Robotic Production Technology Introduces JetTool(TM) System Improvements at Auto Interiors 2002

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 7 -- At the Auto Interiors Show 2002, Robotic Production Technology (RPT) will introduce improvements to its JetTool(TM) water jet cutting systems to help manufacturers continue to drive cost down, increase parts per hour production and improve quality in the process.

For enclosed systems, Robotic Production Technology is introducing its new RW Rotating Wall series of high-speed indexers, which features an index time of less than three seconds carrying 1,000 lbs. per side of the indexing wall (a balanced load is not necessary). This high-speed indexer helps to increase reliability for manufacturers and increase throughput because of the decreased index time.

RPT offers several lengths with the rotating walls, RW-08, RW-10, RW-12 and RW-16. These enclosures offer a substantial reduction in noise level compared to an open system configuration, meeting a level of less than 85 decibels. The rotating wall enables operators to safely load and unload parts while the robot is cutting on the opposite side of the wall. This limits the time the robot is idle, thereby increasing the productivity of the system.

RPT has also made significant improvements to the open gantry JetTool(TM) systems by improving the packaging of controls and electrical. In the open configuration, systems can be developed with two, three or four articulated arm robots depending on the customer's requirements.

For either system styles, RPT offers the JetVac(TM), a new vacuum system used to hold parts down during water jet cutting and to remove the waste particles and water from the cutting system. The system has an integrated waste hopper for collecting cutouts. JetVac provides better hold down of parts and more consistent airflow due to less restrictions of build up of the cutouts. In addition, manufacturers benefit from dryer parts and little daily maintenance cleaning.

Other improvements to the water jet cutting process include a new high performance nozzle body and diamond technology that gives manufacturers an advantage over using sapphires in the process. Diamonds allow manufacturers to cut faster, lower the water pressure, reduce scrap and downtime and produce a more cohesive water stream. The result is more parts cut per hour, improved edge quality and reduced operating costs. Since the diamond lasts 40 times longer than the sapphires, manufacturers have less downtime to change out the jewel.

The new HMI Interface option provides a graphical, intuitive operator interface that can be mounted at the operator station, making all pertinent work cell information immediately available to the operator in a minimal number of screens. Functionality, such as: Rotate, Clamp, Vacuum on/off, Maintenance Pos., Return Home, Resume, and any other non-electrically interlocked function can be initiated through the touch screen.

Robotic Production Technology (RPT) is an Auburn Hills, Michigan-based turnkey robotic systems supplier for the plastics, appliance, automotive, aerospace, construction, consumer goods and marine industries. Process expertise includes waterjet cutting, router trimming, laser trimming and scoring, deflashing, material handling, flexible measuring systems, assembly, adhesive dispensing, joining and welding.

Capabilities include project management, engineering, simulation services, fabricating and machining, system integration and certification, software, training, service and support. Since 1985, RPT has been a leading manufacturer of flexible manufacturing systems utilizing five- and six-axis robots, with an installed base of more than 1,800 robots. For more information, contact RPT at 248-829-2800, email solutions@rpt.net or online at www.rpt.net .