If you’re thinking about automating a factory, there are many different robot types available. Choosing the best type depends on the task at hand and the amount of space available. One type of robot that’s gaining popularity is the SCARA robot, which is an ideal choice for small and high-speed applications. But what makes the scara robot so unique and how does it differ from other robots?
Known as selective compliance articulated robot arm, the SCARA has four axes: three rotational and one linear. It’s mechanically flexible in the xy plane but rigid in the vertical (z) direction. This gives it a narrow work envelope with precise positioning capabilities.
The SCARA is a great choice for assembly processes like pick and place, dispensing, inspection, and other tasks that require fast, consistent repeatability. It’s also a good choice for packaging, printing, and material handling applications. These types of robots are easy to program and can be programmed to operate synchronously with conveyor movements. They can even read forces in their joints to know when they’re touching something and can stop or reverse motion mitigating contact.
With a variety of options for arm lengths and payload capacities, the DENSO SCARA can be tailored to your application. For instance, the HS-A1 and HSR Series robots are suitable for use in a cleanroom environment and offer a variety of optional features including dust and liquid protection and a ceiling-mount option.
As a result, these types of robots can be used in a wide range of industries and applications, including automotive, electronics, medical and food processing. They’re often found in manufacturing, medical and research facilities and can handle a variety of tasks such as welding, plasma cutting, dispensing and spray painting.
The programmable controller on a SCARA robot ensures repeatability, short cycle times and proper synchronization with external devices. For example, it can be configured so a vision system detects flat parts on a conveyor and triggers the robot to handle them synchronously with conveyor movement.
A major benefit of the SCARA is its low cost. It’s typically more affordable than other types of industrial robots and requires little maintenance, saving you money in the long run. Its small size and light weight also reduce installation costs, making it a great option for a tight budget or limited space.
The most important factor in selecting a SCARA is understanding the maximum payload requirements of your application. This will determine the required force and inertia of the end-effector, which must fall within the robot’s operating specifications. A specialist robotics partner can help you choose the right model to match your needs. For example, a DENSO HS-A1 Series robot with a 20 kg payload is perfect for the auto industry where high precision is key. It’s also a good fit for pharmaceutical and cosmetics processing where speed is critical. It can also be easily integrated with other technologies such as sensors to improve accuracy. This helps to streamline production and reduce waste.