robots Archives - RAD - Design & Manufacture High Quality Robotic & Automation Tooling Solutions

September 29, 2022

Robots play a crucial role in manufacturing environments, so when a robot or robot tooling goes down, it can cost companies a significant amount in downtime and repairs. As such, it’s imperative that your supplier be able to repair or replace your robotic end-of-arm tooling, also called robotic tooling or robot tooling, in short order.

When you have robotic tooling from RAD, you get a quick evaluation and turnaround time for all our products, which helps minimize downtime and lost revenue. Here’s how RAD works with clients to accelerate the repair process so they can restore operations as soon as possible.

Fast Turnaround Time for Evaluations and Repairs

To reduce any delays in the process, RAD will evaluate your end-of-arm tooling the same day that the tool arrives to us. This way, we can let you know what the issue is and give you an estimated time to complete the repair.

We aim to complete each repair as quickly as possible without compromising the quality of our work, and we make every effort to restore your RAD end-of-arm tooling to its original product specification.

Overall, you can expect your robotic tooling to be repaired and shipped back to you within five business days.

The Option to Have the Tooling Repaired or Replaced

RAD gives you the option to continue with the repair, get a replacement, or have the tooling returned to you as it came to us.

We understand that not every repair will be cost-effective or feasible for every customer. As soon as we receive the tooling, we will evaluate it and contact you with an estimate to repair it. You can then choose if you’d like to proceed with the repair, have the product returned to you, or replace it with a completely new unit.

Having this option for your RAD tooling allows you to quickly determine what you need to restore operations and get the process underway as soon as possible.

Technically Qualified Service Representatives

Our team knows there are few things more frustrating than contacting a repair or service company and speaking with someone who is not familiar with the tooling or does not know how to help you. That’s why RAD only employs technically qualified service representatives so we don’t waste your time or ours.

Each technician is familiar with RAD products and will assist you with the repair process and ensure a positive resolution for your needs with the highest level of customer service. We even have spare RAD parts we can ship to you, including select legacy products, so that you can repair your unit on-site.

Get Your RAD Robotic Tooling Repaired

We are here to assist you with your RAD robotic tooling repair needs to minimize downtime and associated costs by evaluating and repairing our products as quickly as possible. When you need prompt service and support, you can depend on us.

Contact RAD today at (937) 667-5705 to discuss your service issue and get the repair or replacement process started so you can get back up and running with the right tools and support.

by RAD

March 19, 2020

Tool changers for robotic applications aren’t the bulky and ineffective tools they were in the past. Today, automatic tool changers allow your robots to quickly swap out their end-effectors—including grippers, vacuum tools, and deburring devices—within seconds.

These fail-safe changes decrease downtime that was previously necessary for manually changing tools on the assembly line. Now, you can invest in one end of arm tooling device (EOAT) and use it for a variety of applications. Automatic tool changers use pass-through utilities to transfer power from the robot to the EOAT.

What are some other benefits of a robotic tool changer, and how can you select the right one for your application?

Tool Changers Deliver Versatile Robotic Solutions

Tool changers are versatile enough to support complex applications in automation. They automatically detach and pick up an end-effector with a different device, meaning they can begin doing another task within seconds.

Today’s automation systems need this flexibility and time-saving advantage, especially when manufacturers invest in high-tech equipment that they expect to use for a variety of assembly line processes.

Eliminate unnecessary tooling and increase efficiency by using individual tools that change automatically in seconds. You can accomplish numerous tasks with one investment instead of using multi-tool devices that require separate handling and maintenance.

Increase Uptime and Reliability

Manually changing tooling can take time, but automatic tool changers are designed to switch effortlessly. The tooling consists of a robot and the actual tool, which is attached to the robot via the end-effector.

Having a reliable tool changer for your robot applications is essential, especially in processes where robots collaborate. Tool changers come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are typically made from aluminum to keep the tooling light and allow the robot to maintain as much load capacity as possible.

Tool changers allow you to maximize uptime and reduce downtime for your automation applications. Instead of taking the time to manually swap out tools, tools can be quickly changed for necessary maintenance without wasting time or effort.

How to Choose the Right Tool Changer for Your Applications

What should you look for when it comes to the right automatic tool changer for your application? Begin by looking for a fail-safe locking mechanism, which helps avoid interruptions ensure reliability for your processes.

Next, determine the moment capacity of your tool changer to identify the correct one. For example, if moment capacity is low or moderate, you can simply choose a tool changer with a similar payload rating to the robot it’ll be attached to.

However, if moment capacity is high or you need a more precise selection, you can calculate the worst-case moment for your application. To do this, simply:

Estimate the center of gravity (CG) for your heaviest EOAT
Determine the distance (D) from the center of gravity to the bottom of the tool plate
Calculate the weight W) of your heaviest EOAT
Multiply the weight (W) by the distance (D) to get an approximate static moment (M)

Once you’ve determined this number, you can choose a tool changer with a moment capacity equal to or greater than the approximate static moment.

