1000mm arm expands Toshiba Machine six axis range

~ TM Robotics predicts high take up in manufacturing industry at UK launch ~

TM Robotics has provided a European launch for the second robot in the Toshiba Machine range of six axis units. The new TV1000 robot joins the recently launched TV800 and provides an additional arm length option for larger scale applications. The robot is the second machine in the series and is ideal for the general manufacturing sector, where it will find uses in countless pick and place applications.

The easy to use TV1000 has a total arm length of 1000mm, a reach of 1090mm and a composite maximum speed of 9.61 metres per second. The robot has a maximum cycle time of 0.6 to 0.7 seconds, repeatability of ±0.03mm and a maximum payload of five kilograms. It is controlled using Toshiba Machine’s new TS3100 controller, which is programmed in SCOL, a language similar to BASIC - as are all Toshiba Machine industrial robots.  The TS3100 features a built-in Ethernet port, making conveyor and vision synchronisation simple. The controller also includes the built-in TCmini PLC, which allows control of I/O equipment, regardless of operation and program.

“Having recently sold our first TV800s in the UK, it’s really exciting to be able to offer another option in the series,” explained Nigel Smith, managing director of TM Robotics. “Industry is wising up to the fact that automated manufacturing means easier, less expensive and more efficient production. And, as the prolonged recession in the UK and the recent recessions in other European nations are still affecting European manufacturing, these are the qualities that end users of robotics are looking for.”

The new six axis robot uses an absolute position detection system, with a robust AC motor at its heart. Axes one to six offer working envelopes of ±170º, -100 – +150º, -127 – +167º, ±190º, ±120º and ±360º respectively. They also feature maximum speeds of 237º/S, 240º/S, 288º/S, 350.5º/S, 484º/S, and 576º/S respectively. The allowable moment of inertia on axis four and five is 0.3kg/m2 and on axis six its 0.5kg/m2.
A copy of this press release is available to download at http://www.tmrobotics-pr.blogspot.com/. 

Ends: 355 words

Editor’s note: If you want to stay constantly up to date on the latest news from TM Robotics, paste the following link into your RSS reader http://tmrobotics-pr.blogspot.com/atom.xml.

For further information contact:Nigel Smith - TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd
Unit 2, Bridge Gate Centre, Martinfield,
Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL7 1JG
Telephone: +44 (0)1707 290370
Fax: +44 (0)1707 376662
www: http://www.tmrobotics.co.uk/ and http://www.abot.eu.com/
e-mail: sales@tmrobotics.co.uk

Press enquiries: Oana Baetica
Stone Junction, Business Innovation Centre
Staffordshire Technology Park, Beaconside, Stafford, St16 1DS
Telephone: +44 (0) 1785 225416
e-mail: oana@stonejunction.co.uk
www: http://www.stonejunction.co.uk/ 
Blog: http://www.stone-junction.blogspot.com/

About TM Robotics: TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd is responsible for the sales, marketing and support of Toshiba Machine's Industrial Robots throughout Europe. The two companies offer an extensive range of SCARA and Cartesian robots, sold with the aid of a comprehensive network of system integration partners and distributors. Toshiba Machine’s SCARA robots find applications in industries ranging from food and pharmaceuticals to electronics, packaging and automotive component handling.

Ref: TRE157/08/10

Fast SCARA’s Ethernet connectivity means competition for delta robots

~ TM Robotics launches new Toshiba Machine SCARA idea for high speed pick and place ~

TM Robotics has launched Toshiba Machine’s THP550 SCARA, the first robot in a new range of machines set to compete with the flexipicker style devices already on the market. Its impressive speed and Ethernet connectivity make it ideal for robot synchronisation on a production line. As a result, two or more SCARAs can work together, using a single vision system, and deliver a net capital expenditure saving compared to a single more expensive device.

The THP550 works in tandem with Toshiba Machine’s new TS3000 series controllers, which also feature an Ethernet connection for easy set up. Key to the functionality of both devices is the TM Robotics ‘one line = one camera’ philosophy, which cuts costs by sharing the vision from a single camera across multiple robots. This allows the system to sort large quantities of goods quickly and take advantage of easy programming via dedicated commands. In addition, the resultant, perfectly synchronised, automation can result in fewer damaged products than other methods of manufacture.

