Robotic Production Technology and FANUC Robotics America Announce AccuTrim™ Robots

Contact: Janine Krasicky, J9 Media Solutions
Phone: 248-542-3991

Date: 3/22/2006

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., February 24, 2006 – Robotic Production Technology (RPT) and FANUC Robotics America jointly announced today the release of six models of the AccuTrim™ robot. These models include a FANUC robot, RPT process tooling and a unique and proprietary combination of software features and tools designed specifically for path-intensive, non-metallic product trimming applications. AccuTrim robots include the tools needed for applications where a combination of high reliability, tight product feature tolerances, high path repeatability and quick cycle times are important.

AccuTrim robots include quick Tool Center Point Recovery, Collision Guard to protect the robot, expanded robot memory and feature accuracy enhancements, in addition to other proprietary process-specific software tools. These packages combine the technology needed to create successful robotic production systems for path intensive applications like waterjet cutting and routing. RPT and FANUC Robotics are introducing three AccuTrim models for waterjet applications – the AccuTrim WJ-44, WJ-22L and WJ-33; and three AccuTrim models for routing applications – the AccuTrim R-44, R-99 and R-363.

“Many waterjet and routing applications are very path intensive, requiring a high degree of coordination between the base robot motion system and application package,” said Gary Zywiol, Vice President, FANUC Robotics America. “For such applications, FANUC Robotics has partnered with RPT to develop the AccuTrim option, sold exclusively through RPT. FANUC robots continue to exhibit superior performance and quality when equipped with the unique AccuTrim package. This solution provides our customers the proper set of tools to successfully meet their most stringent product requirements."

Robotic Production Technology and FANUC Robotics America jointly developed the AccuTrim package, which is marketed in North America exclusively by RPT for waterjet and routing applications.

“FANUC robots have proven over time to be the most reliable and versatile robots across the globe, especially for high speed, path intensive trimming,” said Chuck Russo, CEO of Robotic Production Technology. “Companies who have used alternative motion systems have changed to using the RPT/FANUC system due to the high performance, significantly lower cycle times and increased uptime with improved quality.”

Both FANUC Robotics and RPT are charter members of Save Your Factory, an important initiative designed to help save North America manufacturing facilities through the use of automation and technology. RPT and FANUC Robotics recently announced the signing of a new five year agreement wherein RPT is re-appointed as FANUC Robotics’ exclusive distributor/market channel for all waterjet and non-metallic routing applications in the Americas. For the past several years, Robotic Production Technology has significantly grown its business in the plastics routing market.

“RPT and FANUC Robotics have achieved solid growth and success by continuing to lead the way with technological innovations that make robotics an attractive option for the plastic routing market versus CNC machines,” said Kevin McManus, president of Robotic Production Technology. “Robots are proving to be faster, more flexible and are much more robust and reliable when compared to standard industrial CNC machines.”

For questions contact either Chuck Russo, CEO of RPT at 248-829-2800 or Cathy Powell, Sr. Marketing Analyst, FANUC Robotics America at 248-377-7570.

Robotic Production Technology is a turnkey robotic systems solutions provider. Industries served include aerospace, appliance, automotive, composites, construction, consumer goods, marine and plastics industries. The company specializes in high path accurate trimming applications such as deflashing, laser cutting and scoring, router and waterjet cutting. RPT also has process expertise in material dispensing, assembly, joining, material handling and welding. Capabilities include project management, engineering, simulation services, fabricating and machining, system integration and certification, software, training, service and support. Since 1985, RPT has been a leading manufacturer of flexible manufacturing systems utilizing multi-axis robots, with an installed base of more than 2,000 robots. Robotic Production Technology can be found on the Internet at www.rpt.net or by calling 248.829.2800.
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FANUC Robotics America, Inc. designs, engineers and manufactures industrial robots and robotic systems for a wide range of applications including arc and spot welding, material handling (machine tending, picking, packing, palletizing), material removal, assembly, paint finishing and dispensing. The company also provides application-specific software, controls, vision products, and complete aftermarket support. After 23 years of success, FANUC Robotics maintains its position as the leading robotics company in the Americas. A subsidiary of FANUC LTD in Japan, the company has facilities in Chicago; Los Angeles; Charlotte, N.C.; Cincinnati and Toledo, Ohio; Toronto; Montreal; Aguascalientes, Mexico; and Sao Paulo, Brazil. Over 150,000 FANUC robots are installed worldwide. Contact FANUC Robotics at www.fanucrobotics.com or by calling 800-47-ROBOT.
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