RoboLoop heavy duty positioning

Citation

(2000), "RoboLoop heavy duty positioning", Assembly Automation, Vol. 20 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2000.03320cad.002

RoboLoop heavy duty positioning

RoboLoop heavy duty positioning

Keywords: Loop, Accuracy, Positioning

The RoboLoop system combines the benefits of a precision tracked guideway with high accuracy rack and pinion drive and high load carrying capabilities. It achieves major space and cost savings over installations using linear transfer lines with inter-linked conveyors by featuring switching and cross-over stations as well as straight and curved track sections (see Plate 1).

It is a modular system incorporating independently-controlled mobile carrier units capable of distributing components weighing up to 630kg between work stations at speeds of 200 metres/min. Positional accuracy and repeatability performance of better than þ0.1mm are also achieved by the system.

Plate 1Güdel's RoboLoop system

RoboLoop's versatility enables alternative routeings to be specified for different manufacturing variants or assembly build levels. In addition, RoboLoop accommodates multiple workstation configurations, not only to ensure optimum machine tool utilisation, but also to permit tool changes and machine setting to be undertaken within continuous production environments.

The system is particularly suitable for high volume metal working, assembly and manufacturing applications in the automotive and process sectors and is available with both single or multi-axis carrier options. These can be floor or overhead mounted; with suspended variants offering the added benefit of improved access to manufacturing equipment and minimised in-process stock storage costs.

The latest additions to Gu«del's range of precision linear and drive technology components for machine tool, automation and special machine building applications will also be highlighted on the company's stand at MACH 2000.

Enabling users to engineer complete solutions to their component handling and automation problems, the recently-extended series includes precision drive pinions, racks, rollers, carriages and guideways, as well as a wide variety of low backlash worm gear and bevel drive units.

Produced in both module and metric sizes up to module 8.0 and 20mm pitch, the company's drive pinions ensure high accuracy and low backlash operation when used in conjunction with its matched series of straight or helical rack units.

Racks are available in steel in precision cut, precision cut and hardened, or hardened and ground variants capable of withstanding loads up to 50,000 newtons. They are also offered in stainless steel and a variety of special finishes to combat aggressive or corrosive operating environments. A further range of low-cost injection moulded Polyoximethylen rack units is provided for light to medium duty applications.

All Güdel racks are manufactured to close tolerances ready for use in continuous runs without modification. In addition, they can be supplied with pre-drilled mounting holes for rapid fixing.

For further information, please call Gary Ottley at Güdel UK Ltd. Tel: +44 (0)2476 635977. Web site: www.gudel.com