| Cartesian robotics have a very simplistic approach to | | | | characteristics of Cartesian robotics. The use of these |
| work. They work in a rectangular area, based on 3 | | | | tools has a direct bearing on the reduction of the cost |
| planes, X, Y, and Z, or 2 planes, X and Y. Some have | | | | of humans in the manufacturing equation. |
| the capability of an R axis for the rotation of work | | | | Solar cell manufacturing is an excellent application for |
| pieces. Basically all work is done in an area that has | | | | Cartesian robotics. Because of the sensitive nature of |
| corners, it is either rectangular or square. These tools | | | | the materials used in the manufacture of solar cells, |
| can repeatedly move to precise points in the defined | | | | these tools are especially effective in this |
| axis area. This area can be limited to the length of the | | | | manufacturing process. Robots can handle the |
| carriage support. It can also be limited by the program | | | | extremely thin wafer material on a continuous basis |
| running the robot. The capabilities of this device are | | | | without creating material losses. The seamless |
| extremely useful in manufacturing where repeated | | | | automation of precision loading, anti-reflective coating, |
| tasks are done at the same precise location in the | | | | screen printing, drying, inspection, lead welding, and |
| assembly or production line. Even though the target is | | | | sorting of solar electric cells can be accomplished. |
| always hit in a straight line, these robotics have no | | | | Welding of leads on all sides of the module can be |
| flexibility in going around objects. All work has to be | | | | done simultaneously. These process steps are done |
| done in straight planes. | | | | with high throughput, in an ultra clean environment, with |
| Cartesian robotics act as tenders for other machinery. | | | | a high level of quality. |
| These are particularly useful in die casting, injection | | | | The medical specimen handling system is a rigorous |
| molding, and machine toiling, where the primary | | | | test for Cartesian robotics. A system can be created |
| machinery needs assistance to get its job done. The | | | | that provides the utmost in cleanliness with extremely |
| supporting robot will extract a part from or insert a | | | | high safety standards. The system can handle |
| part into the machine it is supporting. Picking up an | | | | bio-hazardous materials in fragile laboratory containers. |
| object from a conveyor belt or other location and | | | | Configuration requirements dictate that controls and |
| placing that object in another location is a long standing | | | | tools must be easily usable by employees that are not |
| function of Cartesian robotics. Food and drug filling | | | | familiar with automation. This system can have a quick |
| operations are well suited to the pick-and-place | | | | payback and very little downtime. This system almost |
| capability of these robots. Assembly operations use | | | | eliminates the possibility of human error and is easily |
| Cartesian robots for holding specific parts in a given | | | | integrated into current laboratory processes. |
| location on the production line. This is done while | | | | The automotive industry has many processes that are |
| another machine attaches that part to an assembly. In | | | | accomplished with Cartesian robotics. An example the |
| other operations the part is held while being pressed | | | | wiper assembly manufacturing operation. This process |
| into an assembly. Holding a part that is being welded is | | | | uses robotics to do armature and final motor |
| a prime use of Cartesian robotics. | | | | assembly, end cap machining, and vision inspection. |
| Cartesian robotics come in many different sizes. | | | | There are countless other examples in the automotive |
| Loading facilities can have very large Gantry robots | | | | manufacturing business. |
| that are suspended above the work area. These | | | | Applications for Cartesian robotics are many. Quilt |
| heavy weight workers load and unload items from | | | | stitching is done using the Gantry configuration. This |
| ships and other vehicles. On the smaller side, robotics | | | | unique applications utilizes the 3-dimensional approach. |
| move screws to the precise location for another | | | | The Gantry moves in the X-Y planes over material |
| machine to mount them into a toy that is being | | | | that is moved under the suspended device. A needle is |
| assembled in a plant. All varieties of Cartesian robotics | | | | operated in the Z axis for sewing designs in the |
| are cost effective. There is no need for concern about | | | | material. Other applications are precision detail, |
| incorrect assembly or adjustment needing to be made | | | | machining, stencil cutting, water cutting, fuel cell |
| to completed products. The operation that uses | | | | manufacturing, solder-ball placement, printed electronics, |
| Cartesian robotics is extremely accurate with a high | | | | vision inspection, dispensing stations, semiconductor |
| throughput. Repeatability is one of strongest | | | | manufacturing, and high-accuracy inspection. |