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Universal Robots certifies ATI’s new automated tool changer

ATI Industrial Automation’s QC-11 Automatic Tool Changer, a component of many robotic applications, is now certified to work seamlessly with collaborative robots from Universal Robots.

It joins more than 150 products in the UR+ portfolio featuring plug-and-play solutions for UR cobots.

The QC-11 enables automatic exchange of robotic end-effectors without any manual intervention.

With an ATI Automatic Tool Changer, a robot can utilise multiple end-effectors in a single process.

Preceding the QC-11 in the UR+ program are ATI’s Axia80 Force/Torque Sensor and MC-10 Manual Tool Changer.

The QC-11 is the first automated tool changer developed in the Americas to obtain UR+ certification.

When coupled, the Master and Tool weigh less than 0.25 kg (0.55 lbs), with a combined stack height of 52.4 mm (2.06 in).

The small footprint of the QC-11 helps to optimise the robot payload and work envelope while supporting the maximum UR payload of 10 kg (22 lbs).

ATI’s patented, pneumatically-actuated, fail-safe, locking mechanism provides strong, repeatable coupling under the rigors of industrial use.

It also ensures that the tooling remains securely attached to the robot—even during a loss of air pressure. The QC-11 features six integrated M5 pneumatic pass-through ports.

It allows for an optional, accessory mounted, M8 connector for up to eight pass-thru electrical pin connections.

Users can incorporate a compatible pin-and-bushing tool stand for storage of the additional end-of-arm tools as well.

The UR+ program debuted in 2016 and has since grown rapidly to include 156 products from more than 400 companies active in the UR+ developer program.

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