The THP550 offers a payload of 2kg, a 550mm arm length and a cycle time of 0.29 seconds. A composite maximum speed of 6.21m/s and repeatability of ±0.015mm on the X and Y axes means that the machine offers both the speed required by the most demanding applications and outstanding accuracy on highly repetitive pick and place tasks. Absolute encoders are standard while options include ceiling mount, IP65 wash down, clean room design and an extended Z axis. The easy to use TS3000 controller is programmed in SCOL, a language similar to BASIC, and features a built in PLC, creating the potential for total system management from the controller itself.

Nigel Smith, managing director of TM Robotics explains, “While SCARA robots have ease of integration, relatively low costs and versatility on their side, they have always been a little bit slower than the very fastest robot technologies. The introduction of the THP550 and other machines in the same series, mean that we can now compensate for that by offering a set up that provides all the speed advantages of a flexipicker with all of the simplicity, adaptability and flexibility of a Toshiba Machine SCARA.” 

The launch of the Toshiba Machine THP550 coincides with the launch of TM Robotics’ new European brochure, which is available from hayley@tmrobotics.co.uk. The publication includes details of the entire Toshiba Machine automation range including six axis, SCARA and Cartesian robots.

A copy of this press release is available to download at http://www.tmrobotics-pr.blogspot.com/. 

Ends: 415 words

Editor’s note: If you want to stay constantly up to date on the latest news from TM Robotics, paste the following link into your RSS reader http://tmrobotics-pr.blogspot.com/atom.xml.

For further information contact:Nigel Smith - TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd
Unit 2, Bridge Gate Centre, Martinfield,
Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL7 1JG
Telephone: +44 (0)1707 290370
Fax: +44 (0)1707 376662
www: http://www.tmrobotics.co.uk/ and http://www.abot.eu.com/
e-mail: sales@tmrobotics.co.uk
Twitter: http://twitter.com/TMRobotics
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/TMRobotics1
e-mail: sales@tmrobotics.co.uk

Press enquiries: Oana Baetica
Stone Junction, Business Innovation Centre,
Staffordshire Technology Park, Beaconside, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST18 0AR
Telephone: +44 (0) 1785 225416
e-mail: oana@stonejunction.co.uk
www: http://www.stonejunction.co.uk/ 
Blog: http://www.stone-junction.blogspot.com/
Linkedin: http://uk.linkedin.com/in/technicalpragency
Twitter: www.twitter.com/RichieStone
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/technicalPR 

About TM Robotics: TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd is responsible for the sales, marketing and support of Toshiba Machine's Industrial Robots throughout Europe. The two companies offer an extensive range of SCARA and Cartesian robots, sold with the aid of a comprehensive network of system integration partners and distributors. Toshiba Machine’s SCARA robots find applications in industries ranging from food and pharmaceuticals to electronics, packaging and automotive component handling.

Ref: TRE152/09/08

Compact SCARA set to make a precise impression

The TH180 SCARA

~ Toshiba Machine’s smallest ever robot launched by TM Robotics ~

TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd has launched Toshiba Machine’s smallest ever SCARA robot the compact and high speed TH180. The machine is ideal for highly precise pick and place applications, like those found in the electronics, pharmaceutical and laboratory industries.

The TH180 has a functional payload of 2kg, which is more than adequate for the kind of applications it will be required to work in. An arm length of 180mm and repeatability on the Z-axis of ±0.01mm makes the robot one of the most accurate on the market, in its class. A composite maximum speed of 2.6m/s is sufficient for most small handling applications, as is an impressive typical cycle time of 0.35 seconds. Absolute encoder positioning detection helps ensure that accuracy is maintained throughout the cycle.

“The TH180 fills a hole in our robot range and helps us participate in some highly competitive markets,” explained Nigel Smith, managing director of TM Robotics. “In particular, the robot’s cleanroom functionality is a real boon; it has a class 10 classification which is essential for applications like semiconductor manufacture, biotechnology and life sciences.”

The new robot is controlled by the Toshiba Machine TS1000 controller, which uses the programming language SCOL, similar to BASIC. An optional TP1000 teach pendant can also be supplied to make access easier. The system also features a built in TCmini PLC, which allows for control of I/O equipment, regardless of operation and program. This creates the opportunity to turn the robot into the control centre of the entire system.

A copy of this press release is available to download at www.tmrobotics-pr.blogspot.com.

Ends: 281 words

Editor’s note: If you want to stay constantly up to date on the latest news from TM Robotics, paste the following link into your RSS reader http://tmrobotics-pr.blogspot.com/atom.xml. If you don’t have an RSS reader, I can recommend the following free package Sharp Reader.

