Cartesian Robots in Industrial Automation

Cartesian robots, also known as linear or gantry robots, are a cornerstone in industrial automation. These robots, defined by their use of the Cartesian coordinate system, usually operate on one, two or three linear axes - X, Y, and Z, combined with rotary and gripper/vacuum end-of-arm effectors to perform a myriad of tasks with precision and efficiency. From pick-and-place operations to material handling, Cartesian robots offer a versatility that is indispensable in modern manufacturing environments.

Applications of Cartesian Robots

The simplicity and accuracy of Cartesian robots make them ideally suited for a wide range of industrial applications. Their linear movement allows for straightforward programming and integration, making them especially useful in:

• Pick-and-Place: Cartesian robots excel in applications where precise and rapid movements are necessary, such as in packaging and assembly lines.

• Material Handling: Their robust structure makes Cartesian robots perfect for transporting heavy loads across different sections of a manufacturing facility.

• Cutting and Drilling: The precision afforded by Cartesian robots makes them excellent for tasks requiring exact movements, such as cutting materials or drilling holes with high accuracy.

• 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing: Cartesian robots are integral in the realm of 3D printing, offering the controlled and consistent movement needed to build objects layer by layer.

Benefits of Cartesian Robots

The design and functionality of Cartesian robots confer several significant advantages over other types of robotic systems:

• Accuracy: Cartesian robots can achieve excellent accuracy and repeatability as tight as ±0.0025mm per axis, across the full range of their movement making them suitable for precision tasks. Conversely articulated robots naturally have sweet spots for force and accuracy, deteriorating toward the limits of their reach.

• Cost-effectiveness: these robots are often less expensive than their articulated counterparts. Users can specify the number of axes they need, saving costs and improving precision associated with unnecessary axis or features.

• Compact design: Cartesian robots are inherently more space-efficient, fitting seamlessly into production layouts without requiring extensive modifications.

• Simplicity and control: with straightforward software control, these robots can be easily managed using a single PLC motion controller for multiple systems, reducing complexity, and enhancing reliability.

• Speed with rigid structures: capable of moving heavy loads over long distances quickly, Cartesian robots boast an inherently rigid structure that can be scaled according to the load and application, ensuring consistent performance and repeatability.

• Support and maintenance: Cartesians are assembled from standard components making replacement or maintenance easier. Spares and repairs from bearings, motors or even servo controllers are globally readily available.

The role of Festo Handling Guide Online (HGO)

Festo's Handling Guide Online (HGO) revolutionises the process of specifying and designing Cartesian systems. This free of charge online software tool is highly intuitive and enables engineers to configure and design handling systems tailored to specific applications with remarkable speed and accuracy.

Streamlined configuration and ordering

The Handling Guide Online reduces the time-consuming process of manual configuration by providing a smart, integrated platform. Engineers can select the type of handling system required by inputting application data directly into the HGO. The tool immediately calculates and suggests a range of appropriate systems, allowing for immediate download of data sheets and CAD models in all common formats for seamless integration into existing designs. Alternative designs can be ranked by cost, performance or other detailed criteria as overload bearing capacity as per the application designs.

Efficiency in Design and Deployment

By integrating the configuration and ordering platform into the Festo website, the Handling Guide Online maintains an uninterrupted value chain. What once took days or even weeks can now be accomplished in minutes. The HGO facilitates:

• Rapid prototyping: engineers can quickly iterate designs, comparing alternative design options in just minutes and making adjustments on the fly without lengthy calculations and delays.

• Accurate specifications: The tool ensures that all configurations are complete with all mountings, accessories and cable management, reducing the risk of errors in the design phase.

• Comprehensive Documentation: Each system comes with user documentation that complies with the EU Machinery Directive, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Cutting-Edge Commissioning

Festo's commitment to efficiency extends to the commissioning phase. The Handling Guide Online provides commissioning files tailored to the user's input, which can be directly loaded into the servo motor controller. These files encapsulate critical parameters such as axis dimensions, motor characteristics, and dynamic data, significantly reducing setup times and ensuring optimal performance from the outset.

Driving Digitalisation

The Handling Guide Online exemplifies Festo’s push towards digitalisation and Industry 4.0. By merging deep industrial expertise with advanced information technology, Festo assists engineers in navigating their automation digital landscape. The HGO software package is part of Festo's broader Digital Customer Journey, supporting customers from initial information gathering through to commissioning and maintenance.