Compact, high load Hexapod Robot

The wider implementation of automation in the factory environment in combination with demands for higher accuracy in the manufacturing processes requires positioning tools that are flexible and precise. The PI (Physik Instrumente) Hexapod range of six axis robots with their Cartesian co-ordinate position control and programmable pivot point are simple to use and ideally suited to these demanding applications.

The newest PI Hexapod, the H-850KMLD with a load handling of up to 500kg, provides precise multi-axis positioning in industrial applications where the available space envelope is limited. Mounted away from horizontal the robot can precisely position loads of up to 200kg. The flexibility of the orientation aids implementation of the robot into a manufacturing environment and minimises its space requirements as the system can be mounted above, inverted or at an angle to a work-piece. Cable management is simplified as there is only one non-moving cable attached to the system and a through-hole aperture allows the central mounting of a work-piece or the implementation of an optical path for a vision or measurement system. An optional absolute encoder allows position information to be known on power up meaning that no referencing routine, and hence motion of the robot, is needed before operation. The H-850KMLD has a linear repeatability of +/-1 micron and a resolution of down to 0.5µm. With a baseplate diameter of 370mm and a centre position height of 350mm the hexapod can provide 100mm of travel in the x and y axes and 50mm in z. The angular range of travel is +/- 30 degrees in theta Z and +/- 15 degrees in theta x and theta y. The hexapod robot is supplied with a 6D vector motion controller and a suite of software tools including an optional collision avoidance tool. Read more