Larger, stronger, faster: New igus portals for cost-effective automation

Larger, stronger, faster: The new dry-lubricant-free space portal from igus moves heavy loads over a large working area. Loads up to 50 N can be transported at a maximum speed of 0.5 m/s within a working space of 800x800x500 mm. (Source: igus GmbH)

Simple, precise, and fast operation: these are the requirements for Cartesian robots. They are used for automation tasks such as pick-and-place applications, sorting systems, or even in medical technology. Especially for large workspaces, igus has now developed a new line and space portal. With the two new kinematics, users can now move up to five kilograms. Both portals are available directly from stock. Additionally, they can be customized for the respective customer application, starting from a single piece.

To remain competitive in the market, automation solutions with a quick return on investment are in demand both for large industrial players and small businesses. Cartesian robots have been a popular choice in automation technology for years. Because they allow users to implement their tasks cost-effectively, quickly, and easily. Only minimal programming effort is required. With its maintenance-free linear axes, the motion plastics specialist igus has developed linear robots in several configurations, available from as little as 1,800 euros. Depending on the application's requirements, two-axis linear or surface portals as well as three-axis space portals are available. To enable users to move even more loads within an even larger workspace, igus is now presenting a new line portal and a new space portal with an expanded working area at Motek.

Low-cost automation with maintenance-free portal solutions

The two portals consist of pre-configured linear modules, aluminum linear axes, NEMA stepper motors, and encoders. The new line portal can carry loads of up to 50 N at a maximum speed of 1 m/s within a workspace of 800x500 mm. "The investment risk with 2,100 EUR for the line portal is manageable, so we achieve a return on investment in our in-house automated pick-and-place applications for assembly tasks in significantly less than half a year. Therefore, the risk for decision-makers is low," says Alexander Mühlens, Head of Automation Technology at igus. For more complex tasks, the new space portal from igus is suitable. It can transport loads of up to 50 N within a workspace of 800x800x500 mm, at a maximum speed of 0.5 m/s. Two ZLW timing belt axes and one GRR rack-and-pinion axis ensure precise guidance and maintenance-free operation.

For fully automated sorting tasks

The new portal solutions are used, among other things, in pick-and-place, "grab-in-the-box" applications, and for sorting tasks. These are usually processes stored at the end of the production line. For example, at FachPack 2019, in the showcase of the intralogistics specialist SSI Schäfer. Here, the new drylin space portal enabled automated provision of sensitive products using a transport box with thermoformed insert. With the specially developed packaging and the use of the linear robot, differently colored handles could be pre-sorted for the production of household appliances. Other application scenarios for portal robots include microelectronics and testing automation.

Customizable space portals

In addition to stock items, users can configure their individual portal with spans of up to six meters at http://www.igus.de/drylin-E-Portal and send an inquiry to igus. Depending on customer wishes, axis lengths and various motors can also be configured with energy chains and cables from igus.