Five Types of Industrial Robots And How To Choose The ...
Five Types of Industrial Robots And How To Choose The Right One
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Typically, when people think of the word "robot", they visualize a machine that resembles and behaves like a human. However, in manufacturing settings, "robot" often evokes notions of enhanced productivity and streamlined assembly processes. Operators commonly categorize robots based on their specific applications, such as handling, palletizing, and packaging robots.
To simplify, industrial robots can generally be categorized into five types: Cartesian, Cylindrical, SCARA, 6-Axis, and Delta. Each of these robot types possesses distinct features that make them ideal for different tasks. The key differences among them include their speed, size, and workspace capabilities. Understanding the operational characteristics of each type enables machine designers to select the most suitable robot for their specific applications. For additional information on Valin's comprehensive robotic offerings, click here.
Cartesian
The most frequently utilized robot type in industrial applications is the Cartesian robot. Operators often prefer this type due to its ease of use and programming. With linear movements, Cartesian robots operate within a cube-shaped workspace, making them optimal for pick-and-place activities. Their possible range spans from 100 millimeters to several meters. One significant advantage is their high level of customization; users can choose stroke lengths, speeds, and precision, as most components are supplied separately for assembly by machine builders. However, the assembly process can be complex. Overall, plant operators favor this design for its flexible configuration, meeting specific application requirements. Learn more about Multi Axis Cartesian Robots. Also, don’t forget to explore IAI's WU Series Wrist Unit designed for Single Axis and 2-Axis Cartesian Robots.
Cylindrical
Cylindrical robots share similarities with Cartesian robots regarding their motion axes. Typically, they consist of two moving elements: one rotary and one linear actuator. Their cylindrical work envelope allows for efficient space utilization, as they can be positioned centrally within a workspace, enabling rotation to operate around it. Simple tasks that involve picking, rotating, and placing materials align well with the strengths of cylindrical robots. Their installation and operation are straightforward, and they usually arrive in a mostly assembled form.
SCARA
SCARA robots present a more comprehensive solution compared to Cartesian or Cylindrical types. They are integrated robots, providing x, y, z, and rotary motions in a singular package, ready to go, except for the end-of-arm tooling. Their work envelope resembles that of cylindrical robots but offers increased degrees of motion within an arch-shaped space. While applications are quite similar to those of Cartesian and Cylindrical robots, SCARA robots typically provide quicker movements. They are frequently employed in biomedical applications where space is limited. Their ease of integration makes them favorable for numerous tasks, although Cartesian robots tend to be more popular due to their customizability.
6-Axis
The 6-Axis robot is another versatile option. Though sometimes compact, they are often large robots designed for substantial assembly tasks, such as installing seats in cars during assembly lines. These robotic arms mimic human arm functions, enabling the pickup and transfer of materials across planes. For instance, they can lift a component from a work surface and place it in a designated space, a feat not easily accomplished by other robot types. The 6-Axis robots can operate rapidly and, like SCARAs, are available as complete solutions; however, their programming tends to be more complicated. Their size and speed may make them suitable for larger-scale operations where intricate movements are necessary.
Delta
Lastly, Delta robots are the fastest and most sophisticated type. They feature a unique, dome-shaped work envelope allowing for remarkable speed. Delta robots excel in rapid pick-and-place or product transfer applications, such as transferring items from a conveyor belt to boxes or other conveyor systems. While they also offer comprehensive solutions for machine designers, their operation is more complex than that of 6-Axis or SCARA robots. The primary advantages of Delta robots are their high speed and precision.
Safety And Maintenance Of Industrial Robots
Overall, all five types of robots share similar safety implications. A common approach to safeguard operators against pinching or striking is to install external systems that essentially enclose the robots in a protective barrier. This barrier usually includes a hard guard with a gate that, when opened by an operator, signals the robot to cease movement or switch to a slower operational mode. This guarding mechanism ensures both operator safety and product protection by preventing any unauthorized interaction while the robots are active. Maintenance standards do not uniformly apply to all robot types; maintenance intervals largely depend on the specific environments where the robots function and their duty cycles. For instance, environments exposed to significant dust or dirt require more frequent maintenance compared to clean room conditions.
