So as to expand the range of the biggest FANUC robot in the product line, Vansichen Linear Technology developed a custom made robot track. The 6-axis FANUC robot, the M-2000iA/2300 to be precise, features a range of 3734mm. By placing that robot on a seventh axis (the track), the reach increases significantly.  A demo model is presently on show at Pollers NV in Heusden-Zolder.

FANUC is one of the key robot manufacturers in the world, with its head quarters and robots located in Japan. The M-2000iA/2300 robot features a staggering wrist payload of 2300 kg, which in part is why it’s known as the largest lifter in the product line.  The robot is ideal for heavy materials handling that demands an even stronger wrist strength; it can lift, hold and place a car with ease. Moreover, the combination of an extensive operating area and 6-axis flexibility, ensures the M-2000iA/2300 can shift and place objects within a broadly defined area with considerable accuracy.

“Products weighing around 2 tonnes often have the dimensions that mean the robot’s standard range doesn’t suffice.  The track on show at Pollers NV measures 12m.  But, in theory, these tracks can be built up to a length of 100m”, explains Maxime Vansichen, Managing Director of Vansichen Linear Technology. “The FANUC robot itself has a range of nearly 4m, but heavy loads such as vehicles are rarely shifted within such a short range.  To expand that range we created a 12m track.  The tracks comprise max. 6m sections, and are easily bolted together”, Maxime elucidates.

“The robot weighs approx. 12 tonnes and the track a further 14 tonnes, so in total 26 tonnes. Two in-built motors power the robot over 1 rack and pinion to facilitate track movement (smaller robots have just one motor). The biggest benefit of this track is that the robot can continue to work at 100% capacity whilst moving on the track.  The robot can attain an impressive speed of 1m/second on the track”, says Maxime.

Maxime: “Not that long ago Vansichen Linear Technology won the ‘Best Application Award’ from Atlanta. Vansichen Linear Technology’s design of a unique rack and pinion lubrication method was selected out of and by 20 global Atlanta distributors.  That system was especially designed for this track.  In the development of this project we knew we could rely on the support of VLAIO”.

To attain this demo model, as is customary for this Hasselt based company, collaboration ensued with Pollers NV in Heusden-Zolder.   Vansichen developed the custom-made track for the FANUC robot and Pollers NV manufactured the track.  “Pollers NV has been a steadfast construction partner for a long time now. Together we can look back on more than 650 successful projects”.

“With the development of this track we can now offer the full FANUC robot product line. From the tiniest – the LR mate – to the M-2000iA/2300. We had already compiled a special catalogue specifically for the FANUC product line. The range is now complete for standard robots.  Developments are in the pipeline for a cleanroom track and a track for ATEX scenarios,” concludes Maxime Vansichen.

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