While still useful, articulated robots aren’t as cost-effective as Cartesian gantries when handling a small load over a long reach or a heavy load over a short distance. And to handle even heavier loads, some gantries may need Z-axis reinforcement to maintain rigidity. When escalating production and throughput, the increase in velocity and acceleration to maximize pick-and-place rates can reduce accuracy.
While some expensive palletizing systems are built around articulated arm robots, consider gantry robots for a more cost-effective solution. Gantries typically outperform articulated arm robots in cost-efficiency when lifting heavier cases. The optimized cantilever axis gantry, the Festo ELCC, for example, is well suited for payloads up to 100 kilograms and has a strong slide, broad toothed belt and up to two meters of stroke distance. Thanks to impressive performance data, the ELCC can dynamically load a pallet with precision, efficiency and without post-pulse oscillations or vibrations.
A heavyweight gantry, the EHMH, combines high rigidity and positioning accuracy, while its rack and pinion technology ensures highly dynamic movement of payloads up to 200 kilograms. It also has a stroke length up to 2,500 millimeters.
Our Cartesian gantries come in a range of sizes depending on payload requirements. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, you can use the Handling Guide Online. With this tool, you can configure a two- or three-axis Cartesian system to match your project specifications — making the difference between over- or under-engineered handling systems. For all our gantry systems, the CPX-E control system with CMMT-AS servo drives provides seamless interpolation and motion control. For overall process control, a single CPX-E can manage multiple synchronized gantries while communicating with third-party PLCs. The compact size of the CPX-E makes it an ideal alternative to the larger controllers required to manage multiple articulated robots.
Learn more about how to upgrade your case packer designs.