 Gantry robots are an efficient variant for the automation of machine tools. Access to the machine is maintained thanks to loading from the top, e.g. via loading hatches. This is particularly important for setting-up and monitoring activities.
The workpiece magazine is arranged on the side. As a result, the operator is freed to handle further duties (e.g. multi-machine operation,...). The task of the gantry robot is to fetch the unmachined part, to simultaneously deposit a finished part (dual gripper) and to transfer the unmachined part to the machine for machining.
You can integrate as many supplementary stations as you wish between workpiece magazine and machine tool.
The handling of workpieces from a few grams up to more than 1,100kg has meanwhile been realised. Depending on the machining task in hand, the following gantry robots are used...
 | Jib arm gantry EPA. In some cases, an additional motion must be performed normally to the gantry longitudinal axis. For short distances or relatively low part weights, this is achieved by way of extension arm gantries. An extension arm is mounted on the main slide to carry the gantry arm with the gripper. |
 | Area gantry EPF. If large areas are to be covered, area gantries are used. In this case, the drive may be mounted centrally on the crossbar, or else 2 coupled drives are used as a gantry axis.
The maximum span realised to date was 18m. |
 | Gantry cell EPZ. Standardised automation cells incorporating linear units are called gantry cells. Gantry cells are typically developed together with the machine manufacturer as standard automation for particular machines.
In the example to be seen here, a gear cutting machine is loaded/unloaded by way of a gantry cell.
The Cellmaster WS-CM 100/600x800 relocation cell with 3 stacker cells is used as the magazine.
The machine is loaded from the front using a dual gripper. The cell possesses an integrated centrifugal machine. |
 | Swivel arm loader EPL-SL. The Promot swivel-arm loader is the ideal solution for the loading of machine tools from the front side (e.g. for vertical machining centres, gear cutting machines, etc.).
Access for handling and maintenance/setting-up remains unobstructed thanks to installation of the swivel-arm robot on the ceiling.
A gantry cell with drawer magazine has been developed on the basis of the swivel-arm loader.
Download "Swivel arm loader" brochure |
 | Integrated loader EPL-IL. The gantry construction is integrated into the machine tool. Access to the inside of the machine space is from the side by way of a lateral loading channel. Thanks to this construction, the workpieces can be changed via the shortest path in a time-saving manner. A further advantage is the possibility of optically sophisticated design by adaptation to the machine panelling.
If required, the horizontal axis can be designed as a telescopic axis.
Grinding machines are a typical application for integrated loaders. This arrangement, however, also provides advantages for machines on which the loading of heavy parts by a crane must remain possible, as there is no disturbing gantry construction. |
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