Extraordinary standardization
Partners in one-of-a-kind projects
In order to be able to properly complete any production requirement, it is essential to know how to start with the 'what' to be produced in order to design and improve the 'how' of the process. Iron's Technology, an Italian company based in Cesena, Italy, knows this well and has initiated the implementation of a unique standardization project using Yaskawa's MOTOMAN GP robots.
Founded in Cesena (FC) in 2011, Iron's Technology is considered a benchmark in the design and implementation of custom production lines and in machinery maintenance and service activities. Guided by the desire to improve and implement the work of companies by offering its customers experience and expertise in the fields of mechatronics and industrial automation, it employs a team of 30 professionals united by competence and passion. Consistent with its claim 'Mech It Easy!', it has recently given birth to a unique proposal: the 'Ready to Use' robotic islands.
'Ready to Use' cells: a unique project
Thanks to its decades of experience in the fields of robotics and technical assistance on multi-brand machine tools, Iron's Technology has been able to fully understand the needs of different production realities and combine them to guarantee its customers a set of standard solutions capable of providing answers to every market need, for 'skyrocketing' productivity. The unique project includes 13 standardized models with as many as 56 'Ready to Use' robotic cell configurations intended for servicing machine tools.
Ursa Minor, Ursa Maior, Gemini, Cepheus, Leo, Auriga, Orion, Draco, Pegasus, Delphinus, Cassiopeia, Lyra and Libra: these are the names of the plug-and-play cells, capable of operating in an integrated manner with the main CNC machines for the handling of small and medium series and meeting the automation requirements of the main machine tool servicing processes, significantly lowering labor costs and increasing productivity.
Characterized by ease of use, extreme versatility and reliability, state-of-the-art technologies, low power consumption (starting from 1 KW), a focus on eco-sustainability, and IIoT and Industry 4.0 Ready connectivity, these solutions well represent the spirit of Iron's Technology: promoting technology that simplifies human work without replacing it.
With a minimum footprint of 1 m², they are ideal for small spaces and do not occupy operator space, thus leaving the possibility of servicing the machine tool even in manual mode; the safety systems, combined with laser scanners with 270° readout, ensure maximum safety even without the aid of enclosures. High-quality components and the use of dedicated proprietary software with a user-friendly interface simplify and complete the proposal, making it stable and highly reliable, while the electrical connection is made in plug and play mode through a single connector.
The systems thus combine in a single piece of equipment all the advantages of complete robotic islands, with the possibility of being set up in total autonomy - in a very short time and without the need for adaptations - on any machine tool.
The partnership with Yaskawa
To offer its customers the best solution, the choice of the right technology partners is a must. Always a Fanuc integrator, Iron's Technology decided to expand its supplier network. After a careful analysis of the market, the choice fell on Yaskawa.
There were several reasons for the choice, starting with the quality/price ratio and the philosophy of the Japanese company, which has always aimed to provide solutions of the highest quality. A talent that Iron's Technology had already had the opportunity to appreciate some time before, when it first made use of the Japanese company's motion control solutions for the realization of one of its special machines. Solutions appreciated to such an extent that Yaskawa became the official supplier of dedicated motion solutions for Iron's Technology's subsequent realizations.
Extremely versatile from an application point of view-just think that the acronym GP stands for General Purpose-they offer superior performance even in harsh environments, given their IP67 protection rating, and are available in a wide range of models, with loads ranging from 4 to 600 kg and outreach from 727 to 3058 mm.
Motoman GP was also an excellent solution to enable Iron's Technology to pursue its goal of space-saving. The small footprint and slim arm design reduce installation space and the risk of interference with peripheral systems, while also increasing installation flexibility. The compact YRC1000 control stands for high trajectory accuracy and high efficiency in a footprint volume of only 125 liters, while its Teach Pendant with only 730 g is the lightest programming device in its class.
Added to these features is the importance of Yaskawa's technical support, which supports the entire lifecycle of products and systems, as well as assists customers in studying the specific needs of their applications for continuous productivity improvement. Support available worldwide, thanks to an extensive network of branches and centers that make it extremely easy to find anywhere any parts and spare parts for systems installed abroad.
