Contributing to improved functionality and maintenance-free operations in factory automation equipment
TOKYO - Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce the release of the MAR-M700MFA, the world's first*1 multi-turn external battery-free absolute encoder*2 to use an all-solid-state battery. An absolute encoder is a type of sensor device used commonly in industrial robots on automobile manufacturing lines, machine tools, and many other applications. Its purpose is to detect absolute values for robot-arm rotational displacement and similar measurements. Encoder Resolution Ppr
Nikon's latest absolute encoder, the MAR-M700MFA, offers an increased guaranteed operating-temperature range compared to the company's previous multi-turn external battery-free absolute encoder. This is a result of utilizing the all-solid-state battery which also allows to make this model maintenance-free. Furthermore, this model comes with new features including a predictive maintenance feature and an angular precision self-correction function, which enable an expanded range of possible usage environments for industrial robots along with improved operational consistency and greater precision in motion control.
In pursuit of becoming “A key technology solutions company in a global society where humans and machines co-create seamlessly” as Nikon laid out in their Vision 2030 Medium Term Management plan, they will continue incorporating environmentally friendly new technologies into their products while contributing toward further advancements in industrial robots.
Nikon plans to showcase their new models at iREX2023 (International Robot Exhibition 2023; November 29 to December 2, 2023, at Tokyo Big Sight).
Declines in working populations have led to rapidly accelerating introductions of industrial robots in various fields. Furthermore, market expansions have led to increasingly challenging customer demands in regard to industrial robots, creating pressing needs for more advanced features and greater precision in the absolute encoders which are key components in said robots. Nikon has responded by developing absolute encoders with improved operating-environment resistance and more accurate motion control.
Nikon has eliminated the need for external battery usage by embedding within their encoder an all-solid-state battery developed by Maxell, Ltd. This has enabled Nikon to increase the maximum guaranteed operating temperature to 105°C, which offers greater freedom in motor and equipment design than ever before. Furthermore, this latest model is maintenance-free.
A new predictive maintenance feature compatible with A-format® communication standards*3 has been incorporated into this model. This enables advance detection of precursors to breakdowns as well as advance notification of approaching part-replacement and maintenance deadlines for industrial robots, which mitigate the risk of sudden equipment stoppages due to breakdowns.
The MAR-M700MFA comes equipped with a proprietary angular-precision self-correction function. It does not require the use of a reference encoder*4 and enables precision corrections to realize better operational consistency and motion-related precision.
Because the MAR-M700MFA was design with consideration for compatibility when installing it as a replacement for existing Nikon absolute encoder models, there is no need for users to redesign equipment installation points where the new encoder is installed.
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The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.
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