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Low Cost Automation FAQ –
Questions and Answers


robolink FAQ
irc- FAQ
lca-faq-linear-robots
lca-faq-dryve
lca-faq-deltarobots
lca-faq-gearbox

robolink® articulated arm robot

What is a robolink®?

robolink® is an articulated arm robot, which can be equipped with various tools such as grippers, electromagnets, suction cups, cameras, etc. The robolink® arm can be easily configured to ensure a short commissioning time and an economical solution for several different applications. Available in 4 and 5 degrees of freedom, robolink® is flexible enough to solve applications in many different industries.

What maximum payload can the robolink® articulated arm robot lift?

robolink® carries up to 3kg payload. Visit our online shop to find out which versions support which payloads.

What is meant by the range and nominal range of the articulated arm robot?

The nominal range provides the working area in which the robot can operate in the long term. In the short term, the robot can also work in the area of maximum range.

What is the range of robolink® articulated arm robots?

The range of our robolink® extends from 510mm to 790mm. Visit our online shop to learn more about the range of the individual versions of robolink®.

Is the articulated arm robot always the best choice for my application?

There are countless advantages that robots can offer, such as relieving us of boring or difficult tasks, increasing efficiency and improving productivity in factories and companies. Robots will not be the best solution for every task, but with tests and 3D simulations we are able to quickly analyse the application and determine what can best solve the problem.
Whether the articulated arm robot is always the best choice is something we would be happy to discuss with you in a personal meeting, because sometimes other kinematics are easier to integrate into processes.

Is it possible for me to have a look at a robolink®?

Basically you have the option of requesting an appointment with our sales team, live or virtually (via Microsoft Teams).
Contact us!

Which end effectors are used with robolink®?

The robolink® can be equipped with practically any end effector as long as it is within the payload of the robot. This may include electromagnets, grippers, suction cups and many other tools.
At RBTX.com, our online marketplace for robotic components, you can buy various components from our partner suppliers.

Which cables are used with robolink®?

For robolink® you can use many different cables and hoses, from pneumatic tubes to sensor cables. The possibilities are almost unlimited!
You can accommodate 2x8mm cables per side in the robolink® DP. In addition, there are external energy chains for the robolink® DP and robolink® DC, which you can fill easily.
 

Can I negotiate bends with robolink®?

Only conditionally, because we have to travel to several points on a bend in order to complete the curve. Because the cornering is not quite round.

What does the 7th axis mean?

The 7th axis is a linear axis for moving a robot.

With which manufacturers is the 7th axis compatible and easily integrated?

  • Universal Robots UR3, UR5 and UR10
  • igus robolink DP4, robolink DP5, robolink DC

What do I need to control the 7th axis?

For igus robots, the igus Robot Control.

For UR Robots a UR Cap solution. We offer these in our shop (our part number DDLE-UR-0001)

igus® Robot Control robot control system and software

What is igus® Robot Control?

The  igus® Robot Control  is a control system developed to control all robots offered by igus® (articulated arm robots, delta robots and linear robots).  With the corresponding software, you can program and move the robot via a graphical user interface.
You can download and try out the software free of charge in advance. The software has been specially developed to make the introduction to automation as easy as possible. Because the 3D interface is very user-friendly and intuitive to operate.
The control system is available in the switch cabinet or on top-hat (DIN) rail assembly

Which robots can I control with igus® Robot Control?

We have three standard robot types that we offer in our range of low-cost automation robots. The iRC was developed to control all three types of standard robots with the same software and hardware.

How can I learn to program robots with igus® Robot Control?

  • Our team of experts will be pleased to support you in all questions concerning robot programming.
  • We also offer online igus Robot Control training courses on request.
  • We also have numerous video instructions and information material available.
  • You can download and try out the igus Robot Control Software free of charge and without obligation.  
You are welcome to talk to us at any time
 

What is the difference between the top-hat (DIN) rail and switch cabinet version?

  • Top-hat (DIN) rail version: serves for integration in your own switch cabinet, 10 metres of motor, encoder & INI cables and all other joining links.
  • Switch cabinet version: complete switch cabinet with emergency stop, power supply unit, 10 metres of motor, encoder & INI cables and all other joining links.

