As the name implies, small gantry robots are gantry-type industrial robots with more compact size, moderate load capacity and relatively small working range compared to large gantry machining centers or heavy-duty gantry robots. They are usually used in automation scenarios that require high-precision, high-speed, repetitive operations and limited working space.
Structural features
Small gantry robots usually have the following structural features:
Gantry frame: It consists of two columns and a beam to form a “gate”-shaped structure. This structure has high rigidity and stability, ensuring the accuracy of the robot under high-speed movement.
Multi-axis motion: It usually contains at least three linear motion axes, X, Y, and Z, which move along the beam direction (X axis), along the column direction (Y axis) and vertical direction (Z axis). Some more complex applications may also add a rotating axis.
Linear guides and transmission systems: High-precision linear guides (such as roller-type precision linear slides) and high-performance transmission systems (such as ball screws, gear racks, synchronous belts or linear motors) are used to ensure the smoothness and accuracy of movement.
End effector: Different end effectors are equipped according to specific application requirements, such as pneumatic grippers, vacuum suction cups, electromagnetic suction cups, dispensing heads, welding guns, cutting heads, etc.
Compact design: The overall structure is optimized to minimize the footprint and facilitate integration into production lines with limited space.
Modularity: Many small gantry robots adopt modular design, which is convenient for assembly, maintenance and customization according to different application requirements.
Advantages
Compared with traditional articulated robots or large gantry systems, small gantry robots have the following advantages:
High precision and repeatability: The inherent high rigidity of the gantry structure enables it to maintain excellent precision and repeatability even at high speeds (usually up to ±0.05 mm or even higher, depending on the model).
Large working range (relative footprint): In a relatively small footprint, it can cover a larger working area than articulated robots of the same size, and is particularly good at long-stroke linear motion.
High speed and high acceleration: After the drive system is optimized, fast movement and high acceleration can be achieved, significantly shortening the production cycle and improving production efficiency.
Moderate load capacity: Able to handle a variety of light to medium load material handling and processing tasks.
Stable structure: The gantry structure itself has strong resistance to bending and twisting, and runs smoothly.
Easy to integrate: The structure is relatively simple and easy to integrate with existing production lines, conveyor belts, machine tools and other equipment.
Cost-effectiveness: In some application scenarios, its investment cost may be lower than that of articulated robots with the same working range and accuracy, and maintenance is relatively simple.
Easy to program and operate: Usually equipped with a friendly control interface and programming software.
Application scenarios
Due to their unique advantages, small gantry robots are widely used in the following fields:
Machine loading and unloading: Automatically grab workpieces from the silo and place them in the CNC machine tool, or take out the processed workpieces.
Stamping parts unloading and stacking: Grab the stamping parts at the end of the stamping line and stack them neatly.
Gluing, gluing, spraying: High-precision glue coating, paint spraying and other operations, such as in the production of electronic products and automotive parts.
Welding: Used for precise automated welding, especially in welding small parts that require long straight welds or high repeatability.
Pick & Place: High-speed grabbing and placing of small electronic components, food packaging, medical devices, etc.
Automated assembly: Accurately grab and assemble small parts.
Inspection and measurement: Equipped with visual or measurement sensors, high-precision inspection and dimensional measurement of products.
Laboratory automation: Precise operations such as sample processing and reagent addition in scientific research laboratories.
3C electronic manufacturing: Assembly, inspection, dispensing, etc. of internal components of mobile phones, tablets, computers, etc.
New energy battery production: Handling, assembly, testing, etc. of battery cells and modules.
