Support

Overview

Welcome to the Autoblocks Modular Automation Technical Support page! Here, you’ll find a comprehensive resource hub to assist you in optimizing your Autoblocks automation system. Our collection of manuals will guide you through installation, configuration, and troubleshooting, ensuring a seamless experience. Dive into our Technical Support Topics section for in-depth articles, FAQs, and troubleshooting guides, covering a wide range of common issues and advanced configuration tips. For quick answers to your burning questions, check out our Q&A section, where you can find expert solutions and community insights. We’re here to help you get the most out of your Autoblocks automation system, so you can focus on what matters most – efficiency and productivity.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

AutoBlocks is a block-based approach to custom automation. Machines are configured from Blocks and Kits. Blocks fasten together to form the machine base and include the master controller. Kits are added to the system to added process capabilities such as screw driving, dispense, soldering, ultrasonic welding, inspection, brazing, and much more.

The possibilities are almost unlimited. Autoblocks can be configured to handle just about any process that can fit on a 36″ turntable. Here is a short list as well as custom kits available from your engineering team: Dispense, screw driving, nut driving, press fit, induction heating, soldering, ultrasonic welding, leaks testing, inspection, assembly, heat stacking, laser marking, laser welding, laser cutting, machining, and much more.

You will need to carefully define the components that are comprised in your assembly process as well as each step. Consider fixturing and tooling for the robot of your choice. Start by writing out a step by step sequence and see if you can make those operations work in 2-6 steps. Many times several steps can be consolidated by the operator during a load/unload step. Contact Autoblocks for a consolation if you need further assistance.

Start by considering the size and steps in your assembly process. If the product is fits inside a 12″ cube and comprises approximately 2-8 steps to assemble, it could be a candidate for an Autoblocks System.

Yes. Autoblocks offers complete machine solutions. We start by carefully considering your process to make sure it is a fit for Autoblocks. Then we configure a system from standard Blocks as well as any custom tooling, fixtures, or custom Block development. System pricing is transparent and includes standard block prices as well as NRE (non-recurring engineering). NRE is charged once and may be applied at no charge for future systems.

Yes. You can order Autoblocks components and save yourself the design and programming time involved in machine building. The Turn Block indexing tables are preprogrammed to handshake to any equipment allowing for start/finish, safety, and pneumatic operation. Custom tables and fixtures may be mounted to the machine using any of the tapped holes. See manual for details.

Autoblocks is preconfigured to work with Epson and Universal Robots. Other brands may be added but Autoblocks engineering should be consulted and some NRE may be required.

Autoblocks is designed to be flexible and grow or be reconfigured as needed. Basics systems are designed to handling in/out feed using an operator. This setup is very economical and allows operators to handle operations that might be difficult to automate. For buffered or lights out operations, bowl, pallet, conveyor, and flexible feeders are all available.

Autoblocks offers vision system kits for inspection, pattern recognition, and fiducial correction. Standard kits and custom setups are available. In most cases lending and lighting will need to be selected for the application. It’s always best to consult Autoblocks if you are considering adding vision to your system.

240 volts, single phase with 20 amp breaker.

Yes. Air is supplied from the table to each station via and internal manifold. The supply air to the table must be cleaned and regulated via customer supplied air regulator.

Yes. The Turn Block indexing table provides up to 5 amps at 240V with internal circuit breaker for left/right/rear stations.

The Turn Block table comes prewired with internal safety relay for a standard Keyence G or R series light curtain. You may purchase the light curtain from Autoblocks or provide your own. The light curtain must be configured with PNP cables from Keyence.

If your system includes a high-speed robot or other risk to operator deftly it will require an enclosure. All Autoblocks come with mounting holes for several brands of aluminum extrusion enclosures. You may purchase or develop your own enclosure design.

