Does anyone have experience with the Epson VT6L robot for machine tending? We are looking to add a robot to load parts in a VMC. It would most likely go on one of our Brothers. We have gotten some quotes on custom installations using this robot, and the price is attractive. So far, the only downside I can see with this model would be that the speed, accuracy, and standard options are not on par with its more expensive competitors. I think I would be fine with that for a first robot.
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Experience with Epson VT6L robot for machine tending?
- Thread starter wmpy
- Start date
- Replies 4
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Ox
Diamond
- Joined
- Aug 27, 2002
- Location
- West Unity, Ohio
Worth looking into:
Gosiger has a turn-key unit available, and they had 2 or three at The Tool Show last year.
The unit is portable, and comes with a "prox sensor" that acts as a theoretical safety cage.
It's really quite slick.
I forget the price now, but I felt like it was worth looking into if in that market.
My guess is that it was around $60K, but I am REALLY fuzzy about that right now.
It has a Fanuc on it.
IDK if there is an IMTS'22 thread here somewhere, but if there is, I would have posted the cost in that thread.
That was prolly the #1 product that I saw at the show.
Can't help on the Epson bot, but my [Epson] 3 in one printer (B scale prints) has been fine for several years now
short of the fax app going out after taking a lightening strike, but ...
-----------------
Think Snow Eh!
Ox
Gosiger has a turn-key unit available, and they had 2 or three at The Tool Show last year.
The unit is portable, and comes with a "prox sensor" that acts as a theoretical safety cage.
It's really quite slick.
I forget the price now, but I felt like it was worth looking into if in that market.
My guess is that it was around $60K, but I am REALLY fuzzy about that right now.
It has a Fanuc on it.
IDK if there is an IMTS'22 thread here somewhere, but if there is, I would have posted the cost in that thread.
That was prolly the #1 product that I saw at the show.
Can't help on the Epson bot, but my [Epson] 3 in one printer (B scale prints) has been fine for several years now
short of the fax app going out after taking a lightening strike, but ...-----------------
Think Snow Eh!
Ox
gkoenig
Titanium
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2013
- Location
- Portland, OR
The VT6 is pretty basic- 6kg capacity, 0.1mm repeatability, 1000mm reach… but under $14k. Everything is optional at that price, but you’re still well under $20k with a SICK multi-zone laser fence, pendent, and a basic EOAT.
Depending on how exotic you get with an auto door, and if you can weld up a stable table you can bond to the machine feet so it doesn’t lose location, you could probably be under $30k for a pretty solid automation setup with this.
Depending on how exotic you get with an auto door, and if you can weld up a stable table you can bond to the machine feet so it doesn’t lose location, you could probably be under $30k for a pretty solid automation setup with this.
That's pretty much what we're finding. I'm just wondering how durable the robot is in machine tending application.
Orange Vise
Titanium
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2012
- Location
- California
I had one but sold it. I bought it used around the same time I bought a UR10e. Ended up keeping the UR because of how easy it is to use. The guy using the Epson seems to be doing well with it.
Durability of the Epson appeared to be quite good. It was very beefy and heavy for a 6kg robot. Not sure about its IP rating but I think it can take a splash.
That said, if you're looking at a turnkey solution, I'd rethink that approach and instead DIY the integration, either with the Epson or a cobot. That critical first robot is going to pave the way for the rest of your future automation ambitions. IME, a bad turnkey can really leave a sour taste in your mouth.
Once you figure out general robot movements, you're inevitably going to shift focus towards problems in your automation system that have nothing to do with the robot itself, but will require robot reprogramming. For example, chip contamination in the workholding that might require the robot to remove the part, the door to close, have the machine run a self cleaning cycle (coolant + airblast + chip fan), and then open the door again. The idea that a pitiful air nozzle connected to the robot can solve all chip problems is wishful thinking at best. Most robot integrators aren't machinists and don't get it.
If you program your robot yourself from the start, it'll be much easier to tweak that program later. If someone else programs your robot from the start, it's going to be an uphill battle figuring out what the heck he did and trying to to fill the gaps in your knowledge.
Durability of the Epson appeared to be quite good. It was very beefy and heavy for a 6kg robot. Not sure about its IP rating but I think it can take a splash.
That said, if you're looking at a turnkey solution, I'd rethink that approach and instead DIY the integration, either with the Epson or a cobot. That critical first robot is going to pave the way for the rest of your future automation ambitions. IME, a bad turnkey can really leave a sour taste in your mouth.
Once you figure out general robot movements, you're inevitably going to shift focus towards problems in your automation system that have nothing to do with the robot itself, but will require robot reprogramming. For example, chip contamination in the workholding that might require the robot to remove the part, the door to close, have the machine run a self cleaning cycle (coolant + airblast + chip fan), and then open the door again. The idea that a pitiful air nozzle connected to the robot can solve all chip problems is wishful thinking at best. Most robot integrators aren't machinists and don't get it.
If you program your robot yourself from the start, it'll be much easier to tweak that program later. If someone else programs your robot from the start, it's going to be an uphill battle figuring out what the heck he did and trying to to fill the gaps in your knowledge.
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