Shibaura Machine THL400 — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | Shibaura Machine |
|---|---|
| Model | THL400 |
| Year | 2020 |
| Category | Industrial Lite |
| Autonomy | semi-autonomous |
| Environment | indoor |
| Dimensions | 40cm L × 40cm W × 35cm H |
| Connectivity | Ethernet, EtherCAT, DeviceNet |
| Country of origin | JP |
Key features
- 4-axis SCARA architecture
- 5kg payload, 400mm reach
- ±0.01mm high-precision repeatability
- High-speed horizontal pick-and-place
- Shibaura TS5000 controller
- Electronics and semiconductor assembly optimised
- Compact footprint for dense workcells
What is it?
The Shibaura Machine THL400 is a 4-axis horizontal SCARA robot in the THL series. SCARA (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm) architecture provides fast horizontal sweeping motion with rigid vertical structure — ideal for insertion, placement, and transfer tasks.
Who is it for?
Electronics manufacturers, semiconductor equipment builders, and precision assembly operations requiring high-speed SCARA automation in compact workcells. Integrators building pick-and-place, component insertion, and tray-loading cells where SCARA speed advantage over 6-axis robots is valued.
Key specs
- Architecture: SCARA (horizontal, 4-axis)
- Payload: 5 kg
- Reach: 400 mm
- Repeatability: ±0.01 mm
- Cycle time: Standard SCARA (<0.4s for 300mm/1kg)
- Controller: Shibaura TS5000 controller
- Applications: Pick-and-place, insertion, electronics assembly
SCARA advantages
SCARA robots outperform 6-axis robots in repetitive vertical insertion and horizontal transfer tasks due to their inherent mechanical compliance in the horizontal plane and rigidity in the vertical axis — enabling faster cycle times for specific task profiles.
How it compares
The THL400 competes with Epson LS3 and IAI SXYS series SCARA robots at 400mm reach. Shibaura Machine's precision manufacturing heritage from Toshiba Machine delivers competitive repeatability (±0.01mm) in this class.
FAQ
What is SCARA architecture and why use it?
SCARA (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm) uses horizontal rotating joints with a rigid vertical structure. This enables very fast horizontal sweeping motion for pick-and-place and insertion tasks, with cycle times faster than 6-axis robots for these specific task profiles.
What is the repeatability of the THL400?
±0.01mm — precision-grade repeatability suitable for electronics component placement, connector insertion, and semiconductor handling tasks.
What controller does the Shibaura THL400 use?
The THL400 uses Shibaura Machine's TS5000 controller, which provides motion control and programming for the THL SCARA series.