Mitsubishi Electric’s MELFA CR series of robots and parts is expanding with a new slim, long reach 8kg-load-capacity articulated arm model. The RV-8CRL is ideal for anyone interested in economical machines for low-to-medium complexity applications, allowing them to effectively choose between SCARA and six-axis solutions at a similar price point. Aimed at entry-level manufacturing applications where the dexterity of a six-axis articulated robot is necessary but the actual task it is performing is not super complex, the latest RV-8CRL is an ideal solution.
The RV-8CRL’s arm reach is 931mm with an installation pitch of only 160mm. The robot is designed to minimise the required capital investment without compromising the overall quality and capabilities of Mitsubishi Electric brand products. To achieve this, some elements in the mechanical design were modified to optimise manufacturing costs. For example, over 200 screw connections were saved in this model, resulting in a substantial cost advantage passed on to users.
Managing the robot is also extremely simple as major functions are handled by the dedicated CR800 robotic controller which is very easy to use and clearly a bonus for first-time operators. Further programming of the new system does not differ from the class leading top-of-the-range MELFA FR series of industrial robots; in both cases this is carried out via the intuitive RT ToolBox3 software. Seamless communication with other robots and devices is achievable via Ethernet making the networking aspect also as straightforward as possible.
Suitable for a wide range of general applications, typical uses for the CR series include pick-and-place, material handling, loading and unloading, machine tending, part assembly and quality inspections. The robot is designed to be equipped with advanced grip systems and vision sensors to support technically demanding applications. It does also offer plug-and-play compatibility with MELSERVO MR-J4 servos to quickly create task-based systems such as a conveyor feed set-up with the aforementioned CR800 controlling up to 8 axes, providing simultaneous control of the robot and the servos.
The range of possible uses does not end here, as the RV-8CRL is not only suitable for industrial robot applications, it can also become a cobot. Similar to other articulated arm robots from Mitsubishi Electric, the new model is compatible with MELFA SafePlus, which allows it to work alongside human operators and support cooperative setups without the need for special safety PLCs. Key functions within this framework include Safe Limited Speed and Position as well as Safe Torque Off.
