The global manufacturer of energy chain systems and polymer plain bearings, which has its UK headquarters in Northampton, has developed this robotic solution to include a maintenance-free, drylin ZLW toothed belt axis, corresponding adapter plate and a switch cabinet, cables and software.
Customers can add this 7th axis to an existing articulated arm robot, as well as to a Universal Robot.
Matthew Aldridge, UK Managing Director of igus, explained: “Robots do everything from inserting pieces into a milling machine to dispensing chocolate bars from vending machines to placing crates on to pallets. But how can robots move vertically, horizontally, or overhead in a controlled direction? The answer is a 7th axis.”
This igus 7th axis is specifically designed for linear movement. It is a lubricationfree, lightweight flat linear unit with a stroke of up to 6 metres and, with the help of the drylin linear bearings, a positional accuracy of 0.5mm.
To easily integrate the axis and robot, igus has developed two adapter kits.
A customer purchasing the new complete system receives an adapter plate which easily attaches to the robot and an energy chain which attaches to the unit.
If a robolink robot is used, the 7th axis can be simply controlled by igus robot control software.
For UR robots, igus supplies the UR-CAP integration solution, which includes all the electrical modules needed. This means that the robot can be installed and put to work within just a few minutes. igus also offers solutions for UR3, UR5 and UR10 robots (Universal Robots), robolink DP robots and DCi robots.
Ready-to-connect 7th axis in the length you require The 7th axis is supplied by igus as a complete, ready to connect system. It consists of a drylin ZLW-20 toothed belt axis in the required length, plus connecting cables, the control cabinet, power electronics, software, and corresponding adapter kit. This adapter kit is also available to purchase separately.
