FANUC unveils first ever explosion-proof collaborative paint robot

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FANUC has launched the world’s first ever explosion-proof, ATEX-rated collaborative robot (cobot) for industrial painting applications.

The CRX-10iA/L PAINT is the world's first explosion-proof, ATEX-rated collaborative robot for industrial painting
The CRX-10iA/L PAINT is the world's first explosion-proof, ATEX-rated collaborative robot for industrial painting - FANUC

Ideal for wet spraying, dry powder coating and multiple other processes that include adhesive dispensing, FANUC said the CRX-10iA/L PAINT can improve the precision of paint jobs, reduce waste, increase productivity and boost safety by protecting workers from paint fumes.

Approved for use in ATEX-certified Cat. II Group 2G and 2D, the CRX-10iA/L PAINT can enable human employees to work in the same painting area as the cobot without safety fences, thanks to a highly sensitive contact-stopping function.

“Few paint shop workers have extensive knowledge of robotics, which is where collaborative robots can help,” commented Claude Seiler, Manager Products & Application, European Technical Support Robotics for FANUC. “Our CRX-10iA/L PAINT, with its easy-teach features and drag-and-drop functionality, means no robot programming expertise is necessary.”

Paint shop professionals can complete programmes in minutes via an icon-based app on a tablet teach pendant, Seiler added: “Operators can manually move the cobot arm to the first position required, make a save point and continue through the paint path. The cobot will ‘learn’ its entire range of positioning – it’s that easy. What’s more, users can save and apply paint paths to other parts.”

The IP67-rated FANUC CRX-10iA/L PAINT six-axis cobot offers a maximum payload of 10 kg and the longest reach in its class of 1,418 mm. Process flexibility arrives courtesy of its floor, upside-down or angle mounting option, while its unique under-flip motion means users can manipulate the paint gun in confined spaces. In addition, the cobot is fully compatible with almost all automatic end-of-arm guns.

The maximum speed in collaborative mode is 1,000 mm/s and if located in a closed paint booth, users can activate high-speed mode of 2,000 mm/s. As a final benefit, robust FANUC build quality means up to eight years of maintenance-free operation in painting and coating tasks.