Key Factors When Buying a 6-Axis Robot

Key Factors When Buying a 6-Axis Robot

The 6-axis robot is a cornerstone of modern industrial automation, offering unparalleled flexibility, precision, and efficiency. Whether you are in manufacturing, healthcare, food processing, or electronics, selecting the right 6-axis robot is critical to achieving your operational goals. With so many options available, it’s essential to understand the key factors that influence the decision-making process. This comprehensive guide will explore the critical considerations when purchasing a 6-axis robot, ensuring you make an informed choice that aligns with your specific needs.

1. Payload Capacity

One of the most critical factors when selecting a 6-axis robot is its payload capacity. Payload refers to the maximum weight the robot can handle, including the end effector (tool or gripper) and the workpiece. Choosing a 6-axis robot with the appropriate payload capacity is essential for ensuring optimal performance and avoiding overloading the system.

Why It Matters:

 Overloading a 6-axis robot can lead to reduced accuracy, increased wear and tear, and potential damage to the robot.

 Underutilizing a robot with a higher payload capacity than needed can result in unnecessary costs.

How to Determine Payload Capacity:

 Calculate the combined weight of the end effector and the heaviest workpiece the robot will handle.

 Add a safety margin to account for any unexpected variations in weight.

Example:

 If your application involves lifting and positioning a 10 kg workpiece and the end effector weighs 2 kg, choose a 6-axis robot with a payload capacity of at least 15 kg to ensure reliability.

2. Reach and Working Envelope

The reach and working envelope of a 6-axis robot define the space within which it can operate. The reach refers to the maximum distance the robot’s arm can extend, while the working envelope is the three-dimensional space the robot can access.

Why It Matters:

 A 6-axis robot with insufficient reach may not be able to perform tasks in larger workspaces.

 Conversely, a robot with excessive reach may be unnecessarily large and expensive for smaller workspaces.

How to Determine Reach and Working Envelope:

 Measure the dimensions of your workspace and the distances the robot needs to cover.

 Consider the robot’s mounting options (floor, wall, ceiling, or gantry) to optimize space utilization.

Example:

 For a welding application in a large automotive assembly line, a 6-axis robot with a reach of 2 meters or more may be required to cover the entire workspace.

3. Speed and Cycle Time

Speed and cycle time are crucial factors in determining the productivity of a 6-axis robot. Speed refers to how quickly the robot can move, while cycle time is the total time taken to complete a task, including movement, processing, and return to the starting position.

Why It Matters:

 Faster speeds and shorter cycle times can significantly increase throughput and efficiency.

 However, excessive speed may compromise precision, especially in delicate tasks.

How to Balance Speed and Precision:

 Evaluate the specific requirements of your application. For example, high-speed pick-and-place operations may prioritize speed, while precision welding may require slower, more controlled movements.

 Test the 6-axis robot in real-world conditions to ensure it meets your speed and precision requirements.

Example:

 In a packaging application, a 6-axis robot with a cycle time of 2 seconds per unit can process 1,800 units per hour, significantly boosting productivity.

4. Precision and Repeatability

Precision and repeatability are critical for applications that require high accuracy, such as welding, painting, and quality control. Precision refers to the robot’s ability to reach a specific position, while repeatability is its ability to return to the same position consistently.

Why It Matters:

 High precision and repeatability ensure consistent quality and reduce the need for rework.

 These factors are particularly important in industries like electronics and medical devices, where even minor deviations can have significant consequences.

How to Evaluate Precision and Repeatability:

 Check the manufacturer’s specifications for precision and repeatability metrics, typically measured in millimeters.

 Conduct real-world tests to verify the robot’s performance in your specific application.

Example:

 A 6-axis robot with a repeatability of ±0.02 mm is ideal for assembling small electronic components with tight tolerances.

5. Mounting Options

The mounting options for a 6-axis robot can significantly impact its performance and space efficiency. Common mounting options include floor, wall, ceiling, and gantry mounting.

Why It Matters:

 The right mounting option can optimize workspace utilization and improve accessibility.

 Different mounting options may also affect the robot’s reach and payload capacity.

How to Choose the Right Mounting Option:

 Evaluate the layout of your workspace and the specific requirements of your application.

