Morgan Advanced Materials, a global leader in the development and application of advanced material technologies, has launched a flexible rotary distributor to help customers in the automotive industry maximise efficiencies and reduce maintenance costs.
The latest innovation from Morgan’s Electrical Carbon business, can be used in six axis robots, welding turntables and trunnions. The component allows for cumbersome cables to be replaced by a slip ring transmitter, which also comprises a full 360-degree rotating axis, with an unlimited angle manoeuvrability that eliminates defective drag chains. As a result, the unit can offer continuous rotation. As the system does not have to operate in reverse, this can deliver cost and time savings, while offering customers greater flexibility in terms of programming.
The slip ring can be utilised for continuous rotating transmission across a host of precision applications including welding, handling and gluing. Significantly, the system can operate 24 hours a day, for between five and eight years. Effectively eliminating the need for any costly downtime or recurring maintenance works, it delivers a full return on investment in as little as 12 months.
In contrast, a traditional cable carrier system has an average life-cycle of just 12 months. At any given time, the robot is limited to +-310 degree turns in either direction. A traditional system is also constrained by ongoing maintenance costs as a result of trailing cables and potential subsequent damage to the robot.
The endless rotating robot axis from Morgan’s Refoka® product offering provides a comprehensive solution as the system is capable of housing both data, media and electrical currents, within a single compact interface.
Ingo Carnott, Key Account Manager – Automation, at Morgan comments: “In an on-demand environment, product optimisation and performance remain critical components of the global automotive industry. As a value-add partner to the sector, we have therefore invested heavily in developing new problem-solving tools. Critically, these solutions not only enable customers to meet engineering challenges, safely and efficiently, they also deliver wider commercial benefits as a result of their ability to boost overall productivity through improved operational effectiveness.”
The advanced technology, which has a high current >200amp and 24V power supply, provides a range of flexible programming options which can help streamline data through a fast PROFINET certified Ethernet cable/connection, or for the transmission of video signals and media such as air, cooling water, primer or oil. Crucially, the components are all contained within a single robust housing unit, offering a level of protection in line with IP67.
The technology is also supported by a remote diagnostic facility. Customers can benefit from live data analysis across the whole PROFINET-certified system.
Thanks to the internal shielding and metal housing unit, the system is fully protected, ensuring full functionality in Electromagnetic compatibility-critical environments, particularly those where welding equipment is used.
Morgan offers a range of standard solutions to meet the varied automation demands of the automotive industry, and can offer custom-made solutions to meet specific customer requirements.
For further information, please visit: www.morganelectricalmaterials.com/rotating-axis