Find Out More About Automatic Tool Changers With Us at RAD

Automatic tool changers deliver unmatched efficiency and flexibility for your manufacturing processes. Get the best tool changer for your automation needs with help from our team at RAD. We offer automatic tool changers to fit your moment capacity and provide the most effective tooling for your robots!

by RAD

February 21, 2020

In the past, deburring processes—in which excess material on parts is removed—needed to be done through manual labor. Deburring tools weren’t designed to perform well in automated processes, and those that did make it onto the automation line failed to compensate for part differences. These early deburring devices lead to inconsistent part quality, increased programming time, higher safety risk, and more material waste for companies.

Today, pneumatic compliant deburring tools for robots have changed all this. These tools make the automated deburring process safer, more dependable, and cost-effective with consistent force and minimal programming. The money these tools save clients, combined with the flexibility they provide, makes them an ideal addition for automated processes that require deburring. How do RAD’s tools accomplish this?

Compensates for Part Irregularities

Pneumatic compliant deburring tools from RAD allow clients to maximize their machine performance. By compensating for part irregularities during the deburring process without damaging the part, these tools increase uptime and reduce cost from wasted material, machine downtime, and programming adjustments.

Our deburring tools accommodate variations in objects through 360-degree uniform radial compliance, meaning clients won’t have to make changes in the robot’s orientation via programming. The deburring pressure applied against the object is easily adjustable through either manual or programmable pneumatic regulation.

Variable Speed for More Applications

RAD’s deburring tools deliver greater flexibility through variable speeds, allowing our clients to use the device on different materials. These devices save clients money by preventing them from having to purchase numerous tools to accomplish similar tasks, even among various parts. Fixed RPM motors can’t provide this level of flexibility for different applications.

Pneumatic compliant deburring tools can also be mounted in five different angles so you can fully take advantage of this device for a variety of materials, and it can even be pedestal-mounted for even greater flexibility. Each of the speeds allows for a quiet run time with minimal vibration and the option of using less than 90 psi air pressure.

Save Time With Programming

As a result of our deburring tool’s ability to accommodate variances in parts, clients won’t need to program as many path points for the device, saving valuable time. The device easily adapts to variations between the robot and the tool, so programmers have less work to do, allowing our clients to invest their resources back into their company.

Easily adjustable when necessary, programmers can save time spent on multiple applications where traditional deburring tools would need to be continuously adjusted based on part differences. Our deburring devices don’t exactly follow the part, allowing it to adapt to these deviations with consistent force and results.

Need Deburring Tools? We’ve Got You Covered

As deburring technology takes its place in automation, RAD’s pneumatic compliant deburring device provides greater flexibility and other benefits that manual tools can’t offer. Our device delivers on the precision companies need to maximize machine performance and save money. Check out our variable-speed, radially complaint OmniForce™ tool for your deburring processes today!

by RAD

December 30, 2019

In the past, removing burrs—sharp edges or imperfections on parts—was done manually. Although manual deburring works, it’s a time-consuming process, and it’s impossible to recreate the consistency a robotic deburring tool does with a manual deburring process.

Robotic deburring tools provide numerous benefits over manual deburring, and these benefits support the investment and productivity for manufacturers. These automatic deburring processes offer high ROI for companies that need a capable machine to deliver on the proficiency and consistency that only robotics can offer.

What are some of the productivity benefits of these automatic deburring tools, and what applications are they used for?

Robotic Deburring Tool Benefits

Performed by a robotic arm, robotic deburring offers the following benefits for manufacturers over manual deburring:

Safety. Automating your deburring process with robotic tools allows you to minimize incidents that can happen during manual processes. Robotic arms increase safety, which can protect your equipment, reduce your liability, and enhance your production.

Consistency. Robotic deburring tools provide more consistent work than manual labor. Robots are able to perform the same task but with higher precision and without tiring, which results in better consistency, product quality, and value for your company.

Speed. Not only are manual deburring processes slower, but they’re also more prone to error. Robots never tire and only need routine maintenance to maintain their uptime, which results in higher output for you with reduced liability and increased profits.

Efficiency. The efficiency robotic tools provide is unmatched by manual labor. These robotic deburring tools can quickly and efficiently remove sharp edges and imperfections to enhance the safety and quality of your products.

Robotic tools are simple to program and are more affordable today than ever before. They’re easy enough to be implemented into your production line, creating a seamless process for your deburring needs regardless of your application.

Useful Applications for Robotic Deburring Tools

There are a variety of applications that can work with robotic deburring tools. They can be used on automated equipment, robot arms, linear actuators, cartesian robots, and CNC holders. Robotic deburring tools can also be pedestal mounted for your convenience.

Robotic deburring tools are also highly flexible, allowing you to vary the motor speed used on different components while maintaining the same consistency. These tools can adjust to variations in the parts they’re deburring without you having to alter the position of the robot, therefore simplifying your programming and eliminating the need for multiple devices.

