Multi-axis gantry modules target system builders

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Nov 2, 2000

The latest additions to Gudel's series of single, twin and three-axis gantry handling systems provide a comprehensive range of proven, high capability component positioning and manipulating modules

The latest additions to Gudel's series of single, twin and three-axis gantry handling systems provide manufacturing systems integrators with a comprehensive range of proven, high capability component positioning and manipulating modules.

With the ability to locate components weighing up to 15 tonnes with extreme accuracy, speed and repeatability, the latest modules have been developed as standard production line elements that can easily be integrated with other automatic machining, welding or robot assembly equipment.

Units are backed by a wealth of manufacturing and automation applications engineering experience, built up by Gudel over the past 40 years.

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

In addition, full equipment specifications can be found on the company's website, along with dimensioned drawings that can be downloaded in industry standard .DXF format to aid facilities planning.

Gudel gantry units are offered 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 significantly - dependent on application.

The high precision of the system's linear motion components allows up to 12 metre wide spans with horizontal runs of up to 120 metres, as standard.

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.

All types can be supplied with a variety of rotary indexing heads and custom-engineered component grippers, as well as a comprehensive range of accessories - including support legs and control systems - to enable solutions to be tailored to precise operational needs.

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.

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 widely utilised by foundry, heavy manufacturing or aerospace customers.

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

All Gudel positioning equipment 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 -20oC.

About Gudel UK Ltd A member of the Swiss-based Gudel AG engineering group, Gudel UK is a leader in the design, development and application of multi-axis gantry loading systems, automation equipment and press transfer machinery.

The company's modular-based solutions are capable of handling components weighing up to several tonnes with high positional accuracy and repeatability, in aggressive or hazardous operating environments.

They are widely used for high volume metal working, assembly or manufacturing applications - in particular within the automotive, aerospace, defence, electronics and process sectors.

Coventry-based Gudel UK has grown consistently since its establishment in the early 1990s at the hub of UK's communication network.

Today, its end users include leading international engineering and manufacturing organisations such as: Mercedes, BMW, Daimler-Benz, Ford, General Motors, Philips, KUKA, Cosworth, Ultraseal, Heller, Landis Lund, Audi and Toyoda.