Assembly

On the Show Floor

0.001 Millimetre Accuracy and Repeatability in SCARA Robots For High Value Applications

TM Robotics’ Nigel Smith on integration, drives and tough applications like PCBs.

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The gold standard in industrial general-purpose robot automation is the selectable, compliant, articulated robot arm. Standardized M-code, control logic and the universality of end effectors have made SCARA robots useful in everything from spacecraft assembly to food handling in bakeries, but the development of ultra-high precision units capable of placing tiny components on PCBs has been the most important application to date. Operating with 0.01mm accuracy puts a premium on robot drives, machine vision systems and on the integrators who configure manufacturing cells. TM Robotics’ CEO Nigel Smith describes these challenges to Jim Anderton at Automate 2023.

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Written by

James Anderton

Jim Anderton is the Director of Content for ENGINEERING.com. Mr. Anderton was formerly editor of Canadian Metalworking Magazine and has contributed to a wide range of print and on-line publications, including Design Engineering, Canadian Plastics, Service Station and Garage Management, Autovision, and the National Post. He also brings prior industry experience in quality and part design for a Tier One automotive supplier.