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Cartesian RoboticsByJohn F Mitchell, Jr

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Cartesian robotics have a very simplistic approach to work. They work in a rectangular area,based on 3 planes, X, Y, and Z, or 2 planes, X and Y. Some have the capability of an R axis for

the rotation of work pieces. Basically all work is done in an area that has corners, it is either

rectangular or square. These tools can repeatedly move to precise points in the defined axis area.This area can be limited to the length of the carriage support. It can also be limited by the

program running the robot. The capabilities of this device are extremely useful in manufacturing

where repeated tasks are done at the same precise location in the assembly or production line.

Even though the target is always hit in a straight line, these robotics have no flexibility in goingaround objects. All work has to be done in straight planes.

Cartesian robotics act as tenders for other machinery. These are particularly useful in die casting,injection molding, and machine toiling, where the primary machinery needs assistance to get its

job done. The supporting robot will extract a part from or insert a part into the machine it is

supporting. Picking up an object from a conveyor belt or other location and placing that object inanother location is a long standing function of Cartesian robotics. Food and drug filling

operations are well suited to the pick-and-place capability of these robots. Assembly operations

use Cartesian robots for holding specific parts in a given location on the production line. This is

done while another machine attaches that part to an assembly. In other operations the part is heldwhile being pressed into an assembly. Holding a part that is being welded is a prime use of

Cartesian robotics.

Cartesian robotics come in many different sizes. Loading facilities can have very large Gantry

robots that are suspended above the work area. These heavy weight workers load and unload

items from ships and other vehicles. On the smaller side, robotics move screws to the preciselocation for another machine to mount them into a toy that is being assembled in a plant. All

varieties of Cartesian robotics are cost effective. There is no need for concern about incorrect

assembly or adjustment needing to be made to completed products. The operation that uses

Cartesian robotics is extremely accurate with a high throughput. Repeatability is one of strongestcharacteristics of Cartesian robotics. The use of these tools has a direct bearing on the reduction

of the cost of humans in the manufacturing equation.

Solar cell manufacturing is an excellent application for Cartesian robotics. Because of thesensitive nature of the materials used in the manufacture of solar cells, these tools are especially

effective in this manufacturing process. Robots can handle the extremely thin wafer material on acontinuous basis without creating material losses. The seamless automation of precision loading,

anti-reflective coating, screen printing, drying, inspection, lead welding, and sorting of solar

electric cells can be accomplished. Welding of leads on all sides of the module can be donesimultaneously. These process steps are done with high throughput, in an ultra clean

environment, with a high level of quality.

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The medical specimen handling system is a rigorous test for Cartesian robotics. A system can be

created that provides the utmost in cleanliness with extremely high safety standards. The system

can handle bio-hazardous materials in fragile laboratory containers. Configuration requirementsdictate that controls and tools must be easily usable by employees that are not familiar with

automation. This system can have a quick payback and very little downtime. This system almost

eliminates the possibility of human error and is easily integrated into current laboratoryprocesses.

The automotive industry has many processes that are accomplished with Cartesian robotics. Anexample the wiper assembly manufacturing operation. This process uses robotics to do armature

and final motor assembly, end cap machining, and vision inspection. There are countless other

examples in the automotive manufacturing business.

Applications for Cartesian robotics are many. Quilt stitching is done using the Gantry

configuration. This unique applications utilizes the 3-dimensional approach. The Gantry moves

in the X-Y planes over material that is moved under the suspended device. A needle is operated

in the Z axis for sewing designs in the material. Other applications are precision detail,machining, stencil cutting, water cutting, fuel cell manufacturing, solder-ball placement, printed

electronics, vision inspection, dispensing stations, semiconductor manufacturing, and high-accuracy inspection.