robotmatrix.org

 Overview

A Cartesian coordinate robot has three principal prismatic axes (X, Y and Z) that are at right angles to each other. Cartesian coordinate robots with the horizontal member supported at both ends are sometimes called Gantry robots. They are often quite large. Gantry robots usually hang upside down. Like gantry cranes, they are suspended from an X or X/Y axis beam.

Both Cartesian and Gantry robots have a rectangular work envelope.

Because of the highly rigidity, the Cartesian/Gantry Robots are very accurate and repeatable but they lacks flexibility as they cannot reach around objects. Due to their mechanical structure, these robots are very easy to program and visualise. However, they require large volumes to operate. Their linear joints are difficult to seal and this makes them unsuitable for working in damp and dusty environments.

The Cartesian Coordinate Robot's relatively simple design and straightforward operation make it highly desirable in manufacturing. Because the individual axes can be easily replaced, downtime is reduced and maintenance costs are kept to a minimum. In addition, the entire system can be disassembled into its component parts for use in multiple single-axis applications. Most importantly, Cartesian Coordinate Robot systems are inexpensive compared to other more expensive and more complex robots.

 Application Areas

• This structure is most often seen in machine tools and co-ordinate measuring because of its rigidity.
• This robot is suited for pick and place applications where either there are no orientation requirements or the parts can be pre-oriented before the robot picks them up (such as surface mounted circuit board assembly).
• It is used primarily to position a wide variety of end-effectors such as: Automatic screwdrivers, Automatic drills, Dispensing heads, Welding heads, Waterjet cutting heads and Grippers.
• Gantry robots provide flexible and efficient solutions for a wide range of material handling applications such as pick and place, machine loading and unloading, stacking, unitizing, and palletizing.