ATM Automation Introduce the MR20 – 7 Axis Robot System to the UK

Compact Flexibility from ATM’s MR20

In moulding shops across the United Kingdom it is not uncommon to see 6 axis robots operating as part of an automated cell together with injection moulding machines. The uptake of 6 axis robots has been a natural progression from the more traditional 3 axis Cartesian robots, given the additional dexterity and flexibility offered by the 6 axis units. The only potential drawback when using a 6 axis system was the extra floor-space required to enable effective use of the large robot envelope.

The new MR20 robot arm, recently introduced by ATM, features a unique 7 axis design which allows the robot to closely emulate the motions of a human arm, and enabling the robot to perform more complicated tasks at high speed in restricted work areas. The robot can be situated close to the side of the injection moulding machine, and use the unique dexterity of the 7 axis configuration to reach into the mould tool space. Another benefit of the new 7 axis system is the capability to avoid entering “singularity” positions, a problem which can sometimes arise with 6 axis systems and requiring consideration during path programming.

Driven by Nachi’s AX20 series controller, the MR 20 features a horizontal reach of 1260mm, a 30kg payload and repeatability of +/-0.1mm. The MR 20 is ideal for integration to injection moulding machines, general machine tending, material handling and case packing. When coupled with Nachi’s NV-AX vision system, the MR 20 robot can also be applied to bin picking and assembly applications.

ATM Automation also provide Cartesian and 6 Axis Robot Systems, Plastics Joining Technologies, Gripper & Tooling Systems and Complete System Solutions, all of which are backed by the unrivalled experience in plastics automation acquired by ATM in almost 40 years within the industry.