Seventh Axis Air Bearing Developed for Robots by Güdel
Güdel's Air Bearings Revolutionise Industrial Robotics
Güdel's 7th axis robots are making waves in the world of automation, particularly in manufacturing and assembly lines. The Cobomover, a linear track system, enables collaborative and lightweight robots to move efficiently between workstations, increasing flexibility and automation without the need for manual repositioning [1].
One of the key features of Güdel's 7th axis robots is the TMF-4-B's air bearing system. This precision technology offers near-frictionless motion for the linear track, granting smooth, precise, and highly repeatable linear motion at high speeds and accelerations [2].
The air bearing works by using a thin film of pressurised air to levitate the moving carriage on the track, creating an almost zero-friction interface between the carriage and the guideway [2]. This unique mechanism eliminates metal-on-metal contact, reducing wear and maintenance, and delivers ultra-high rigidity and load capacity [2].
The durability of Güdel's air bearings is notable. Due to the non-contact nature of the air bearing, there is minimal mechanical wear, leading to a long operational life. The system's robustness supports industrial use in harsh environments where lubrication and bearing degradation would otherwise be concerns [2]. Its durability means lower maintenance costs and higher uptime in automated settings.
The durability of Güdel's air bearings is evident in their ability to support very heavy loads. In a demonstration, over 6,300 lbs were moved easily by one person [3]. This unique precision technology enables robots to operate across up to 5 meters of linear track in a work cell, supporting various lightweight robots and cobots with payloads up to 78 kg [1].
In summary, Güdel’s 7th axis robots like the Cobomover extend collaborative robot reach in automation cells, while the TMF-4-B’s air bearing system provides a highly durable, frictionless linear motion solution unique for its precision and minimal wear. This combination boosts productivity and reliability in industrial robotics applications [1][2][3].
- The integration of Güdel's 7th axis robots and air bearing technology is managing to redefine the efficiency and durability in the manufacturing industry, significantly impacting the robotic automation sector within finance and technology.
- The unique collaboration between lightweight robots and Güdel's air bearing system, as demonstrated in the Cobomover linear track system, is setting new standards for precision, speed, and load capacity in the robotics industry.
