Industrial robots have been in existence for some time now. Some people are already familiar with them but finding one for your startup business can be a daunting task. Below is an extensive overview of the vocabulary utilized in the industry as well as things to look out for before purchasing an industrial robot.
Industrial Robot Applications
Understanding the intended applications for the industrial robot is a critical consideration. For instance, if you are in search of an ideal robot capable of working alongside human employees, the collaborative robot is perfect.
Industrial robots have come of age and can handle a variety of applications such as machine tending, material handling, material removal, and welding. Today, robot manufacturers have developed an industrial robot arm for almost every application.
Individuals only need to define their business needs and pick the right robot from the available options.
Robot Payload
Payload defines the utmost capacity that the robot is capable of handling within its working area. If you need to transport parts between machines, you should consider both the robot gripper and part weight. While at it, it’s important to understand the difference between grip force and payload.
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Repeatability
Repeatability also referred to as redundancy is determined by your application. Repeatability is the robot’s capability to arrive at the same position every time a routine is concluded. Many times, the robot can rerun inside more than 0.5mm.
For instance, if you need to develop an electronic circuit board, you require a perfectly repeatable robot. In the event of a rough application, you do not need a precise industrial robot.
Axes Number
The number of axes available in a robot is affiliated directly to its magnitude of freedom. Individuals who are in search of a simple application can easily adopt a 4 axis robot. This can perform various basic applications such as pick and place tasks.
In cases where the application is carried out within small work areas or the industrial robot arm needs a lot of turning and twisting a 7 or 6 axis robot would be appropriate. Remember, the application determines the number of axes needed.
Additionally, the robot flexibility is not affected by the number of axes. Individuals who plan on transferring the robot to a different application within a short time may consider having extra axes as compared to having just enough.
Having more axes, however, can be inconveniencing since you have to program all of them even when they are not in use.
Industrial Robot Reach
During evaluation of the intended application, individuals should understand the utmost distance the robot should reach. Every robot manufacturing company defines the range of movement of their robots.
This way, one can establish whether the robot is ideal for their intended application. The utmost vertical robot reach is calculated from the lowest tip where the robot is capable of reaching to the utmost height that the robot wrist can reach.
The stretch from the robot’s base center to the utmost tip the wrist can stretch is called the utmost horizontal reach. Analyze various robot movement range which is usually demonstrated in degrees. Remember, these specifications vary between robots and can be confining for some applications.
Robot Mass
Robot mass is a critical factor to consider during the designing of a robot cell. One should establish the robot weight in order to build a matching base if the robot will settle on a rail or a customized bench.
Speed
The pace at which the task needs to be completed determines the robot’s speed. A robot’s specification sheet always demonstrates the machine’s maximum speed. However, one should understand that all speeds can be achieved between 0 and the utmost speed. The motion unit is calculated in degrees per second. Various robot manufacturers, however, include the utmost acceleration rate.
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Inertia and Brakes
Every robot manufacturer will give detailed information on their robot’s braking system. While some robots come with brakes on all axes, others don’t. In order to achieve a repeatable and accurate position in the workspace, one requires enough brakes. Manufacturers can provide inertia for specific robot categories.
Finally
Armed with the above guidelines, one should be able to choose their industrial robot with ease.
