Summary:
Guide to industrial robot maintenance
Components of industrial robots
The benefits of maintaining robots
Industrial robot maintenance
Industrial robots are an important component of the manufacturing industry. Robots can bring countless benefits to employees without the need for rest. However, robot maintenance is essential as it can avoid system problems and maximize productivity.
When a robot is already in use, you must know the relevant measures for robot maintenance.
Components of industrial robots
manipulator:
The robotic arm can move in various directions to perform robot tasks.
End effector:
The end effector is used to complete the tasks of the robotic arm connected to it.
controller:
A controller is a calculator connected to a robot, consisting of hardware and software. It can execute algorithms to control the operation of robots.
Motor device:
The motor device drives the robot to move.
The benefits of maintaining robots
Minimize downtime: Daily maintenance of robots can reduce downtime caused by malfunctions. Robot malfunctions require time and money to repair, during which the company may experience losses and lower productivity
Shorten manufacturing time: Without regular maintenance, the robot may slow down over time due to poor lubrication or worn parts. Through regular maintenance, products can be manufactured as soon as possible without wasting time due to equipment failures.
Improving product quality: Due to the long-term operation of robots, component wear and tear can occur, and their functions may undergo slight changes, resulting in errors and reduced product quality. These issues will greatly reduce product quality, causing manufacturers to pay a price in material losses and customer feedback. Regular inspections can prevent malfunctions and ensure that the product meets the expected quality level.
Reduce energy consumption: Robots with worn or poorly lubricated parts may consume more power than normal operation. Although the changes can be minimal, multiple poorly maintained robots consuming additional electricity may lead to a significant increase in energy costs. By properly maintaining industrial robots, manufacturing companies can ensure their efficient operation, thereby minimizing indirect costs and ownership costs.
Reduce energy consumption: Robots with worn or poorly lubricated parts may consume more power than normal operation. Although the changes can be minimal, multiple poorly maintained robots consuming additional electricity may lead to a significant increase in energy costs. By properly maintaining industrial robots, manufacturing companies can ensure their efficient operation, thereby minimizing indirect costs and ownership costs.
Maximize equipment life: preventive maintenance of industrial robots enables manufacturing companies to significantly extend the service life of robots. By regularly maintaining the robot, the lifespan of the robot can be extended, thereby maximizing the return on investment.
Industrial robot maintenance
When maintaining robots, they can be divided into daily inspections, monthly inspections, quarterly inspections, and annual inspections based on the usage of each component.
Daily inspection:
Before the machine runs, an inspection should be carried out, which roughly includes the following points:
Check the wear of each component.
Check the lubrication system.
Listen for any noise.
Monthly inspection:
Check the robot control memory and backup it.
Improve airflow and clean cooling fans.
Common power cables.
Quarterly inspection:
Check all connections between the robot and any power supply, fan, or safety equipment.
Check all equipment cables for any kinks, pinch points, cuts, tears, or loose connections.
Tighten all bolts, especially external installation bolts.
Clean the mechanical device in detail to remove any debris.
Annual inspection:
Annual inspections are more complex and need to cover all aspects of the machine.
Replace the batteries in RAM, APC, and CPU. It is necessary to ensure that these batteries do not run out, as this may lead to serious functional issues.
Change the lubricating grease and oil, and ensure to choose the option recommended by the manufacturer.
Check the operation of the brake to ensure there is no delay.
The above is a description of robot maintenance. We hope you can be helpful when using robots.
For more information, please contact PT.Nar.