FANUC produces several different controllers, each geared towards a particular robot size. Smaller robots use smaller controllers, and larger robots require bigger ones.

Each robot will have a certain F-number stamped somewhere on the robot or the mechanical unit (also called the robot’s automated cabinet). This number is critical when contacting Fanuc for technical support or purchasing parts.

Servo Drives

Servo drives provide motion control in a single unit. They can communicate with upper-level controllers via I/O or dedicated networks such as EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP and PROFINET. They help simplify control architectures and extend machine capabilities by providing critical production data that advance smart manufacturing goals.

A servomechanism is a feedback system that automatically compares a command signal with a machine status to detect when the actual state of the machine deviates from the commanded state. The drive then adjusts its output voltage to correct the deviation.

Elmo servo drives are the ideal solution for high-dynamic applications that require hard accelerations and decelerations. These drives are ideally suited for print and cut, flying shear and other cut-to-length machines. The Gold Line of servo drives offers industry-leading smart servo functionality at an unmatched value. They support CANopen and EtherCAT protocols and feature advanced technology for unparalleled performance. This line of drives includes a wide range of standard safety features.

Controls

A computer controller that reads G-code instructions and drives a CNC machine tool to selectively remove material in the fabrication of parts. Also known as a CNC robot.

FANUC parts are needed in several different control systems for a wide range of robot sizes—generally, the larger the robot, the more capable of a controller it will need to be.

For example, the LR Mate series of handling robots will require a larger controller than a CRX-series SCARA robot. Normally, a robot will come from FANUC with a media drive (CD ROM, Compact Flash, PCMCIA card or USB flash drive) that can be used to revert the robot to factory defaults or upgrade its features.

Motors

In most cases, a Fanuc robot comes with a media drive that contains software that can be used to revert the machine to its factory default settings. This is very important to always have on hand in case of an issue with the robot. The media drive can also be used to upgrade the software.

A motor controller is an intermediate between a microcontroller (the robot’s brain) and the motors. The microcontroller decides how fast and in which direction the motor should go, while the motor controller makes sure that the engine gets the current it needs to run at the correct voltage.

FANUC alarm codes, also known as error codes, are the LED indicator bars lit on a drive control PCB that displays numbers or letters like AL. Some common FANUC alarms include alarms on program and operation (PS alarm) and communication or servo alarms. Other common alarms are memory file errors, power failures, and overheating.

Power Supplies

FANUC power supplies are specialized AC-to-DC power converters designed to supply power to the motherboard of a computer or computer-controlled machine tool. FANUC power supplies are available in various models with various output voltages and features.

The EPS (Ethernet Power Standard) connector is a motherboard power connection that provides more power-hungry computers with a cleaner, more robust, and more stable environment than the ATX12V connector found on typical home and office PCs. The EPS connector has a 24-pin motherboard power connector with an additional eight-pin +12 V connector and is used to power more powerful CPUs, graphics cards, and other components.

The iRVision robot vision product line is a group of 2D and 3D imaging sensors (cameras) that allow FANUC robots to incorporate vision into their tasks. Most commonly, iRVision is used to locate parts on the surface of a workpiece and pick them up, which can reduce or eliminate the need for precise fixturing and inspect the workpiece or machine for defects or quality control issues.