 Consider factors such as floor space availability, ceiling height, and the need for mobility.

Example:

 In a crowded manufacturing facility, a ceiling-mounted 6-axis robot can free up valuable floor space while providing access to multiple workstations.

6. Integration with Automation Systems

A 6-axis robot is often part of a larger automation system, which may include programmable logic controllers (PLCs), vision systems, and artificial intelligence (AI) platforms. Ensuring seamless integration is essential for maximizing efficiency and productivity.

Why It Matters:

 Proper integration enables real-time communication and coordination between the 6-axis robot and other components of the automation system.

 Incompatibility can lead to inefficiencies, errors, and increased downtime.

How to Ensure Compatibility:

 Verify that the 6-axis robot supports standard communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Modbus, or Profinet.

 Work with suppliers to ensure compatibility with existing automation systems and software.

Example:

 In a fully automated production line, a 6-axis robot integrated with a vision system can identify and sort defective products with high accuracy.

7. Safety Features

Safety is a top priority when working with industrial robots, including 6-axis robots. Key safety features to look for include collision detection, speed limits, and compliance with international safety standards such as ISO 10218.

Why It Matters:

 Safety features protect workers, equipment, and products from accidents and damage.

 Compliance with safety standards is often a legal requirement and can reduce liability.

How to Evaluate Safety Features:

 Check for built-in safety features such as emergency stop buttons, force-limiting technology, and protective barriers.

 Ensure the 6-axis robot complies with relevant safety standards for your industry.

Example:

 In a collaborative workspace, a 6-axis robot with force-limiting technology can detect and respond to human contact, reducing the risk of injury.

8. Programming and Ease of Use

The programming interface and ease of use are critical factors in reducing setup time and maximizing the efficiency of a 6-axis robot. User-friendly interfaces and intuitive programming tools can significantly simplify operation and maintenance.

Why It Matters:

 Complex programming interfaces can increase setup time and require specialized training.

 Intuitive interfaces enable faster deployment and easier troubleshooting.

How to Evaluate Ease of Use:

 Look for features such as teach pendants, graphical programming interfaces, and offline programming capabilities.

 Consider the availability of training and support from the manufacturer.

Example:

 A 6-axis robot with a graphical programming interface allows operators to create and modify tasks quickly, even without extensive programming experience.

9. Cost and Return on Investment (ROI)

The cost of a 6-axis robot includes not only the initial purchase price but also ongoing maintenance, energy consumption, and potential efficiency gains. Evaluating the total cost of ownership (TCO) and ROI is essential for making a financially sound decision.

Why It Matters:

 A higher upfront cost may be justified by long-term savings in labor, increased productivity, and reduced downtime.

 Understanding the ROI helps justify the investment to stakeholders.

How to Calculate ROI:

 Estimate the cost savings from increased productivity, reduced labor costs, and improved quality.

 Compare these savings to the initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs.

Example:

 A 6-axis robot that reduces production time by 20% and labor costs by 30% can deliver a significant ROI within two years.

10. Best Choice: Matching Your Needs

The best 6-axis robot for your application is one that aligns with your specific requirements in terms of payload, reach, speed, precision, and integration capabilities. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select a robot that maximizes efficiency, productivity, and ROI.

Steps to Make the Best Choice:

 1. Define your application requirements, including payload, reach, and precision.

 2. Evaluate the available options based on speed, cycle time, and mounting options.

 3. Ensure compatibility with your existing automation systems and safety standards.

 4. Consider the ease of use and programming interface.

 5. Calculate the total cost of ownership and ROI to make a financially sound decision.

Example:

 For a high-precision electronics assembly application, a 6-axis robot with a payload capacity of 5 kg, a reach of 1.5 meters, and a repeatability of ±0.02 mm would be an ideal choice.

Conclusion

Selecting the right 6-axis robot is a critical decision that can significantly impact your operational efficiency, productivity, and profitability. By considering factors such as payload capacity, reach, speed, precision, mounting options, integration capabilities, safety features, ease of use, and cost, you can make an informed choice that meets your specific needs. Whether you are automating a manufacturing process, improving quality control, or enhancing safety, the 6-axis robot offers a versatile and reliable solution. With careful evaluation and planning, you can unlock the full potential of this advanced technology and achieve your automation goals.