6-Axis Robot Applications in the Powder Coating Sector

Rising quality standards in the global market and intense competition are compelling industrial manufacturing to work with technology companies that deliver minimum operating costs and maximum efficiency. The industry's greatest need—reducing costs through minimal labor while producing high-quality products with robotic applications—has intensified these demands further. Robotik Boya Makinaları Endüstriyel Tesisler ve Malzemeleri San. Tic. Ltd. Şti., specializing in robotic painting systems, serves the global market under its registered brand Robocoating, establishing itself as a strong player internationally. Having successfully implemented 6-axis robotic painting systems in the wet coating sector, the company continues to apply the same technology in the powder coating sector. Robotic applications in powder coating facilities aim to eliminate the need for painters in final touch-up operations at automatic coating plants, thereby reducing operating costs. In powder coating production, you can benefit from Robocoating technologies to reduce labor costs and improve consistency of coating thickness in microns. A 6-axis robot can be used at various capacities in powder coating application processes. Typical applications involve using a robot to replace manual operators performing pre-touch operations. For example, in applications where interior surfaces of cabinets were previously manually coated, coating surfaces with a 6-axis robot has become easier and more cost-effective; sections such as walls and side panels are coated with conventional automatic application equipment. Robots can also be used effectively as independent units at high speeds. Products can be held stationary in front of the robot, or the robot can be taught to follow parts while using traditional moving conveyor systems. Robot programming is performed in "real time" using a hand-controlled teach pendant. After recording in the PLC, the program can be repeated continuously on a specific section. Typically, a robot programmed once will provide up to 30% production increase due to the repeatability of the automation process.

Product Overview

The product we present to the powder coating market is the LeBot A6 model 6-axis robot. To minimize load stress, the robot arm weight is supported by cylinders. The robot's wrist structure allows movement in all directions, facilitating painting of hard-to-reach surfaces. It is easy and quick to program. It has unlimited program capacity. The control unit consists of a personal computer with Windows operating system. Robot operation is very simple. The first step in using the robot is the "teach-in" phase, after which the same is applied. It provides savings from paint consumption, rework, defective products and downtime.

LeBot MV-A6 6-Axis Robot Features:

• LeBot MV-A6 robot arms (VA900 x HA1050) are made of aluminum to reduce object inertia during the programming phase; in addition to the arms, weight is balanced with pneumatic cylinders • Used to minimize load stress across all trajectories • In the final application, the robot's wrist geometry, combined with the arm's movement capability in all directions, facilitates painting of hard-to-reach surfaces • Maximum payload at the robot end is 4 kg • The robot is a 6-axis unit constructed with ex-proof protection and equipped with an innovative control unit called LeCRob STD Robot operation is simple and fast. The main stages of operation are teach-in programming and application of those programs.

Robot programming is performed in 3 stages:

• Program initiation. Created simply by adding a new program number to the actual program list. • "Teach-in" module performance is high. Extremely lightweight and easy to use, it involves manually moving the robot arm, creating a record of the executed movements that allows the system to store the paint gun's movements. A program can be created with different module sequences. • Program composition. A program is composed of a series of modules arranged in chronological order. • An operator repeating the process over a few hours of training can perform these operations very simply and independently. During programming, it is possible to control certain accessories such as rotation groups, carrier apparatus, and gun parameters to optimize painting. Simple selection of the program number allows repetition of executed movements, with the robot including all other accessories defined in the current quotation. Selim Şahin General Manager Robotik Boya Makinaları Endüstriyel Tesisler ve Malzemeleri San. Ticaret Limited Şirketi