Coventry-based
Fanuc UK Ltd has introduced the world’s first-ever explosion-proof, ATEX-rated collaborative robot (cobot) for industrial painting applications. Ideal for wet spraying, dry powder coating and multiple other processes that include adhesive dispensing, the CRX-10iA/L PAINT will improve the precision of paint jobs, reduce waste, increase productivity and boost safety by protecting workers from paint fumes.
Approved for use in ATEX-certified Cat II Group 2G and 2D, the CRX-10iA/L PAINT also enables human employees to work alongside the cobot without safety fences, thanks to a highly sensitive contact-stopping function. Ease of use is another of its key features. Claude Seiler, Fanuc’s manager products and application (European Technical Support Robotics), said: “Few paint shop workers have extensive knowledge of robotics, which is where cobots can help. Our CRX-10iA/L PAINT, with its easy-teach features and drag-and-drop functionality, means no robot programming expertise is necessary.”
Paint shop professionals can complete programmes in minutes via an icon-based app on a tablet teach pendant, explained Mr Seilder. He added: “Operators can manually move the cobot arm to the first position required, make a save point and continue through the paint path. The cobot will ‘learn’ its entire range of positioning – it is that easy. What is more, users can save and apply paint paths to other parts.”
The IP67-rated Fanuc CRX-10iA/L PAINT six-axis cobot offers a maximum payload of 10 kg and the longest reach in its class of 1,418mm. Process flexibility arrives courtesy of its floor, upside-down or angle mounting option, while its unique under-flip motion means users can manipulate the paint gun in confined spaces. In addition, the cobot is fully compatible with almost all automatic end-of-arm guns.
The maximum speed in collaborative mode is 1,000mm/s and if located in a closed paint booth, users can activate high-speed mode of 2,000 mm/s. As a final benefit, robust Fanuc build quality means up to eight years of maintenance-free operation in painting and coating tasks.