What is a Four-Axis Robot? (2024)

FAQs

What is a Four-Axis Robot? ›

Instead of three axes in the wrist area, four axis robots have one. Their simplified design allows them to provide maximum stability and strength for applications such as material handling and palletizing. Some four axis robot models have reinforcement bars along the upper and lower arms.

• Axis Four - Axis four is located in the robot wrist to control the movement of a robot's end-effector. This axis allows robots to change the orientation of an object through a rolling motion. In other words, the robot wrist is able to rotate parts.

The first joint of a six-axis robot can rotate freely in the horizontal plane like a four-axis robot, and the last two joints can move in the vertical plane. In addition, the six-axis robot has one "arm" and two "wrist" joints, which gives it similar capabilities to an arm and wrist of the human being.

Delta robots are primarily used in pick and place applications. Additional applications include adhesive dispensing, soldering, and assembly. Delta robots cannot carry heavy payloads and that limits the types of End of Arm Tooling (EoAT) and the tasks they can handle.

Most industrial robots used in manufacturing have six axes, but they can range from three axes to over seven axes. An axis, also sometimes referred to as a robot joint, represents a degree of freedom. Each degree of freedom is responsible for an independent motion.

4 axis machining implies that a workpiece is processed in the same way it would be with a 3 axis machine, but has an additional rotary movement around the X axis, which is named the A axis. This rotation allows the workpiece to be cut around the B axis.

A 7th axis is a linear transfer system for moving robots along another linear (or 7th) axis. Sometimes referred to as “robot transfer units” or “linear transfer units,” these systems enable robots to move the length of a linear guide to other workstations and cells to perform other tasks.

Five-axis robots are a type of articulated robot. Their configuration consists of the typical industrial robot design in which a robotic manipulator is attached to a rotating base, for example the FANUC M710ic/50H.

The 8-axis machining system is composed of a 6-axis robot and a 2-axis worktable. It carves block of polystyrene foam by hotwire. According to the geometric feature, the system automatically simplifys the input model into a user specified resolution and generates a series of...

SCARA Robots function on 3-axis (X, Y, and Z), and have a rotary motion as well. SCARA Robots excel in lateral movements and are commonly faster moving and have easier integration than Cartesian Robots. Typically, SCARA robots are used for assembly and palletizing, as well as bio-med application.

What is another name for a pick and place robot? ›

Delta robots are mounted above conveyors and are typically used for high speed pick and place applications. Fast pick robots are also another option for fast pick and place applications; with cycle times as fast as 150 cycles per minute.

The machines can reach down low, extend out or go up high. That unique ability makes six-axis robots ideal for applications that require complex motions, such as adhesive dispensing, machine tending, packaging, painting, pick-and-place, screwdriving and welding.

Robotic axes can also be referred to as robot joints. Within each axis is a motor that powers the relative motion of the joint. Each axis of a robot is responsible for a specific motion. The more axes a robot has the more movements it will be capable of.

A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

Six-axis robots are supported by a pedestal. Although some six-axis systems can handle heavy loads, extending those loads beyond the pedestal can cause deflection issues, problems with moment of inertia and hinder accuracy.

Location in Space and Robot Axis – The degrees of freedom of a robot typically refer to the number of movable joints of a robot. A robot with three movable joints will have three axis and three degrees of freedom, a four axis robot will have four movable joints and four axis, and so on.

The key distinction among 3, 4, and 5 axis milling machines lies in their motion capabilities. In 3-axis milling machines, the cutting tool direction remains fixed throughout the entire cutting path, whereas in 4 and 5-axis machines, the workpiece can also undergo movement.

Four-axis CNC machines can be used for different purposes, including creating art, medical equipment, advertising design, teaching, technology research, industrial parts, prototype building and more.

4-axis machining has the same 3 axes (XYZ) as 3-axis, plus an additional axis for rotation. With a DATRON machine, it's the A-axis. The A-axis has the workpiece rotate around the X-axis. The rotation allows 4 sides to be machined while the part stays in the fixture and needs only one setup.