The modular linear axes Güdel TrackMotion with rack and pinion drive, available from CNC Design , provide the 7th axis motion for robots. The optimal system has the ability to position loads of up to several tonnes to better than +0.2mm, anywhere along its linear run from up to 100m.
The Güdel TrackMotion with rack and pinion drive for the robot can be used for diverse applications such as welding machines, plasma-arc cutting, loading/unloading machines, mechanical processing, pouring and packing. The TrackMotion system is a suitable way to increase the use of a robotic system by performing multiple processes.
Track mounted robotics can also be used for processes extending beyond the working envelope of a stationary robot. Six sizes up to weights of 5 tonnes and robot payloads up to 1000kg, a wide range of options and versions are available to make the Güdel TrackMotion a product easy to integrate into the user’s system. TrackMotion linear axes are suitable in applications such as logistics, aerospace and in the automobile industry.
The Güdel TrackMotion can be used for the following track mounted 6 axis robotics applications:
- Cutting and routing
- Material handling
- Machine tending
- Arc welding
The TrackMotion is based on the linear guideway system and power train components from Güdel. To answer the demands regarding dynamics and precision, the linear guideway system is equipped with a new type of Güdel high-performance roller bloc. Güdel TrackMotion modules are insensitive to dirt, and show rigidity and stiffness due to the large rollers used.
The welded steel framework provides an optimal distribution of load on the rails, so that quiet running is achieved. The modules are being manufactured in segments and can therefore easily be extended in length. Stroke lengths up to 100m are easily and reliably realised.
The TrackMotion-family can be easily incorporated into concepts where linear multi-axes are requested. All components are carefully sized in terms of capacity, rigidity and safety and therefore provide maximum availability together with a minimum of maintenance.
Through optimal graduation of the individual sizes, CNC Design can offer the suitable linear module for each type of robot. Carriage plates, transmissions and cable loops are cut specifically for the robot and application. CNC Design can also supply the module complete with motor and cables additional to the factory preassembled system with the following features:
- Profile with guideways and levelling screws
- Carriage plate with roller supports and manual wiper-greasing unit for the guideway system
- Automatic lubrication system for guideways and rack (optional)
- High performance worm gear box with pinion
- Shock absorber
- Cable loop with cable tray
- Enclosed cable loop (optional)
- Triple cam rails with cams
- Triple limit switch (optional)
- Felt pinion lubrication unit
The latest generation of articulated arm robots are now designed for all possible mounting positions and their self-weight is reduced and power is available on all robot-axes, giving these devices higher dynamics and greater capability. This opens up new areas of applications and allows the use of robots in industries where so far, extensive use of special equipment or several robots were needed.
The installation of these versatile and flexible articulate arm robots in a fixed position has two major disadvantages such as, their radius of action is limited to the length of the robot's arm, and they take up space that could be put to better use.
The TrackMotion Overhead (TMO) from Güdel eliminates these two handicaps and at the same time it also allows new possibilities for the robot. Due to the variable length of the traversing axis, they open up a larger working area, and due to the installation on columns they ensure maximum accessibility to the machine and freeing up floor space for other items. The raised installation of the robot is also advantageous for safety aspects.
The TMO consists of four models and allows the easy integration of articulated arm robots from all suppliers. Robots with load capacities between 3kg and 350kg and total weights between 50kg and 2500kg are accommodated. The beam modularity makes sure that users will have a suitable dimensioned axis for every robot.
All sizes of the TMO can be built in nearly unlimited length permutations and in three mounting variants namely, ceiling mounted (hanging) with vertically suspended robot, wall-mounted (sidewise) with robot installed at the side and elevated mounted (above floor) with upright traversing robot.
The ceiling mounted (hanging) with vertically suspended robot TMO is centred directly above the working area of the articulated robot. This arrangement provides a maximum working range over a horizontal plane and gives suitable accessibility for top accessed machines and process-stations. This mounting is recommended for pallet tasks, for loading/unloading machines, for welding applications as well as for general handling tasks and assembly technology.
The wall-mounted (sidewise) with robot installed at the side is especially suitable in situations with limited room height. The main working area is sideward and typically below the overhead-TrackMotion TMO. This arrangement gives a suitable accessibility from the side and from the top by best using the available height. This is used for loading/unloading machines, and also for welding tasks and other robot process applications.
The elevated mounted (above floor) with upright traversing robot is an extension to the classical mounting on the floor. It allows installing the articulated robot above the floor requesting a minimum of shop floor space and gives free access to process stations and machine tools. This version is predestined for loading/unloading machines from above and for handling tasks.
In each case the axis and the traversing carriage are identical, and they are prepared for all three mounting variants from the factory. Also the base columns for the substructure are always the same and the only variant is in the upper column area and therefore in the connection to the columns.
All traversing axes already have threaded holes for mounting the columns at 100mm spacing, so time consuming planning of the automation task is unnecessary, as it can be determined directly on-site where the columns can be positioned optimally and where they are bolted to the overhead beams. Elongations of an existing axis as well as the mounting of additional legs are possible at any time in the future. This saves time and cost due to the well thought-out modular standardisation concept.