The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing flexible joint robot

10 Jun.,2024

 

Grinding robot buyer's guide: How to choose the right one

Types of Grinding robots: Cartesian, SCARA, Articulated

When choosing a Grinding robot, you&#;ll need to consider the type of surface area and grinding required. The major types of Grinding robots include:

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  • Cartesian robots: Simple but versatile, Cartesian robots &#; also known as Gantry robots &#; move along three linear axes (X, Y, Z). They&#;re often used for flat surface polishing over a wide area. Cartesian robots can utilize a range of end-effectors like buffing pads, sanding disks, and polishing wheels.
  • SCARA robots: With their articulated arm motion, SCARA (&#;Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm&#;) robots are ideal for fast, repetitive polishing tasks. They provide more flexibility than Cartesian robots but typically have a smaller range of motion and are thus appropriate only for small parts. SCARA robots are a popular choice for polishing curved or irregular surfaces.
  • Articulated robots: With multiple rotary joints, articulated robots can handle the most complex grinding applications. They offer a wide range of motion to grind hard-to-reach areas. However, Articulated robots typically require more advanced programming and often have a higher cost. They are well-suited to handle various end-effectors for sanding, buffing, and polishing.

When choosing a Grinding robot, consider the types of materials and part geometries, production volume, available floor space, precision, and finish requirements. You&#;ll also need the proper end-effectors, abrasives, and tooling.

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Key considerations when choosing a Grinding robot

After deciding to invest in an automated grinding solution it&#;s time to choose a robot that suits your needs. Here are some key things to consider:

What type of grinding will it perform? 

Surface, cylindrical, centerless, or tool grinding? Robots designed for high-precision surface finishing will differ from those handling heavy stock removal. Look for a machine with high repeatability, force and speed, or a high payload to help you identify your primary grinding application.

What end-effectors will you need? 

Grinding disks, belts, wheels, and other abrasive tooling allow robots to handle different parts and materials. Consider the shapes, sizes, and hardness of the parts you want to grind to choose appropriate end-effectors. Some robots offer tool changers for quick swaps between different abrasives.

Is payload capacity important? 

Heavier parts may require a robot with a higher payload to support their weight during grinding &#; this also includes the weight of the end-effector. Larger parts may need a robot with greater reach. Think about the dimensions and weights of your target parts. 

How easy will integration be? 

Look for a robot that can easily integrate with your existing equipment and software. Some are designed to seamlessly connect with popular machine tools, while others may require manual relay connections. For your first Grinding robot, simpler is better.

Comparing specs and getting recommendations from others in your industry can help determine the best brand and model for your needs. With the right robot chosen, you'll be well on your way to faster, automated grinding and all the benefits that come with it. 

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End-effectors for Grinding robots

When it comes to Grinding robots, the end-effector or tooling is key to getting the job done. The term &#;end-effector&#; refers to the tool attached to a robot. There are a few options to consider based on your needs.

Abrasive tooling, such as grinding wheels and sanding disks, are used to physically grind, sand, buff, and polish materials. They come in a variety of grits from coarse to ultra-fine. Abrasive tooling attaches to the robot using a spindle or sanding pad. It provides a lot of control over the grinding process but requires precision to avoid damaging the workpiece.

Vacuum tooling can be attached to your end-effector to help catch debris. If you&#;re attaching a vacuum or other suction device, this tool and the associated cabling will also add up towards your robot&#;s payload capacity.

With the right end-effector, a Grinding robot can handle virtually any material removal task. By understanding the pros and cons of different options, you can choose tooling tailored to your needs and ensure the best results for your application.

The Industrial Pick and Place robot buyer's guide

I want to buy an Industrial Pick and Place robot - now what?

Buying an Industrial Pick and Place robot is no small investment. Here&#;s what you&#;ll want to keep in mind before swiping your credit card. 

Overall speed 

Look for options rated for at least 200 picks per minute for small, light parts, and faster if you need to move bulkier components. Throughput is measured in parts per hour, and also factors in things like the time required for the robot to move between pick and place locations. Got a high-volume operation? Look for a throughput of over 10,000 parts/hour.