For further information contact:
Nigel Smith - TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd
Unit 2, Bridge Gate Centre, Martinfield,
Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL7 1JG
Telephone: +44 (0)1707 290370
Fax: +44 (0)1707 376662
www: www.tmrobotics.co.uk and www.abot.eu.com
e-mail: sales@tmrobotics.co.uk
Twitter: http://twitter.com/TMRobotics
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/TMRobotics1
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SCARARobots
Blog: http://www.tmrobotics-pr.blogspot.com/

Press enquiries: Richard Stone
Business Innovation Centre, Staffordshire Technology Park,
Beaconside, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST18 0AR
Telephone: +44 (0) 1785 225416
e-mail: richards@stonejunction.co.uk
www: www.stonejunction.co.uk
Blog: www.stone-junction.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/richiestone
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/technicalPR

About TM Robotics: TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd is responsible for the sales, marketing and support of Toshiba Machine's Industrial Robots throughout Europe. Toshiba Machine offers an extensive range of SCARA and Cartesian robots, sold with the aid of a comprehensive network of system integration partners and distributors. Toshiba Machine’s SCARA robots find applications in industries ranging from food and pharmaceuticals to electronics, packaging and automotive component handling.

Ref: TRE209/02/11

New SCARA is a heavyweight customer

~ 1200mm arm length SCARA suited to heavy duty materials handling applications ~

TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd has launched the new Toshiba Machine TH1200A SCARA robot in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The new robot is the largest in the Toshiba Machine family and will find uses in heavy duty pick and place applications, such as packaging and heavy materials handling.

The TH1200A has an impressive payload of 20kg and an arm length of 1200mm, meaning it can take on even the most arduous handling task without breaking a sweat. Repeatability on the Z-axis is ±0.02mm and, as a result, the robot’s recurring accuracy can compete with a machine vastly inferior in size. A composite maximum speed of 7.9m/s is sufficient for most large handling applications, as is a typical cycle time of 0.57 seconds. Absolute encoder positioning detection helps ensure that accuracy is maintained throughout the cycle.

The new robot is controlled by the Toshiba Machine TS3100 controller, which features a built-in Ethernet port, making conveyor and vision synchronisation simple. This presents the opportunity to reduce capital expenditure on the robot cell by sharing vision from a single camera across multiple robots. Another advantage is that the resultant, perfectly synchronised, automation can reduce the damage rate on the line; further increasing profitability.

The TS1300 controller also includes a built-in TCmini PLC, which allows control of I/O equipment, regardless of operation and program. This creates the opportunity to turn the robot into the control centre of the entire cell.

“The net effect of the control system is greater efficiency and productivity,” enthused Nigel Smith, managing director of TM Robotics. “Combine this with savings in vision technology and the resultant, easy to implement, package could be a genuine financial boom to anyone operating a heavy materials handling process.”

Download a copy of the TH1200A data sheet from TM Robotics dedicated industrial robots Web site here.
A copy of this press release is available to download at http://www.tmrobotics-pr.blogspot.com/. 

Ends: 305 words

Editor’s note: If you want to stay constantly up to date on the latest news from TM Robotics, paste the following link into your RSS reader http://tmrobotics-pr.blogspot.com/atom.xml.

For further information contact:Nigel Smith - TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd
Unit 2, Bridge Gate Centre, Martinfield,
Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL7 1JG
Telephone: +44 (0)1707 290370
Fax: +44 (0)1707 376662
www: http://www.tmrobotics.co.uk/ and http://www.abot.eu.com/
e-mail: sales@tmrobotics.co.uk
Twitter: http://twitter.com/TMRobotics
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/TMRobotics1

Press enquiries: Oana Baetica
Stone Junction, No. 2 the Garthlands, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST17 9ZP
Telephone: +44 (0) 1785 225416
e-mail: oana@stonejunction.co.uk
www: http://www.stonejunction.co.uk/ 
Blog: http://www.stone-junction.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/richiestone

About TM Robotics: TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd is responsible for the sales, marketing and support of Toshiba Machine's Industrial Robots throughout Europe. Toshiba Machine offers an extensive range of SCARA and Cartesian robots, sold with the aid of a comprehensive network of system integration partners and distributors. Toshiba Machine’s SCARA robots find applications in industries ranging from food and pharmaceuticals to electronics, packaging and automotive component handling.