These deburring tools can also get into narrow areas, are quiet, and are easy to install. Their adjustable force allows you to vary the speed based on the parts being deburred. Regardless of your application type, it could be time to consider switching from manual deburring to automatic with robotics!

Is It Time to Switch from Manual to Robotic?

If you’re still using manual deburring processes for your manufacturing, it could be time to consider switching to robotics. The high productivity, consistency, and safety of robotic deburring tools make them an ideal choice for a variety of different processes.

At RAD, we offer our variable-speed, radially compliant OmniForce™ deburring tool, which is able to accommodate differences in parts while using the same high-speed precision and performance. Our advanced robotic tools allow you to automate your processes for better value, safety, and efficiency!

by RAD

October 25, 2019

Robots provide many benefits for companies across a diverse range of industries. One of the best benefits of robot technology is cost savings, therefore freeing up company resources to invest in other revenue-growing opportunities.

Most robots come with collision software to help prevent accidents that can lead to expensive damage. However, this software isn’t nearly as fast as it needs to be to actually prevent a collision and minimize or eliminate damage.

With RAD’s range of advanced patented Collision Sensors, RAD’s collision sensors mechanically detect when the robot arm has encountered an obstruction, absorbing the crash energy without releasing the air pressure in the collision sensor.

Keeping the air in the collision sensor prevents tooling “sag” and eliminates the effects of compressed air being released into the environment. The collision sensor quickly signals the robot to stop (within 2-8 milliseconds)—thus preventing costly damage to equipment and tooling.

Understanding the Benefits of RAD Collision Sensors Response Time

RAD collision sensors can stop a crash within 2 to 8 milliseconds—that’s between 2 and 8 one-thousandths of a second, which is faster than human response time, which is typically only as fast as 13 milliseconds.

Upon detecting the impact, RAD’s collision sensor maximizes uptime by automatically returning to within 0.0005” (0.013mm) in x, y, and z dimensions and to within ± 0.017° rotationally of its starting position to maximize uptime and eliminate the need for human intervention.

RAD’s collision sensor models also provide additional pneumatic and compliance benefits, including:

Allowing pneumatic adjustment so the user can easily change the amount of resistance the unit must encounter before signaling a collision.
Having a compliance adjustment feature that lets the user determine the amount of deflection allowed before a signal is sent to the robot’s E-stop or controller.

Collision sensors act as insurance to protect your robot. Even embedded robot language can’t stop an accident as quickly as a RAD collision sensor, and if a collision is detected, the robot won’t reset automatically.

Invest in Cost Savings and Asset Protection

By investing in cutting-edge collision sensors for your robots, you invest in long-term cost savings.

Think about it. One collision sensor alone can protect a gripper that could cost $30,000. Every millisecond counts when protecting your investment!

Even when purchasing a new robot, embedded software can’t respond like RAD collision sensors. Standard robot language attempts to stop the robot once a collision is sensed much later, sometimes 15 to 18 milliseconds seconds, costing you precious time and money in the event of a crash.

Investing in a collision sensor can help protect your investment and prevent the need to replace expensive tooling, all as the result of a collision that could have been prevented or at the very least mitigated.

Stop Collisions and Protect Your Robots

Are you unhappy with the software included with your robot in regards to its collision response time? To create a reliable solution, prevent damage to your robots, and enforce safety, investing in the right technologies is always a smart choice.

When collisions can result in lost revenue, reduced production, and waste, it’s time to invest in a sensor that can protect your assets. With RAD’s state-of-the-art collision sensors, you can invest in the best protection for your robots!

How RAD Minimizes Downtime for Clients With Quick Evaluation and Repair

Fast Turnaround Time for Evaluations and Repairs

The Option to Have the Tooling Repaired or Replaced

Technically Qualified Service Representatives

Get Your RAD Robotic Tooling Repaired

The Benefits of Automatic Tool Changers for Your Robotic Applications (and How to Choose the Right One)

Tool Changers Deliver Versatile Robotic Solutions

Increase Uptime and Reliability

How to Choose the Right Tool Changer for Your Applications

Find Out More About Automatic Tool Changers With Us at RAD

How RAD’s Pneumatic Compliant Deburring Tools Save Clients Money & Provide Greater Flexibility

Applications and Productivity Benefits of Robotic Deburring Tools

Robotic Deburring Tool Benefits

Useful Applications for Robotic Deburring Tools

Is It Time to Switch from Manual to Robotic?

How Fast Can Your Robot Sensor Stop Your Robot and Tooling from Crashing?

Understanding the Benefits of RAD Collision Sensors Response Time

Invest in Cost Savings and Asset Protection

Stop Collisions and Protect Your Robots

RAD's Robotic Collision Sensors Are Designed to Operate in Dirty Manufacturing Environments

How RAD Minimizes Downtime for Clients With Quick Evaluation and Repair

3 Tips to Help Select the Right Robotic Deburring Tool

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