Ranging from 12 metres in length up to 30 metres long, these systems are picking and placing across a wide area, demonstrating the suitability of gantries for working in larger working areas.

Each gantry has a payload of 120kg, with the X-axis moving at a speed of 2m/s, the Z-axis moving at 1.8m/s and the Z axis providing a 2 metre stroke. Highlighting the benefits of a gantry in a larger working area, HepcoMotion has been working with bespoke material handlers, Avanti Conveyors for over 18 years, supplying a range of HDS2 gantry solutions to lift pallets. As the work envelope grows in size, the gantry’s cost advantage increases. A sizeable robot is therefore needed for a small payload moving a greater distance. For example, the payload will reduce by approximately 50% when the horizontal reach is extended to just 0.7 metres with a typical 6-axis robot. Conversely, an industrial robot has limited capacity in terms of moment load, and when the load is extended away from the robot, the payload will reduce the further it extends from the central axis.

A 3 metre square gantry for example, can position a payload of say 400kg anywhere within that 3 metre envelope on both axes. HepcoMotion’s Chairman, Giles Forster explains the benefits of gantry systems.Ī key benefit of gantry systems is that they have the ability to lift higher loads over a greater distance. Indeed, where the task involves moving heavy and awkwardly shaped products over a large distance – a gantry system is undoubtedly the better solution. When specifying a gantry or robot, consideration needs to be given to the required task and payload, the grippers that will be attached to the system, and the distance and speeds required.įor many applications, a linear motion guided gantry system can accomplish the same tasks as an industrial robot while incurring less cost and offering greater flexibility. Gantries and 6-axis industrial robots are widely used to achieve automation for applications such as palletizing, sorting, and pick & place to name but a few. Automation in the manufacturing industry is continuing to grow in demand and can be applied to nearly every application from processing, assembly, inspection to packaging.

Gantry system design