Wider gantry application from Gudel

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jun 16, 2000

Gudel's standard range of single, twin and three-axis gantry handling system ranges have been extended to enable components up to three tonnes to be positioned with extreme accuracy

The capabilities of Gudel's standard range of single, twin and three-axis gantry handling system ranges have been extended to enable components up to three tonnes to be positioned with extreme accuracy, speed and repeatability.

Three-axis modules are available in both portal (FP) configuration, or cantilever (CP) form with a maximum reach of 2.4 metres for restricted access applications.

In addition, all types can be supplied with a variety of rotary indexing heads to meet specific requirements.

Each gantry unit provides extreme rigidity and is available with a choice of rack and pinion, belt or ballscrew drives - and either low-cost AC motor / inverter, or high accuracy servo-drive control options.

As a result, absolute positional accuracies of + 0.1mm are typical for rack and pinion / servo-drive combinations, with +0.2mm for belt driven versions.

In all cases, repeatability figures will better these values by a significant margin - dependent on application.

The high precision of the system's linear motion components enables horizontal axis runs of up to 120 metres as standard - with longer installations available to special order.

Gudel gantry systems provide maximum component traverse speeds of 10 metre/sec, and accelerations of up to 20 metre/sec2, making them particularly suitable for high speed handling operations, such as those in the food processing or pharmaceutical industries.

Close tolerance applications can be found throughout the machine tool, special purpose assembly, automated manufacturing and automotive sectors, while the systems' high load carrying capabilities are typified by their use at foundry, heavy manufacturing or aerospace customers.

Equipment can also be engineered in a wide range of materials, including aluminium, steel and high performance alloys - with or without special-purpose coatings - to meet specialist applications or for use in high temperature, high humidity, dirty, corrosive or radioactive working environments.

All Gudel modules are manufactured to rigorous ISO9001 quality standards and incorporate automatic lubrication of rails, rollers, drive pinions and racks to ensure trouble-free operation and low-maintenance at ambient temperatures down to -20C.

In addition, a comprehensive range of accessories, including support legs, component grippers and control systems, is offered to ensure solutions are tailored to precise operational needs.

To mark the increased capabilities of its latest multi-axis gantry equipment, Gudel has published a free 170-page guide, giving specification data on all its drive system modules.

Further technical information on the company's full range of component handling solutions - along with downloadable dimensioned drawings in industry-standard .DXF format - are also available on the web.