The four-axis SCARA robot is a popular choice for many small assembly applications. This type of robot is compliant in the X and Y axes, but rigid in the Z axis. This selective compliance gives the robot high precision in specific dimensions, which is ideal for some applications.
Choosing the right robot for a given application is a crucial step in ensuring success with automated production. There are several things to consider, including the shape of the robot’s work envelope and its kinematics. Fortunately, there are tools available to help make the process of choosing the right robot much easier. Using these tools, an assembly team can make an informed decision that will provide the most value to the business.
One of the most important aspects to consider is a robot’s work envelope, or the area of space that it can physically reach. The shape of the robot’s workspace determines what tasks it can and cannot perform. Cartesian robots have a rectangular work envelope, while SCARA robots have a circular one. This makes them a good fit for circular motions, which are common in automotive manufacturing. The elliptical shape of the work envelope also allows SCARAs to handle objects from different angles, which is another benefit for assembly jobs that require an array of parts to be moved in different directions.
SCARAs are the fastest of all articulated robot types in terms of basic cycle time, which is the amount of time it takes for the robot to move from its initial position to its final one. This is due to the fact that SCARAs have fewer moving joints than other types of robots, which reduces the number of axes that need to be coordinated to get from one point to the next. This configuration also results in fewer errors in the X-Y plane, making it easier to achieve high levels of repeatability.
For applications that require a high level of precision, a SCARA robot can be an excellent option. This is particularly true for small assembly jobs such as inserting connectors into circuit boards or moving a needle into a slot for dispensing. SCARAs can achieve repeatability within a few microns, which is ideal for these kinds of small assembly jobs.
A key advantage of a scara robot is its low maintenance requirements. The joints are sealed, which helps to prevent dirt and debris from entering the system. Additionally, unlike other robot types, the servos in a SCARA are housed inside the robot’s body, which makes them less susceptible to damage from shock or vibration. These factors combine to make a SCARA a good option for harsh environments where other robot types would be more susceptible to failures.
As with all industrial robots, a scara will need to be integrated into the workplace and programmed to do its job. This will involve purchasing the robot, integrating it into the work area, and adding safety equipment like light curtains and sensors. There will also be ongoing maintenance costs, such as greasing and mechanical inspections. These factors should all be factored into the ROI calculation for a particular project. The up-front cost of a SCARA is generally lower than other robot types, which makes it an affordable way for companies to start automating their operations.