Yes. The Turn Block can take light pressing forces developed by operations such as screw fastening and soldering. Higher pressing loads are possible with the addition of supports added to the underside of the table. Supports are generally added by using the tapped holes on the top of the Turn Block and if needed by raising the table height using a spacer.

Yes. You may adjust the speed and acceleration of the table. It always rotates counterclockwise with 4 standard positions. Other programming configurations are available upon request.

Yes. Each Autoblocks Turn Block system requires a part presence sensor to ensure that a part is loaded into the system and is unloaded after it competes the complete process. The Turn Block uses part tracking to trigger process steps inside the machine as well as skip then when a part is not present.

Door switches must be purchased from Autoblocks. The Turn Block comes prewired for up to 4 door switches. Door switches are added in a daisy-chain configuration. Cable length and number of switches must be specified at time of order.

Each Autoblock coke with an array of tapped, tool pin, and through holes that allow for Epson T3 robots to mount directly to the blocks, you make also add adapter plates to mount other robots and accessories.

Its best to think of the turn table as coordinating each station and indexing once all three stations plus the operator are finished with their respective operations. Once the Turn Block is started and all faults are clear it looks for a part to be loaded into it. Once that occurs it indexes to the next position. When a part arrives at a station that performs an operation the table initiates the station to begin and then waits for it to complete its operation.

The robot is programmed directly through a teach pendent or offline programming to move through a series of way points (positions) in order to perform an operation. As it moves through those positions it controls local accessories and EOAT directly through discrete I/O from the robot to the tool or tool controls. If a fault occurs, the robot will trigger a station fault on the table HMI. If the robot or the table E-stop is triggered the entire system goes into an e-stop and whole machine stops.

Pneumatics are controlled using solenoid valves that are connected to a station controller, Robot, or directly by the table. If the pneumatics are controlled by a robot the programming sequence for the pneumatics resides in the robot code. Similarly, if the pneumatics are controlled by a separate programmable controller the sequence is determined by that controller. Only in certain specific circumstances does the table directly control pneumatics. The induction block has built-in pneumatic control. Custom survey pneumatic control sequences from the table are available.

Each Turn Block Station (3) has an RJ45 connector for Modbus communication and a standard quick connect which supports 5 discrete inputs, 3 discrete outputs, 1 analog 0-10v output, and a 24V e-stop connection.

Each Turn Block is built around the highest quality German manufactured precision gear boxes. The standard gear box has <5 Arc Min backlash with an optional <3 Arc Min. Backlash generally only occurs when the table is reversing direction. For this reason, the Turn Block is programmed to turn only one direction.

The Turn Block drive train is generously oversized to support a maximum speed of 20 RPM at a torque of 5.4 in*lbs. Speed may be slowed down.

The maximum table load is 25lbs of symmetrical loading. This is balanced loading of parts and fixtures equally spaced around the table. The maximum asymmetric loading which would include a single point load on the edge of the table that is not balance on the opposite side is 12lbs. Higher loads are possible with additional supports added to the bottom of the table.

Yes. The Turn Block chassis is made of a thick steel base plate, steel pillars, and reinforced steel top plates. Each station block is similarly made of thick welded steel and blocks are tool pinned to the Turn block to ensure a stiff and reliable structure. The combined weight of the Turn Block, station blocks, and enclosure typically exceeds 200-300 lbs and is sufficient to support high speed motion.

Each Auto Block contains compartments to store and access accessory controllers. For desktop configurations a controller may be placed in the top of the enclosure, on a bench beside the machine, or under a table. For larger machines and robot controllers, a base may be added to the Autoblocks configuration with expanded control cabinet and storage space.

Each Autoblock is built with cable pass through a on a sides and bottom. They also include tapped holes to mount DIN rails for auxiliary controls and wiring.

Each Autoblock that comes with auxiliary control compartments has removable panels for access that are safe and tooled shut.

Yes. Autoblocks offers a welded machine base for full sized systems. It includes storage, auxiliary control panel, and ergonomic leg area for operator seating.

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