Product category:
Gantries, manipulators and positioners/positioning tables
News Release from: Gudel UK | Subject: RoboFlex parts handling and manipulation system
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 25 January 2002
Handling system combines versatility,
precision
RoboFlex, a new parts handling and manipulation system from Guedel Lineartec, combines the versatility of a 5-axis industrial robot with the precision of a single axis gantry module.
Parts handling system combines versatility, precision RoboFlex, a new parts handling and manipulation system from Guedel Lineartec, combines the versatility of a 5-axis industrial robot with the precision of an advanced, single axis gantry module Designed to provide the ultimate in component handling flexibility, the new system enables workpiece grippers and operating heads to be located precisely and orientated in any axis
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 24 Mar 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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When used as an overhead mounted system, RoboFlex requires minimal floor space and ceiling height, making it the ideal choice for automatic loading and unloading of machining cells, multi-stage production processes and press work handling - particularly in restricted access locations.
Rapid component transfer is achieved through the system's low mass and inertia.
In addition, the use of high precision rack and pinion drives and worm gearboxes - in conjunction with hardened and ground guideways - provide pinpoint accuracy and repeatability of better than +0.1mm.
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The system's multi-axis capabilities eliminate the need for precise alignment of machine tools, process stations or component feed units.
This not only enables installation time and costs to be minimised, but also simplifies the addition or replacement of equipment within production cells at any time.
RoboFlex features advanced ABB 'S4C Plus' controls to provide fast and intuitive programming, including operator-guided 'teach' cycles.
The system can be programmed to allow parts to be tracked and placed on moving conveyors, or automatically stacked in workpiece pallets.
Furthermore, RoboFlex can be configured to create and manage inter-operational buffer stocks, if required.
Multiple robot carriages can be mounted on the single linear beam to provide fully integrated complex workhandling solutions, while the system's modular design permits installations to be revised or extended quickly to meet changing operational requirements.
With a payload of up to 25g, RoboFlex provides traverse speeds of more than 2m / sec over extended linear runs.
Like all Guedel equipment, RoboFlex is manufactured in-house to rigorous ISO9001 quality standards and can be supplied in a wide variety of materials and protective coatings to combat the most aggressive operating environments.
Systems can also incorporate automatic lubrication of rails, rollers, drive pinions and racks to ensure trouble-free operation and low-maintenance at ambient temperatures down to -20degC.
A member of the Swiss-based GuedelAG engineering group, GuedelUK develops and supplies modular-based solutions for positioning components weighing from a few grams to several tonnes with extreme accuracy and repeatability.
Systems are typically used for high volume metal working, assembly or manufacturing applications - in particular within the automotive, aerospace, pharmaceutical, food packaging, defence, machine tool, electronics and process sectors.
Coventry-based Guedel UK has grown consistently since its establishment in the early 1990s at the hub of UK's transport network.
Today, its end users include leading international engineering and manufacturing organisations such as: Mercedes, BMW, Daimler-Benz, Ford, General Motors, Philips, KUKA, Fanuc, Cosworth, Ultraseal, Heller, Landis Lund and Audi.
(This was Manufacturingtalk's Top Story on 24 January 2002).
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