September 17, 2015 – Lenze adds a pick-and-place robot programming module to its FAST programming software, that combines robotic functions in a drive solution that is as easy to parameterize as a single-axis movement.
Most gantry robots operate on a single axis using a PLC-controlled positioning drive. Gantry robotic systems are used primarily for stacking and moving wood, metals, plastics, glass or other materials. The FAST module effectively replaces PLC-controlled gantries with sequential motion commands that can be tailored to specific tasks. Intrinsically synchronous travel profiles result in substantially less wear on the mechanical parts of a machine than point-to-point positioning. Smarter path planning means a machine can be designed for higher energy efficiency and faster operation using smaller drives.
Based on PLCopen Part 4 for all main and auxiliary axes and using the IEC 61131 programming environment, FAST software technology allows integration of additional drive tasks, such as upstream and downstream conveyor drives using the same controller and inverter drives. A kinematic model simplifies the steps needed to integrate robots into an overall automation system. Even complex drive systems requiring multi-axis coordination can be programmed quickly. By streamlining the engineering process, FAST modules allow design engineers to devote more of their time to optimizing value-added machine features.
Lenze offers integrated FAST modules for different types of gantry robots, in addition to modules for Delta 2, Delta 3, buckling arm and SCARA robots. Every FAST application software module comes with a visualization system for testing purposes.