What does igus® Robot Control cost?

That depends on whether it is the software or the hardware.
  • The software itself is completely free; no charges, no license fee, completely free. You can now download the software here. You can simulate all three robots very quickly.
  • The cost of the hardware depends on various factors, such as the flexibility we offer. igus Robot Control can control 2-axis to 5-axis robots, with the option of also integrating vision systems and grippers. We also have two versions, a cabinet-mounted version and a DIN rail version for installation in the customer's cabinet. Here you can directly request a detailed offer.

How do I get support if I have a problem?

Please describe the problem briefly and send us the file "logMessages.log" from the folder C:\iRC-igusRobotControl\.

drylin® linear robot

What is a drylin linear robot?

The  drylin® linear robots are multi-axis systems, which were (usually) built to approach Cartesian co-ordinates. One synonym for linear robot is Cartesian robot.

What is the maximum stroke length for drylin® linear robots?

Usually our maximum is 3000x3000x750 (xyz), but our design department can also offer longer strokes. The best way is to send us an enquiry and we will check your requirements.

Which motors can be used with drylin® linear robots?

In principle, all electric motors can be connected. At igus we mainly use stepper and BLDC/EC motors.

What is the repeatability range of drylin® linear robots?

0.3 to 0.5mm

What is the maximum speed for drylin® linear robots?

1m/s, but there are exceptions here, too. The best way is to send us an enquiry and we will check your requirements.

Which drylin® linear robot is suitable for my application?

We will be happy to configure this for you. The best way is to send us an enquiry and we will check your requirements.

Are drylin® linear robots available as complete solution?

Yes. You can read about this in our blog.

igus® dryve systems

What is igus® dryve?

igus® produces two motor control systems, which are suitable for DC motor types and diverse applications. You can read more about this below.
 
D1 dryve
The drylin® D1 dryve is designed for direct control of stepper, DC and EC/BLDC motors and on single axes such as linear belt drives or single lead screw drives. If several D1 dryves are connected via a higher-level control system (PLC, industrial PC, etc.), it can also be used in multi-axis systems such as delta robots or linear robots.
 
D3 dryve
The drylin® D3 dryve is designed for direct control of DC motors on single axes, such as belt drives or lead screws for simple, linear movements at different speeds and from different starting positions.

What is the difference between the D1 dryve and the D3 dryve and where are they used?

The drylin® D1 dryve is a motor control system (for EC/BLDC, EC, stepper and DC motors) that was developed to offer a universal motor control system for all igus linear systems. The usual long commissioning times of motor control systems can be reduced to a minimum by reducing the settings to the minimum necessary.
The D1 dryve can be used in simple automation applications as well as complex industrial plants
 
The drylin® D3 dryve is a motor control system (for DC motors), which was developed to offer needs-based solutions for the simplest automation tasks and at the same time reduce the usual long commissioning times to a minimum.

Which motor can I control with the D1 dryve or D3 dryve?

  • D1 dryve: all igus stepper, DC and EC/BLDC motors as well as motors in similar performance classes from other manufacturers.
    Both in controlled operation, with and without position monitoring, and in closed loop operation (comparable to a servo motor).
  • D3 dryve: all igus DC motors as well as DC motors from other manufacturers (max. 2.5A continuous motor current)

 

Which power supply do I need for the D1 dryve or D3 dryve?

  • D1 dryve: the logic voltage supply is 12-24V and the load voltage supply 12-48V.
  • D3 dryve: 24V/2.5A

Which software do I need for the D1 dryve or D3 dryve?

None!
The D1 dryve has a built-in web server for configuration. By entering the IP address shown on the display of the D1 in a browser of your choice, you can directly access all necessary settings.
 
With the D3 dryve, the few necessary adjustments can be made using small switches such as rotary knobs on the housing.
 

What is required for commissioning the D1 dryve or D3 dryve?

