FANUC Introduces New Fiberglass Sprayer Robot and Software

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., Sept. 25 - FANUC Robotics North America, Inc. is introducing its new P-200T robot and AccuChop software at Composites 2000 Conference and Tradeshow at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel in Booth #612 (shared with Robotic Production Technology).

The FANUC Robotics P-200T is an overhead, rail-mounted, six-axis paint robot that integrates the industry's most advanced process equipment to enhance the gelcoat and chopped fiberglass application. The P-200T, designed for the fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) industry, is a feasible replacement for manual sprayers. The P-200T is aimed at the bathwares and marine industries. The first unit will be installed in December 2000.

"The P-200T offers an extremely large work envelope which enables large parts to be coated with a single robot without the need for additional positioning devices," said Rob Schwamberger, sales manager -- industrial paint, FANUC Robotics. "One of the main advantages is that users have the ability to process multiple parts with just one robot."

The P-200T paint robot provides an overhead reach that gives process flexibility to maintain target distances over large parts. This helps reduce styrene emissions and improve bottom line results for customers.

"The P-200T concept combines the proven design of the P-200 paint robot and FANUC Robotics' Toploader series of robots, expanding on the current product line," said Schwamberger. "This benefits the customer since it already has proven reliability."

The P-200T integrates FANUC Robotics' AccuChop software, a closed loop fluid delivery system that automatically calculates flow rates, providing consistent material delivery and high finish quality. AccuChop is a process control package used in fiberglass lay-up applications, which provide features for resin and glass delivery rate control and display, as well as various detection alarms. AccuChop is designed for both gelcoat (resin and catalyst) and chopped fiberglass (resin, catalyst, and glass) applications. Both resin flow and glass feed can operate under open loop or closed loop control. This functionality handles error recovery events and does not require PLC logic to spray parts.

Additional customer benefits of the P-200T and AccuChop system include:

• Robotic spraying meets and exceeds the criteria for controlled spraying.
• Consistent trigger on timing yields consistent film build, providing improved finish appearance.
• Maximized trigger accuracy and repeatability through in-arm trigger valve for fast gun on/off response time.
• Reduced material waste.
• Higher quality.
• Higher film-build consistency.
• Easy installation alignment -- minimizes integration costs
• User-friendly AccuChop closed loop fluid delivery system automatically calculates flow rates, providing consistent material delivery and high finish quality.
• AccuChop allows for monitoring of process parameters, production status information, material usage and catalyst flow. It also allows for automatic flow correction for changing viscosity due to temperature shifts.

FANUC Robotics North America, Inc. designs, engineers and manufactures innovative robots and robotic systems that impact business performance for global customers. FANUC Robotics, headquartered in Rochester Hills, Mich., is the robotics industry leader. A subsidiary of FANUC Ltd. in Japan, the company has facilities in Chicago; Los Angeles; Charlotte, N.C; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Toledo, Ohio; Toronto; Montreal; Mexico City; Aguascalientes, Mexico; and Sao Paulo, Brazil. FANUC Robotics can be found on the Internet at www.fanucrobotics.com .

>Contact: Janine M. Krasicky, Public Relations of FANUC Robotics North America, Inc., 248-377-7257, janine.krasicky@fanucrobotics.com