Robotic Painting
We design robotic integration solutions for all brands of spray painting robots, ensuring exceptional robotic painting performance.
Robotic Painting
Phoenix has extensive experience with various types of painting robots in the automotive industry, including FANUC, ABB, and KUKA, to name a few. Therefore, if you are seeking paint robots for the automotive sector, we highly recommend contacting an integrator.
Spray Painting Robots Overview
We automatically think of the automotive industry when we consider the use of robots for painting, and long lines of robots weaving their way around the inside and outside of car bodies.
Of course, this is an area where painting robots have been working for many decades now but we are seeing a new interest in paint robots for much smaller applications that have traditionally been carried out by hand.
Spray painting robots is typically a task that is unpleasant for humans and also in a lot of cases an environment that is toxic as well. This leads to one big advantage in using robots for this role as they are able to take on this potentially unpleasant and dangerous work. However, we need to consider the types of painting robots. For more information about robotics.
Main Elements of Painting Robotic Cell
What important factors do you need to consider thoroughly before deciding to purchase a new or refurbished painting robot? It’s crucial to analyze several aspects, including your specific requirements, budget constraints, and the robot’s capabilities. Contact us to discuss this topic in greater detail to ensure you make a well-informed decision that aligns with your needs.
Our Cases Studies
Robotic Painting for Factory Automation Solutions
We offer cutting-edge factory automation solutions that enhance productivity, efficiency, and quality. Our customised systems generate substantial cost savings and provide you with the necessary tools for success. Get in touch for further details.
Improved Performance
Our solutions will improve performance, increase uptime, and lower costs.
Customised Solutions
Each solution is fully tailored to the specific needs of the client, ensuring seamless integration with existing operations.
5 TOP Types of Painting Robots
The Robot Manipulator
The Robot Manipulator will perform the painting movements over the part or parts to be sprayed. The manipulator will have a high degree of freedom of movement to enable smooth and fluid trajectories around the part or parts to be sprayed.
Paint robots are typically designed to incorporate the paint application piping. Additionally, colour changers within the structure of the robot’s arm eliminate the risk of cables and hoses snagging, as well as contamination from paint materials.
It is possible that the material being sprayed, when vaporized, may pose an explosion risk. In this case, the robot will need to have the appropriate ATEX protection rating to comply with the ATEX rating of the zone in which it will be operating.
This is an important consideration for any new cell, so we will explore this topic in more detail. Learn more about robots.
Paint Robot Arms - What is the ATEX-rated spray?
The manufacturer will specify the rating for their robot ranges. For instance, all FANUC paint robots are designed to be explosion-proof and fully comply with ATEX regulations for category 2 and Group IIG (formerly zone 1).
For any new project, it’s important to determine the Atex rating for the area where the application will be used. The HSE mandates that:
Employers must categorize areas where hazardous explosive atmospheres might occur into zones. Each zone is classified based on the likelihood of an explosive atmosphere occurring and its duration if it does.
Robotic Explosive Atmospheres Zones
A mixture of dangerous substances with air, under atmospheric conditions, in the form of gases, vapours, mist or dust. In which, after ignition has occurred, combustion spreads to the entire unburned mixture. Atmospheric conditions are commonly referred to as ambient temperatures and pressures. That is to say temperatures of –20°C to 40°C and pressures of 0.8 to 1.1 bar.
Zone 0
A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of dangerous substances in the form of gas, vapour or mist is present continuously or for long periods or frequently.
Equipment category 1 (1G/1D) – Very high level of protection
Zone 1
A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of dangerous substances in the form of gas, vapour or mist is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally.
Equipment category 2 (2G/2D) – High level of protection
Zone 2
A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of dangerous substances in the form of gas, vapour or mist is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only.
Equipment category 3 (3G/3D) – Normal level of protection
Zone 20: A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is present continuously, or for long periods or frequently.
Equipment category 1 (1G/1D) – Very high level of protection
Zone 21: A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally. Equipment category 2 (2G/2D) – High level of protection
Zone 22: A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only.
Equipment category 3 (3G/3D) – Normal level of protection
The Paint Robot Application
The applicator mounted on the robot flange allows the robot to apply material efficiently.
There are different types of applicators based on the material and the coverage needed. These include:
- Air-based spray guns that deliver paint through a nozzle with controlled flow.
- Airless spray guns that also deliver paint through a nozzle with controlled flow.
- Electrostatic spray guns using high tension (HT) for better material transfer.
- Rotary bell-type applicators that can adjust fan shape and HT.
- Mixing systems for materials needing a catalyst.
This is the Durr EcoSupply P modular paint supply system. It uses pig technology and works well with both water-based and solvent-borne paints.
The Paint Robot Supply System
The “Paint Robot Supply System” or “paint supply system” is the equipment that moves paint from storage to the robot’s spray gun. It handles mixing, pressure control, colour changes, cleaning, and energy supply.
Key components include:
- Agitators to mix the material in storage.
- Pumping systems to move the material from storage to the robot’s base.
- Fluid and air regulators to manage pressure.
- A control system to oversee distribution.
Looking for a painting robot for your production line?
Finding the right painting robot can be challenging, but a robotic integrator can help you choose options that fit your needs and budget. Contact us now!
MAIN MANUFACTURING ROBOT APPLICATIONS
Painting Robot Arms
While the automotive industry is known for using painting robots, there is growing interest in their applications across various smaller industries, enhancing efficiency and precision beyond automotive manufacturing.
Milling Robots
The milling robots offer high flexibility and precision, allowing advanced industrial robots to create complex, high-quality geometric parts that meet modern manufacturing demands. This capability enables the production of custom components with intricate designs, fulfilling specific performance and aesthetic requirements.
Welding Robots
Robotic welding helps companies gain a competitive edge by integrating automation technologies. It enhances efficiency, improves product quality, and reduces costs, positioning them favorably in a changing market.
Assembly Lines Robots
Industrial robots significantly enhance efficiency in assembly line operations while reducing costs. By using industrial robots, companies achieve higher output rates and consistent product quality while minimizing risks associated with human labour.
Palletising Robots
Palletising robots are highly efficient machines that are designed to assemble and organise layers of products for shipment, typically arranging these products onto pallets in a systematic manner.
Trimming & Cutting Robots
Robotic cutting and trimming play a crucial role in industries by precisely removing material along a set path, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. They allow for greater design flexibility, improving overall outcomes.
Turnkey Industrial Robot Arms
Phoenix integrates and installs a complete painting robot cell or painting assembly line from initial design and consultation to manufacture. As an integrator, we provide robot training, robot programming, robot simulation, commissioning, and technical support. Learn more about Industrial robot systems & IMS safety standards.