Ref: TRE178/09/10

TM Robotics in search of Middle Eastern partner

TM Robotics, the European robotics partner of Toshiba Machine, is actively expanding its operations in the Middle East and Africa and is searching for systems integrator partners from the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa. At present, the company handles the majority of its Middle Eastern business directly, but would like to introduce a new level of local expertise by working with plastics or packaging integrators to improve its offering.

TM Robotics handles the sales, marketing and support of Toshiba Machine's industrial robots throughout Europe and offers an extensive range of SCARA, six axis and Cartesian robots. The robots find applications in industries ranging from plastics and packaging to food and pharmaceuticals and electronics and cosmetics to automotive component handling.

The company believes that its Toshiba Machine SCARA is the most easy to use robot on the market, and also the easiest to integrate. As a result, once integration, training and programming costs are factored into the equation it can be the most effective for the end user. They argue that this means good business and satisfied clients for the integrator.

“Repeat business with the same end users is always the sign of a good integrator,” explained Nigel Smith, managing director of TM Robotics. “We already have relationships that yield those kinds of results across Europe and in South Africa. We are now looking to fill in the geographical blanks between the two,” he continued.

“This isn’t simply a dot joining exercise though; it’s a serious strategic plan. There are some very impressive manufacturing companies in the Middle East that offer huge opportunities. But, like the rest of us, they are operating in a Global environment. As a result, budgets are tight and anything that can improve efficiency and reduce costs will be a benefit. Industrial robots bring these benefits and others.”

TM Robotics believes that the benefits of an industrial robot can be calculated simply by analysing the application and isolating the savings, costs and additional financial benefits of the installation. Subtracting the costs from the savings and the financial implications of the additional benefits, results in a figure that will demonstrate return on investment. Payback is achieved when the total saving figure, which will mount up month by month as savings are incurred, becomes greater than the total cost of the installation.

“Our systems integrator and distributor partners gain advantages from a host of benefits such as training, partner events and unique product developments, such as our industrial robot starter pack, which is an ideal training tool or introduction to robotics for novice end users. We’re looking for a partner who is knowledgeable in engineering with an awareness of mechanical and electrical applications. Naturally, they should also be experts in their sector; most likely plastics or packaging. We need someone that can work effectively, with our technical, guidance to take advantage of the new and exciting opportunities that are arising in the Middle Eastern markets,” concluded Smith.

SAVINGS
1. Labour costs saved by re-distributing existing workers elsewhere within the company
2. Maintenance costs saved by switching to robotics from an existing system
3. Changeover savings incurred as a result of the advantages of robotics over current system
4. Other overheads reduced as a result of manual labour no longer being required on this line

COSTS
1. The cost of the robot itself
2. The cost of programming
3. The cost of integration
4. The cost of associated equipment*
5. Training costs
* Such as vision or control equipment.

BENEFITS

1. Increased turnover and/or profit incurred due to increased production within the existing system
2. Increased turnover and/or profit incurred as the result of 24 hour operation or additional shifts

SAVINGS + BENEFITS - COSTS = ROI

Ends: 484 words (615 including box out text)

Editor’s note: If you want to stay constantly up to date on the latest news from TM Robotics, paste the following link into your RSS reader http://tmrobotics-pr.blogspot.com/atom.xml. If you don’t have an RSS reader, I can recommend the following free package Sharp Reader.

For further information contact:
Nigel Smith - TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd
Unit 2, Bridge Gate Centre, Martinfield,
Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL7 1JG
Telephone: +44 (0)1707 290370
Fax: +44 (0)1707 376662
www: www.tmrobotics.co.uk and www.abot.eu.com
e-mail: sales@tmrobotics.co.uk
Twitter: @TMRobotics

Press enquiries: Richard Stone
Stone Junction, No. 2 the Garthlands, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST17 9ZP
Telephone: +44 (0) 1785 225416
e-mail: richards@stonejunction.co.uk
www: www.stonejunction.co.uk
Blog: www.stone-junction.blogspot.com
Twitter: @RichieStone

About TM Robotics: TM Robotics (Europe) Ltd is responsible for the sales, marketing and support of Toshiba Machine's Industrial Robots throughout Europe. Toshiba Machine offers an extensive range of SCARA, six axis and Cartesian robots, sold with the aid of a comprehensive network of system integration partners and distributors. Toshiba Machine’s SCARA robots find applications in industries ranging from food and pharmaceuticals to electronics, packaging and automotive component handling.

Ref: TRE194/09/10

This article was produced exclusively for Middle Eastern Plastics magazine.