Written by: Direct Pneumatics
When an application requires a need for an automated system, first thought is for an articulated multi-axis robot. While this is a natural place to go, it can lead to an expensive mistake. Since a majority of industrial applications require four or less axis, Cartesian robots certainly make them a perfect consideration for a wide number of applications. These Cartesian type systems offer many benefits in terms of design, programming, cost, and flexibility.
At first glance, articulated-arm robots come with more functions and degrees of freedom, but what’s really required for your application? This could mean paying for features that really are not needed. That’s where Cartesian systems come in. if you need only two axes, you specify and pay for two axes. Not only does this save you cost, but it also makes maintenance much easier.
Cartesian systems:
Suitable for a wide range of applications.
Cartesian robots are ideal for pick-and-place applications, which require only X, Y, and Z axes. You can even add a rotational axis on the end of the Z-axis, bringing the number of axes up to four. For most industrial applications, including pick and place, 2D machining and palletizing, X,Y, Z axes’ are more than enough. Cartesian systems are also highly precise and can handle high payloads, reducing your equipment footprint.
Easy to customize and maintain.
- Cartesian robots are easy to customize, i.e. terms of speed, precision and number of axes
- As far as maintenance, technicians can handle repairing or replacing components, axis, drive or motor
- Technicians don’t have to learn a new programming language or interact with the OEM, which is what happens with more complex robotic systems.
No need for a specific controller. Cartesian systems can be controlled using a simple PLC for point-to-point movement as opposed to articulated arm robots, which always require complex robotic control systems and programming. This point-to-point movement removes the need for a specific controller—and the complexities associated with component interoperability.
1D single-axis robots
Movements in 1D: Festo offers ready-to-install single-axis solutions including pre-assembled energy supply conduit for cable or tube routing and suitable motor and motor controller packages.
Two axis robots
Movements in 2D in the vertical workspace: A linear gantry is the assembly of a horizontal linear axis and any vertical axis into a ready-to-install complete system including energy supply and suitable motor and motor controller package. Pneumatic and electrical axis combinations as well as serial or parallel kinematic designs are possible.
Gantry robots
2D movements in the horizontal workspace: A planar surface gantry is the assembly of up to three linear axes into a ready-to-install complete system, including energy supply and suitable motor and motor controller package. Serial or parallel kinematic designs are possible.
3D gantries
Movements in a 3D workspace: a 3-dimensional gantry is the assembly of up to three horizontal linear axes and one vertical axis into a ready-to-install complete system, including energy supply and suitable motor and motor controller package. Pneumatic and electrical axis combinations as well as serial or parallel kinematic designs are possible.
Bottom line: When you are in the need, a Cartesian robot could be the most effective—and cost-efficient—option. Its simple mechanical arrangement makes maintenance easier and yet still maintains extraordinary reliability, effectiveness, and precision.
Check out this video on Festo Cartesian Robots and the Festo Motion Control Package
Video Transcript:
Speaker 1: (00:06)
The innovative handling guide online from Festo gives engineers the ability to design, configure, and customize robotic handling systems within minutes. A process that once took days or weeks to complete is now just a few clicks.
(00:21)
Within three weeks of order, the system will arrive, assembled, and tested. Just unpack and mount. It’s now ready for motion. The Festo Motion Control Package provides a seamless interface between the handling application and the PLC. All application-specific kinematics and parameters are pre-configured with your order.
(00:41)
Simply connect the motor cables using the quick connections. Power up the system, and control up to six axes, Ethernet/IP, Profi Net, or EtherCat. Interface to the system with one function block in your PLC environment, jog axes, execute motion tasks, and access diagnostic information. It couldn’t be easier. Festo makes design, assembly, and commissioning simple. Try your handling guide online and motion control package today.
For more information click here: Direct Pneumatics
