CARSON, Calif. – Epson Robots today announced that RND Automation, a systems integrator of robotics, packaging and automation, is using three different Epson robots for its Hydraulic Valve Assembly Machine. The Epson T3 All-in-One and G3 SCARA robots, as well as the C8 compact 6-axis robots, are giving RND customers “a fully customized and complete automation solution for demanding assembly operations at an affordable price,” the companies said in a statement.
Lakewood Ranch, Fla.-based RND designs and manufactures custom assembly machinery, robotic workcells and full packaging line integration. The company incorporated the Epson SCARA and 6-axis robots with rotary and linear indexers and machine vision for the hydraulic valve assembly machine. RND said it chose the Epson T3 robot for its fast installation, low cost ($7,495), all-in-one-design, and built-in controller. The G3 was chosen for its increased speeds and inertial loads, and the C8 6-axis robot was selected for its SlimLine design, including the compact wrist for efficient motion in tight spaces and the compact elbow for optimum workcell layout.
“Leveraging the Epson robots’ precision and fast cycle time, our Hydraulic Valve Assembly Machine can produce one valve every six seconds, solving our customer’s need to ramp up volume and improve product quality,” said Sean Dotson, president and CEO of RND Automation. “Also, due to the compact workcell design, our customer freed up a large amount of manual production floor space.”
The Hydraulic Valve Assembly Machine is based on RND’s Modular Assembly Platform (MAP), which utilizes a linear motor puck technology to move the parts from station to station. With the modular design, each station can carry out a new component assembly or inspection. The Epson T3, G3 and C8 robots pick parts ranging from nuts, housings, and springs, to adjustment screws and hex bodies, assembling them into the awaiting pucks. A leak test is performed at the final station and finished valves are exited from the machine.
“With 20 years of experience in industrial machinery design, RND is well equipped to provide customers with production-ready automated equipment that can help cut labor costs and improve quality and production rates,” said Gregg Brunnick, director of product management for Epson Robots, an RBR50 2019 honoree. “The company’s team of experienced engineers and designers make sure to set customers up with custom RND/Epson Robots solutions that are efficient, robust, and reliable.”