Choosing The Best Fit
When designers opt to integrate one of the five robot types into their operations, they must evaluate essential starting points for motion applications, including load, orientation, speed, travel, precision, environmental conditions, and duty cycle. Recognizing these factors enables designers to correlate them with the appropriate robot type to ensure the most effective and efficient outcomes in their manufacturing processes.
Speed Up Your Assembly Line Through Automation
Which Industries Use Assembly Robots?
Assembled products are integral to a multitude of industries. Consequently, assembly robots are employed across various sectors, capable of managing both small PCB components and substantial vehicle frames. Below are some industries actively utilizing assembly robots:
- Automotive
- Medical
- Electronics
- Metals Company
- Plastics Company
- Food and Beverage Company
These examples illustrate the versatility of assembly robots. Any manufacturing operation focused on component assembly can potentially adopt such technology. But what can businesses achieve through automated assembly?
Advantages of Automating the Assembly Process
Companies typically opt to automate assembly processes for several reasons:
Increased Throughput
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Safety and Ergonomics
Enhanced Repeatability
When to Automate the Assembly Process
Companies new to automation often grapple with deciding the appropriate timing for automation. Capital investments inherently carry risks. Knowing when to automate can bolster confidence in pursuing robotic projects. Companies generally embrace assembly automation in situations such as:
- There is a demand for increased throughput
- The task poses dangers or can result in injuries
- They seek to minimize overhead expenses
- They are encountering inconsistent production quality
Throughput
Robots are known to significantly outperform human labor, and assembly tasks are no exception. Manufacturers are often faced with demanding quotas to fulfill. Assembly robots provide an effective solution for achieving higher production volumes. Bottlenecking issues can arise, where a specific segment of the process slows down overall productivity. For instance, in a bottling facility, if the manual capping process can only fulfill 45 parts per minute (PPM) while the remainder of the line could operate at 120 PPM, automating the capping process unlocks this additional potential, leading to increased revenue for the operation.
Safety
Automation is frequently pursued as assembly tasks can lead to injuries, particularly when dealing with large or tiny components. Heavy parts pose obvious risks, while small components, such as those in PCB assembly, pose safety challenges as well. Common ergonomic injuries that can occur include:
- Eyestrain
- Muscle strain
- Fume inhalation
- Impingements
Assembly robots effectively eliminate operator injury risks associated with such tasks, saving money by preventing downtime, medical expenses, and fines from worksite injuries.
Cost Reduction
Assembly lines incur various costs, with labor being the most significant. This cost can vary based on geographical location, but it always contributes substantially to the total cost of goods. Additional costs include raw materials, and unforeseen expenses related to training, reduced productivity, and healthcare. Fully automated assembly lines significantly reduce labor and unforeseen costs, as robots do not require salaries or benefits. This transition results in leaner and more efficient production lines, allowing manufacturers to allocate human resources to more complex tasks where they can add greater value.
Although robots entail high initial costs and some ongoing maintenance expenses, many projects can achieve net ROI within a short timeframe of 12-18 months, especially in standardized automation that leverages proven robotic solutions. In contrast, experimental or complex projects carry the risk of failing to meet ROI expectations. Open discussions with your integrator can clarify these concerns and help mitigate risks.
Consistent Production Quality
Automated systems demonstrate a higher degree of repeatability compared to manual labor. Robots are programmed to adhere to precise instructions, and in predictable, repetitive tasks, they excel, producing more consistent products. This results in fewer defects and a reduced number of items failing to pass quality control checks. The company is the world’s best robotic arm assembly line supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly specialized and prepared to assist you in finding the right products.