Payload

Payload is how much weight a robot can lift and move at once. For most small parts, a capacity of 5 kg/10 kg should be enough. Need heavy-duty applications? Look for robots rated for over 50 kg. 

Accuracy and repeatability

You need precise, constant, repetitive movement with virtually zero mistakes. Look for a repeatability rating of at least ±0.2 millimeters &#; ideally ±0.1 millimeters for highly accurate placement. Multiple redundant sensors, like vision systems and force/torque sensors, help ensure accurate, repeatable pick and place operations.

Axes

The number of axes determines the range of motion and flexibility of a pick and place robot. The rule of thumb is: That more axes translate to greater movement and versatility.

For order fulfillment applications where items go onto a conveyor belt, picking bin, or directly into a packaging container, a robot with four to five axes is the right fit. But, you&#;ll need six or more axes for applications where the robot needs to rotate or move linearly to perform tasks within its workspace.

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Reach

This is a component of the workspace that defines the maximum distance (both horizontal and vertical) within which a Pick and Place robot can manipulate objects. 

Since the robot must pick and place items with high precision, reach helps you determine its suitability for your specific operations. The maximum horizontal reach is the distance from the center of the robot's base to the farthest point of its gripper or custom end-of-arm tool. Vertically, it&#;s measured from the robot&#;s base to the maximum height its wrist can extend.

Ease of programming and integration

How easy will the Industrial Pick and Place robot be to program and integrate into your operations? A simple, intuitive graphical programming interface (GUI) can work wonders. Ideally, look for a CAD model with import capabilities and simulation modes for testing programs. 

Open API and compatibility with various vision and conveyor systems are also helpful.

The right end-effectors

Choosing the right end-effector is critical for ensuring the robot can effectively perform its intended tasks. Otherwise, you&#;ll be stuck with an expensive paperweight.

Match the end-effector to the shape, size, and material of the objects being handled. For instance, vacuum grippers are suitable for smooth, non-porous objects, while force-controlled grippers are better for delicate or irregularly shaped items.

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How much does an Industrial Pick and Place robot cost?

You may be thinking &#;I need to mortgage my house to buy one of these things,&#; right? 

It depends. Industrial Pick and Place robots range from a few thousand dollars to over $100,000. 

The price hinges on several factors, such as speed, throughput, accuracy, payload, and additional features. As a rule of thumb, the bigger and more complex the robot, the more you&#;ll have to pay for it. Additionally, you should consider installation, training, and maintenance costs - although thankfully these don&#;t add up to much. 

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Conclusion

So, what can an Industrial Pick and Place robot do for you? They offer a transformative solution for streamlining operations, reducing errors to virtually nil, and enhancing productivity by several orders of magnitude. And it doesn&#;t take vacations.

But, remember, before you invest, carefully assess your requirements, including factors like: 

  • Overall task complexity
  • Payload, speed, and throughput requirements
  • Integration capabilities
  • Choosing the right robot arm for your industry
  • Cost

Do your research, get demos, consult with a variety of experts, and make sure you get a complete bird&#;s eye view of what&#;s out there before you commit. 

Additionally, consider the potential impact on your workforce and develop strategies to nip transitional challenges in the bud. Play your cards right, and you&#;ll be well on your way to increased productivity, reduced labor costs, and record-setting profits!

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Next steps

Want to bring a pick and place robot to your own business? RO1 by Standard Bots is the best choice for small-scale startups and established industrial giants. 

  • Cost-effective: RO1 is the leading robotic arm in its class, delivering even more value at half the price of the competition. 
  • Fast & strong: RO1 beats out the competition in speed and accuracy despite having the highest payload capacity in its class at 18 kg.
  • Safe: RO1 has built-in safety sensors and collision detection for safe, reliable operation on your shop floor.

Talk to our solutions team now to set up a free, 30-day onsite trial and receive specialized advice on everything you need to deploy RO1.

Are you interested in learning more about flexible joint robot? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!