What Is a Single Axis Robot?
A Single Axis Robot is a robot that can position itself in only one of the three directions of xyz.
They are incorporated into a wide variety of automated equipment and have become an indispensable part of automated machinery. Single Axis Robots have a simple structure consisting of a slider, motor, and ball screw.
They are used to transport linear workpieces, but are often used in combination with something else rather than as a stand-alone unit.
Uses of Single Axis Robots
Single Axis Robots are mainly used for workpiece transfer because of their linear motion. Specifically, they are used in a wide range of applications, including processing equipment, assembly equipment, conveyance equipment, packaging equipment, and inspection equipment. A similar device to Single Axis Robots is the RoboCylinder.
RoboCylinders are smaller and lighter than Single Axis Robots, but are more suited for conveyance. Single Axis Robots can only move horizontally in one direction, but by combining multiple units, they can be used for a variety of applications.
For example, they can be used for coating workpieces with resin or other materials, applying tape to the outer surface of circular workpieces, pushing and cutting workpieces by pressing them against them, and positioning jigs and tools.
Principle of Single Axis Robots
Single Axis Robots are mainly composed of a motor, a ball screw, and a slider.
1. Motor
The motor is the driving source of Single Axis Robots. Motors with controllable rotational speed, such as stepping motors and servo motors, are used.
2. Ball Screw
The ball screw converts the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion. When the motor rotates, the ball screw rotates, and the amount of movement of the Single Axis Robot is determined by the amount of rotation of the ball screw.
3. Slider
The ball screw performs linear motion in one direction, but is not strong enough to resist the other two directions. For this reason, Single Axis Robots are equipped with a built-in slider. The slider guarantees the linear motion of the ball screw.
4. Controller
Single Axis Robots are operated via a controller. The controller is equipped with a connector for communication with a host controller, which may be a handy terminal or a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).
Power is supplied directly to the controller, and data is exchanged mainly through the PLC. It can also be operated from a touch panel or other devices.
Other Information on Single Axis Robots
1. The Difference Between Single Axis Robots and Robocylinders
Both Single Axis Robots and RoboCylinders are high-precision electric actuators with motors, ball screws, and sliders. In other words, both have the same structure. However, in most cases, the price of a RoboCylinder is much lower than the price of a Single Axis Robot. This price difference is caused by the difference in the purpose of use.
Single Axis Robots are designed to perform “high-speed, high-precision, long-distance transfer of heavy objects. Therefore, “high rigidity,” “long stroke,” “high upper limit of transfer weight and positioning accuracy,” and “high maximum operating speed” are the characteristics of Single Axis Robots compared to RoboCylinders.
On the other hand, RoboCylinder is designed to “transport lightweight objects over short distances at a certain speed and accuracy. Compared to Single Axis Robots, Robocylinders are smaller in size and can be used as replacements for air cylinders.
Thus, Single Axis Robots and RoboCylinders have similar structures. However, by appropriately using Single Axis Robots and RoboCylinders in consideration of the type of motion to be performed on the workpiece and the level of quality required, the overall cost of the equipment can be reduced and the size of the equipment can be downsized.
2. 2-Axis Robot
A 2-axis robot is a robot that has two axes of motion. It is sometimes called a Cartesian robot. A Single Axis Robot can be converted into a 2-axis robot by adding one more axis to it. Therefore, it is possible to make your own 2-axis robot by adding one more axis to your Single Axis Robot without purchasing a commercial product.
For example, a slider of a Single Axis Robot dedicated to conveyance is attached to a pillar, and an air cylinder or a RoboCylinder is attached to the pillar. Controlled by the same controller, the robot can slide at any timing and push a workpiece out with the cylinder.