Robot range extended with new 7th axis from igus

18th November 2020
Posted By : Lanna Deamer
Robot range extended with new 7th axis from igus

A ready-to-fit 7th axis has been designed and manufactured by igus to enable Universal Robots (UR) and robolink robots to travel several metres. 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 lubrication free, 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.

Find your solution online here.


You must be logged in to comment

Write a comment

No comments




Sign up to view our publications

Sign up

Sign up to view our downloads

Sign up

Global Digital Transformation & Customer Experience Summit
13th April 2023
Netherlands Hotel Mercure MOA
NATIONAL CYBER SECURITY SHOW
25th April 2023
United Kingdom NEC BIRMINGHAM
Space Tech Expo USA 2023
2nd May 2023
United States of America Long Beach, California, USA
CIO/CISO Benelux Summit
11th May 2023
Netherlands Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Digital Transformation Week 2023
17th May 2023
United States of America Santa Clara Convention Center, CA