Cartesian Robotics

By John F Mitchell, Jr
Article Word Count: 741 [View Summary] Comments (0)

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 going
around 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 in
another 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 held
while 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 precise
location 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 strongest
characteristics 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 the
sensitive 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 a
continuous 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 done
simultaneously. These process steps are done with high throughput, in an ultra clean
environment, with a high level of quality.

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 requirements
dictate 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 laboratory
processes.
The automotive industry has many processes that are accomplished with Cartesian robotics. An
example 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 highaccuracy inspection.