Modular automation system and technology
ROBOTUNITS has developed and patented a worldwide first, play-free and form-locating connection and fastening technology to overcome the problems they had been experiencing in the construction of its special purpose machines.
The stability of the fasteners used in the traditional aluminium construction systems, in particular in applications where the parts were being subjected to extremely high shock-loading and/or vibration (applications with bowl-feeders, for example), was the biggest concern Robotunits set out to solve.
The entire Robotunits product range is based on a philosophy of "More with Less", meaning Robotunits do as much as possible, with only what is required.
First, Robotunits looked at its own experience with aluminium extrusion connectors and decided that the new connectors must be completely play-free and require absolutely no drilling or milling of the extrusion.
Being play-free ensures the connectors offer the customer 100% repeatability during adjustment of the connector and also ensures the connector cannot work loose when subjected to vibration or dynamic loading.
Removing the need for drilling or milling processes in order to use the fastening technology has the obvious advantages of maximum fastener/extrusion strength as the extrusion is not being weakened. There is also no damage or temporary storage of the extrusions, no de-burring or cleaning of the extrusions required and 100% reusability of the extrusion.
The above features provide the customer with a fastening technology that is comparable to a welded steel construction, with load capacities on single fasteners of up to 4000kg.
This kind of rigidity has not been possible until now and would not have been possible had Robotunits not had the experience from traditional construction systems to draw on.
Finally, the connectors are compatible with all the extrusions in their group size (50mm connector is also compatible with the 50x100 extrusion, 100x100, 100x200 etc.), meaning right from the very beginning the designer, purchaser and assembler is handling fewer individual component parts.
9-Sep-2005