Factors to Consider When Choosing the Ideal Robotic Arm Equipment

Robotic Arm Equipment

Robotic arms are programmed to execute a particular task precisely, quickly, and efficiently. Generally motor-driven, they are often used for the consistent and rapid performance of heavy and highly repetitive procedures over extended periods. This is why they are especially treasured in the industrial manufacturing, production, machining, and assembly sectors.

A standard industrial robot arm has joints, articulations, and manipulators that closely resemble a human arm’s motion and functionality. Hence, a programmable robotic arm can be considered a complete machine. But most importantly, it can function as an individual robot segment of a larger and more complex piece of equipment.

Now that you know what a robotic arm is, let’s discuss further the importance and criteria to consider when choosing the right robotic arm machine for your business.

Why Use Robotic Arms?

Robotic arms used in several industries and workplace applications today are small benchtop-mounted and electronically controlled. Some use floor-mounted, larger versions, but either way, they tend to be constructed from sturdy and durable metal. Also, they typically feature 4 to 6 articulating joints.

Although industrial robots are reliable when it comes to power and speed, it is crucial to be highly safety-conscious when programming and using them. But once they are deployed appropriately, robotic arms can substantially increase production rates and accuracy of placement. Not to mention the picking tasks, heavy-duty lifting, and repositioning functions that would be impossible even for your valued multiple teams of human workers to carry out at any sort of pace.

Applications

Robotic arms are used in tasks that require exact, fast and repeatable movements. So it is no wonder that they are in demand in industrial production, processing, and manufacturing. For more information about heavy-duty lifting equipment visit Lakeside-hire.co.uk.

All kinds of robotic arms are applied at every production level nowadays. From minutely detailed circuit board assembly to large volume heavy industries and even at a massive range of “pick and place” applications. This indicates that it is essential to know which programmable robotic arms are better suited to which sorts of tasks and environment before planning a purchase.

Here are the criteria to consider when selecting the ideal programmable robot arm for any industrial application.

➔ Load

All robotic arms have a given load capacity or payload, which is the maximum load that the robot arm can carry in its working space. For example, the robot arm company EVS 20-80 kg machine is only limited to perform and carry 20-80 kg in its working space. Any weight more than the robot arm’s given capacity might lead to equipment breakdown.

Keep in mind that different types of robot arms are supported by various designed frameworks, increasing or decreasing overall load capacity. This must be balanced with consideration of footprint and physical placement.

➔ Orientation

The orientation is defined by the mounting and footprint position of the robotic arm. Also, how well it fits along with other machines in your production line for the scope of movements and manipulations it is expected to perform. This will influence where the arm can physically be positioned corresponding to the objects it will be moving.

Particular types of robotic arms require more physical clearance space or bulkier pedestals to perform their programmed range of movements. These things should be considered in terms of other equipment or workers in the area.

➔ Speed

When selecting robotic arms for picking and placement applications, it is essential to pay close attention to speed ratings, especially in acceleration over longer distances. Take note, alterations and upgrades to speed ratings can be achieved in other types of robotic arm through modifications made in terms of belt, motor, or actuator selections.

➔ Travel

Tolerances and accuracy over broader spans can be reduced in specific types of robot arms because of arm deflection and differences in support framework design. For instance, suppose the application requires longer travel distances between payloads or work areas. In that case, this will prescribe which sorts of robotic arms would fit for performing the task, depending on the tightness of tolerances needed.

➔ Precision

Specified types of programmable robotic arms are built-in designed to be more precise in their range of movements and articulations than others. However, this feature may come at higher cost for more complex equipment, and involve a compromise against other factors, including speed, footprint, potential travel distance, and orientation.

➔ Environment

Considering atmospheric conditions and potential hazards in the immediate working environment will be important when choosing an appropriate robotic arm for a specific location.

➔ Duty Cycle

The duty cycle criteria evaluate how intensively the robotic arm will be expected to perform and how long between “rest” or maintenance periods. Apparently, wear and tear will become an expected problem for a robot arm that is run continuously instead of only operated during standard shift cycles.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, robotic arms are fast, reliable, and accurate in performing various applications. Despite the pandemic, the industry of robotic arm machinery is still rampant. Whether it is a desktop-mounted or part of a high-volume production line, robotic arms are now typically found across a wide selection of industries.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *