Bearings manufacturer, igus, recently introduced a low-cost delta robot at the 2018 Automatica Convention in Munich. Intended to reduce automation costs, the delta robot provides small- and medium-sized enterprises the opportunity to integrate automation into their operations with low initial investment. The unit is based on three maintenance-free drylin® ZLW toothed-belt actuators, lubrication-free igubal spherical bearings, and other lightweight components.
The delta robot is lightweight and requires low-maintenance, making it ideal for simple assembly tasks. It can perform simple assembly functions, pick and place tasks, and applications in inspection technology.
The unit is manufactured entirely with igus components. The unit is made of aluminum and plastic materials. This includes a maintenance-free toothed belt-drive lubrication-free linkage, encoders, and stepper motors as well as optional drive controllers. NEMA stepper motors and encoders ensure quick handling of up to ± 0.5 millimeters. It can carry up to five kilograms at low speeds and has a maximum pick rate of 60 per minute. The entire system has an installation space of up to 420 millimeters in diameter.
Units can be assembled on-site in approximately 30 minutes with instructions provided by igus. It can be also be delivered pre-assembled within 24 hours as a ready-to-install system in a transport frame or as a kit with quick and easy assembly instructions. Customers also have the option of using their own software and control system or the intuitive dryve D1 control system offered by igus.
The delta robot ranges between $6,200-$8,850 depending on the assembly and controller package. This is relatively affordable for small- and medium-sized enterprises compared to automated units that complete similar tasks, which can cost anywhere between $20,000 to $30,000.
“The cost-effective delta robot enables our customers to have their own control box and integration at a cost of less than $9,000,’’ said Matt Mowry, igus’ U.S. drylin® product manager. “They pay off after just a few months, a maximum of half a year.”
Besides the delta robot, Igus also offers low-cost robotics systems with the robolink product range. The robolink product range gives users the opportunity to individually assemble robot arms with up to five axes from a modular system. This consists of various joints from a selection of plastic gears, motors and interface connectors.
For more information on the delta robot, visit igus’ website at https://www.igus.com/wpck/21301/N18_07_02_delta_picker to view assembly instructions, videos, technical documentation, and CAD downloads.