity of use. However, it is necessary to create bowls corresponding to the fed parts and, moreover, to manually replace bowls for each part type, which requires the coordination of specialized technical personnel for such purposes. These requirements make it difficult to respond to diversification and short turnaround times due to the necessity for advanced engineering capabilities and experience.
One device that resolves some of the shortcomings of a bowl feeder is the "intelligent parts feeder" ("feeder" hereinafter) that was first put in use a few years ago. This device allows you to easily handle various types of fed parts just by changing the feeder settings. There are also products that combine this feeder with image processing that is capable of identifying parts and a robot that handles the recognized parts.
However, these types of products require users to specify settings for themselves for feeder adjustment and operation, image processing, and robot parts handling because individual operations of the feeder can only be performed from the robot system. Time and experience are necessary for comprehensively studying and designing part feeding. For example, the cycle time greatly varies depending on the number of parts fed and the position where the robot picks up parts. Failure to provide a proper design will prevent the feeder from operating at full functionality and a high-performance level even if, for example, a high-performance/high-functioning feeder is used, and thereby prevent any improvement to the cycle time. These current feeder products cannot just be used right away by any person.

Merits of the Part Feeding Option

The Part Feeding option is a product that brings innovation to these current part feeders. Introducing this option provides the following merits.

  • Complete Integration of the Feeder, Vision System, and Robot
    All the necessary elements for part feeding are provided in a single package. A fully integrated feeder, vision system, and robot require less labor when introduced than would be necessary if you prepared and evaluated each part separately.

  • Reduced Labor Time for Device Development/Startup
    Feeder and Vision System operations are handled by the system automatically. No programming is required of the customer. The robot operation needs to be described by the user, but this can be simply done by writing in a template code. The feeder, vision system, and robot operations are subject to automatic simultaneous control so that device development can be performed with minimal programming. It is simple to integrate into whatever environment the user is currently using. Feeder, robot, and vision system settings can be easily specified by using the GUI.

  • Reduction of downtime and running costs
    The Part Feeding option accommodates a wide range of parts, eliminating the need to change equipment with each part change. This minimizes production downtime. Additionally, it reduces the need for new equipment, thereby lowering long-term running costs.

Functions of the Part Feeding Option

Using these key functions, you can easily achieve full feeder functionality and create an efficient part feeding system.

  • Feeder and Communication I/F
    Communication programs for specifying feeder settings and controlling the feeder are incorporated into this system. You do not have to perform any programming for communication.
  • Automatic Feeder Adjustment Function
    This system includes a function that automatically adjusts feeder parameters (such as vibration amplitude and time) according to the parts fed. Feeder adjustment can be performed easily even by persons with no knowledge of feeders just by performing a few simple procedures.
  • Feeder Control Algorithms
    Algorithms for controlling the feeder are included in the system. These algorithms were created with an eye toward reducing as much as possible the time required by the robot to pick parts. Efficient operations can be achieved even by persons with no particular knowledge of feeders.
  • Cycle Time Log Output Function for Ascertaining Robot and Feeder Operating Status
    This system includes a function to output the operating times of the robot, feeder, and vision system to a file. This can be used for more efficient operation by changing the parameter settings, and then obtaining the log to analyze operation. The Controller must be connected to a PC with the Epson RC+ 8.0 installed in order to use this function.
  • Multi-feeder Operation
    Up to 4 feeders can be connected to and controlled by a single controller. For T/VT series, up to 2 feeders can be controlled. When you want to link multiple feeder operations, you can control them with a single controller, so it makes programming easier.
  • Multi-part Operation
    Up to four different parts can be processed in a single feeder at the same time. The number of feeders can be reduced, which results in lower costs and space savings. In multi-part operation, up to two robots can be used per feeder.
  • Purge Operation
    This system can perform an operation to purge parts that are in the feeder. When you want to automatically eject a part from the feeder by switching parts, or when you want to use it for damaged parts or overfeeding. The IF-80 includes a platform for the purge operation and a container for storing the ejected parts.

Required Basic Knowledge of Epson RC+ 8.0

The Part Feeding option operates within the Epson RC+ 8.0 environment.
Knowledge of the Epson RC+ 8.0 development environment, Epson’s robots, and Epson RC+ 8.0 Option Vision Guide 8.0 is required to use the Part Feeding option. The information in this manual is intended for individuals with knowledge of the following items.

  • General knowledge of the Epson RC+ 8.0 project management and procedures for use
  • Procedures for creating and editing SPEL+ programs using the Epson RC+ 8.0
  • Procedures for executing SPEL+ programs from the Run window
  • Basic language structure, functions, and procedures for use of SPEL+
  • Vision Guide 8.0 functions and procedures for use

Refer to the following related manuals along with the Part Feeding option manuals for using the Part Feeding option.

  • "Epson RC+ 8.0 Option Part Feeding 8.0 IF-***"
    ***: Feeder model (IF-80, IF-240, or IF-380/530)
    This manual contains information on using each feeder.
  • "Epson RC+ 8.0 Option Part Feeding 8.0 Hopper"
    This manual contains information on using hopper.
  • "Epson RC+ 8.0 User's Guide"
    This manual contains information on using the Epson RC+ Robot Control System.
  • "SPEL+ Language Reference Manual"
    This manual contains a complete description of all commands for the SPEL+ language.
  • Each Robot Manual
    Each robot manual contains information on our robots.

Symbols Used in this Manual

In this manual, important matters are shown with the symbols below. Each symbol is described below.

WARNING

This symbol indicates that a danger of possible serious injury or death exists if the associated instructions are not followed properly.

WARNING

This symbol indicates that a danger of possible harm to people caused by electric shock exists if the associated instructions are not followed properly.

CAUTION

This symbol indicates that a danger of possible harm to people or physical damage to equipment and facilities exists if the associated instructions are not followed properly.

KEY POINTS

This sections describe important information to be followed for operating the Robot system.

TIP

This sections describe hints for easier or alternative operations.

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