Frequently Asked Questions

System Configuration

Is Symphoni only good for high-output applications?
Not at all. Symphoni can be a good fit for applications ranging from 20 parts per minute to many hundreds of parts per minute. (see Symphoni Pick and Place video)

I have a high-volume product that has no variants. Is Symphoni a good fit?
It depends on your product’s complexity. If it has more than 3 components, chances are good that a Symphoni solution will be economically attractive. In general, the more complex your product, the greater the likelihood that a Symphoni system will have a lower cost and smaller footprint than competing solutions. (See Symphoni Optimize Floor Space video)

My production volumes are modest, but there are a lot of variants to my product. Is Symphoni a good fit?
Almost certainly!

Can HEPA filters be added to provide additional level of clean room environment?
Yes.

What’s the maximize size of a Symphoni system?
There is no “maximum size” in terms of the number of components or process steps.

How many components can a Symphoni system assemble?
There is no limit.

Can 3rd-party devices and subsystems be integrated?
Yes, absolutely. One of the key features of the Symphoni OS software is its ability to incorporate independently controlled 3rd-party devices into its electronic camming. Symphoni OS provides a cam window in which the independent device is able to carry out its function. (See Symphoni Operating System video)

Given Symphoni’s compact design, how can accessibility be ensured?
So-called “blank modules” can be inserted in areas where extra space is needed to accommodate large external subsystems, such as bowl feeders and hoppers.

How do installation times and costs compare to conventional technologies?
Because of the modularity of Symphoni, installation times and costs are typically less than comparable systems having more customized content. (See Symphoni De Risk the Future video)

Why no casters, moving module with hand cart is still cumbersome, especially in clean room?

• Levelling feet were implemented to ensure we can always level the module.
• Exploring casters as a simplified means of relocating Sonata™ cells could be on request.

How does module(s) dock into Symphoni cell?
Locating pins align module to the SuperTrak CONVEYANCE™. Blanchard sits on top of the Frame, which houses locating pins. Modules are then fastened to the Frame.

When bringing modules in do, they self-level?
No. Threaded adjustment feet are used to allow levelling during installation, but this is done manually as height and level are both important when bringing in modules to the machine.

Will leveling be required if module is located in a different area of the plant?
No. Different from relocating any other equipment.

Can tooling also be poke-yoke for a given recipe?
No. Different from traditional automation assembly systems.  

What are the mechanical, electrical, pneumatic connections when taking in/out?

• Mechanical: 8 Fasteners
• Electrical: 1 Cable for power (HEAVYCON connector); 3 Cables for communications (Quick disconnect) 
• Pneumatic: 1 Pneumatic Quick Connect (Checking with RM): Vacuum Quick Connect (Checking with RM)

When configuring (dialing in) a pick / place position for fine tuning a recipe is there a camera to aid visual alignment?
High speed debug camera tied into Illuminate™.

Feed Systems & Incoming Parts

Is Symphoni compatible with conventional vibratory and centrifugal bowl feeders?
Yes.

Is Symphoni compatible with flexible feeders?
Yes.

Can Symphoni handle parts delivered on trays?
Yes.

Can Symphoni handle parts or materials delivered on reels?
Yes.

Does Symphoni/Sonata™ come with specified Clean class (validated)?
No.

Operating Performance

What’s the maximum rate?
There is no theoretical maximum system rate, since operations can be replicated in parallel to get greater throughput. The Symphoni robot is designed to stroke at up to 200 cycles per minute and is capable of handling multi-up tooling, so its output for pick-and-place operations can be quite high. In practice, however, we typically limit the robot’s stroke rate to 150 cycles per minute, because at higher rates, part quality, part dynamics, and process physics tend to become limiting factors. (see Symphoni Pick and Place video)

Changeover & Flexibility

What elements are involved in changing over from one product to another?
Physically, changeover elements are touch tooling components such as robot end effectors, pallet fixtures, and RSM Technology® capture discs. If vibratory or centrifugal feeders are involved, they could have change tooling as well. From a software point of view, changeover is an HMI-based recipe selection. (See Symphoni Operating System video)

How quickly can a system be changed over from one product to another?
Overall system changeover time varies as a function of the number of stations involved and the number of people carrying out the change. From the perspective of a single Symphoni station, changeover can typically be carried out in minutes. Again, it all depends on the particulars of each situation. But what is important to recognize is that changeover time of a Symphoni system is typically much faster than on other systems because of its high degree of standardized content.

How do feed systems affect a Symphoni flexibility?
Conventional feed systems limit the flexibility of any system. That said, Symphoni demand less of conventional feeders, since Symphoni pick-and-place stations routinely carry out radial orientation operations. In other words, in Symphoni feeders are typically not required to do more than ensure that the parts exit right-side-up. This keeps the feeders simple and often allows them to adapt to a broader range of parts than they are able if they have to manage radial orientation as well.

Required Skills & Training

What software skills are needed to make programming changes?
Symphoni OS software provides multiple levels of password-protected access. Programming changes can be made through two different levels. The first allows various changes to be made through the HMI, including basic modifications to tool motions, pallet motions and servo profiles as well as the addition of new products. The second level gives access to offline tools that allow more extensive modifications.

None of the modifications described above requires specialized programming skills.

How dependent is the customer on ATS specialists?
The simplicity and standardization of Symphoni OS software permit customers to be largely self-sufficient in programming, troubleshooting, and maintenance.