7th-axis positioning through tracked system

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Oct 12, 2000

Gudel's latest range of tracked motion systems provides highly effective 7th axis manufacturing capabilities by enabling all types of industrial robot to be positioned rapidly and accurately

Gudel's latest range of tracked motion systems provides highly effective 7th axis manufacturing capabilities by enabling all types of industrial robot to be positioned rapidly and accurately within horizontal axis runs of up to 120 metres as standard.

Based on the company's proven range of heavy-duty linear drive components, Gudel's tracked motion systems are geared to the needs of high precision, automated manufacturing operations.

Applications already include the production of helicopter rotor blade de-icing systems, the machining of aircraft wing spar components, intricate sub-component assembly and pharmaceutical sampling work.

In addition, precise control of carriage traverse speeds ensures high accuracy automatic welding and adhesive dispensing operations.

The system's load carry capabilities enable robots and special purpose equipment weighing over 10 tonnes to be base or side mounted to suit individual application requirements.

Systems can also be suspended overhead to provide improved machine tool access or additional in-process component storage.

Equally, multiple carriages - each with independent control - may be specified to meet the most complex production cycles.

Just one of the extensive range of modular-based automation and component handling solutions offered by Gudel, tracked motion systems provide maximum traverse speeds of 120 metre/min, combined with absolute positional accuracy of better than + 0.1 mm.

All Gudel positioning modules are manufactured in-house 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 -20oC.

Systems are also backed by a wealth of manufacturing and automation applications engineering experience built up over more than 40 years.

This is available to users through Gudel's comprehensive technical support service, which includes in-depth equipment selection advice, as well as special purpose jig or fixture design and manufacturing capabilities.