Mitsubishi Electric’s iQ Platform: full automation on one rack

Mitsubishi Electric’s iQ Platform: full automation on one rack

Ratingen, Germany 7th November 2013

Machine tool manufacturers have been successfully combining Mitsubishi Electric CNC and robot technology in their systems for years and consequently promoting unmanned production. The iQ Platform from Mitsubishi Electric permits not only the seamless combination of CNC and robot CPUs but also of PLC and Motion Control CPUs – an integrated solution that is unique throughout the industry. Intelligent automation can be realised quite easily using one single controller platform.

The iQ Platform provides a powerful and reliable automation solution for all automation disciplines such as discrete control and motion control as well as robot, CNC, batch and process control. Besides connecting points for I/O modules, the system has slots for different control modules which communicate with each other in real time, creating a highly synchronous system.

Thomas Lantermann, Senior Business Development Manager at Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V., Factory Automation – European Business Group, explains: "The innovative combination of different technologies such as CNC and robotics via the iQ Platform has contributed towards the implementation of Industry 4.0. In addition, thanks to its open interfaces, the iQ Platform guarantees the easy and direct exchange of data from robots up to the ERP system. This enables the flexible planning and analysis of data required within Industry 4.0. The various specialist divisions within Mitsubishi Electric such as Controllers, Robotics and Motion Control have been working closely together in order to create integrated complete solutions for a long time now. The result of this interdisciplinary development is the iQ Platform, the first of its type within the industry to date, offering an unparalleled level of integration."

Intelligent machine tools

müga Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH always uses Mitsubishi Electric products in its powerful, high-precision CNC machines. CNC and robot technology are combined to create ultramodern solutions for intelligent production. Helmut Müller, Managing Director at müga, explains: "We took the decision to use Mitsubishi Electric technology to build our production cells as we can get everything that we need from them as a single source, from drives through to CNC controllers and robots. With the help of Mitsubishi Electric, we can equip our machine tools with tools fed in and out by means of robots, enabling the realisation of integrated production."

For example, the iRobo müga-turn CNC turning and milling machine combines a Mitsubishi Electric MELFA RV-6SD robot with the MELDAS M70 CNC as well as drive technology from Mitsubishi Electric. Helmut Müller describes the system: "The iRobo is a CNC machine for the complete automated machining of insert parts. The RV-6SD 6-axis robot is also completely integrated in the machine which enables considerable savings on space to be made. There is no need for a protective enclosure to be installed around the machine which has a favourable effect on space and cost." The system has turning, milling and drilling functions so that it satisfies the customer's requirements for complete machining. The iRobo is currently being used as a standalone solution in a wide range of fields including life science, the automotive industry and the production of standard parts.

The RMV 250RT 5-axis machining centre also uses an MELFA RV-6SD as well as a Mitsubishi Electric M700 CNC. Complete machining of tools on five sides require only a very little rechucking, which enables a higher level of precision to be achieved. The Mitsubishi Electric robot is installed at the side of the machine and supplies the system automatically via the side door, thus ensuring that full accessibility to the work area is retained. The RMV 250RT can be used universally for applications including the production of parts for spinning machines. For life science, the requirements for precision and surface finish quality are particularly high. In this field, the system is used to mill surgical instruments, for example.

     Further Information:

      www.mitsubishi-automation.com

      www.mitsubishielectric.com