  • D1 dryve: a power supply (12 to 24V) and a PC including Ethernet interface (and cable) are required.
  • D3 dryve: connect a 24V power supply and a motor → and you are ready to go. No complicated software installation or complex wiring of various additional switches and sensors.

Do I need basic knowledge of electrical engineering to operate the D3 dryve motor control system?

The intuitively operated rotary elements allow you to set the speed and force limit of the connected motor without prior knowledge.

D3 dryve: how do I move the motor after it has been electrically connected?

A travel movement can be started by means of the two buttons at the front of the D3 dryve and 2 external potential-free switches.

Can my automated system communicate with the D1 dryve?

With standardised communication protocols such as CANopen or Modbus TCP as gateway, it is easy to connect the system to industrial controllers such as Siemens or Beckhoff. The digital inputs and outputs enable extremely easy communication with industrial controllers but also with low-price open-source modules such as Arduino or Raspberry Pi.

drylin® delta robot

What is a delta robot and where is it used?

A delta robot or parallel robot is a 3-axis robot connected by a common joint above and below the arms to fulfill its main purpose: picking up and placing objects.  
 
The igus® delta robot is available in both a small and a large version: it offers customers with a smaller working range (330mm diameter at a height of 75mm) the possibility of achieving highest speeds. The large delta robot now has twice the reach of the smaller robot (660mm diameter at a height of 180mm), giving customers with a smaller workspace (330mm diameter at a height of 75m) the flexibility to pick up and place objects from more distant locations.
 
A delta robot can be used for standard applications with small parts, such as picking from a conveyor belt or buffer table to a stationary destination or for painting, spraying and repetitive work over a small area.

What is the payload of a drylin delta robot?

The igus® delta robot can lift up to 5kg and press down up to 100N (10kg).

What is the range of a drylin delta robot?

The drylin® delta robot can extend to a diameter of up to 360mm at a height of 75mm.
The larger version of the drylin® delta robot can reach a diameter of up to 660mm in 180mm height.

Which end effectors can be used for the drylin delta robot?

With the end effectors used in the drylin® delta robot, the possibilities are almost unlimited.
These can vary from electromagnets, suction cups and mechanical grippers up to 3D printed gripping tools. All energy and air can be directed via a cable management system to the end plate that holds the end effector, which we can also supply!
At RBTX.de, our online marketplace for robotic components, you can buy various components from our partner suppliers.

How precise is a drylin delta robot?

The accuracy of the drylin® delta robot is +/- 0.5mm.

How many picks per minute does the drylin delta robot manage?

The drylin® delta robot can perform up to 60 picks per minute.

drygear® strain wave drive

Which transmissions are possible?

Currently the transmission ratio is 28:1

Which motor kits can be connected?

NEMA11 and NEMA17 stepper motors

Which end effectors can I mount?

The flange plate is compatible with the common end effectors. The hole pattern with M4 and M6 threads allows flexible connection. 

What happens at the failure torque?

The gearbox slips through and no teeth break. You have to open the gearbox and re-align the flex ring, then the gearbox will work again.

drygear® worm gear

What installation sizes are available?

Installation sizes 20, 30 and 50 are currently available and more are being planned.

What installation sizes and ratios are available?

At present we offer the 20, 30 and 50 installation sizes and ratios from 5:1 to 70:1.

How do I configure the right motor?

For this purpose, we have provided instructions in our data sheet.

Are spare parts available?

Yes, you can also order the worm wheel and worm shaft separately from us.

When do I use worm gears with PRT or ball bearings?

PRT:
  • Higher axial load bearing capacity  
  • For impact loads
  • Use: horizontal applications with impact loads, high loads or eccentric loads, rotary axes, rotary indexing tables

Ball bearings:
  • Less clearance
  • Higher efficiency
  • Use: vertical applications, robot gearboxes

drygear® Apiro

Which gearbox models are available from stock at igus?

We currently have all gearbox models in stock in small quantities.

Which transmissions are possible?

Available are 4:1, 32:1 and 64:1.
3:1, 8:1 and 16:1 are also optionally available.

When to use which transmission?

4:1 for very fast rotational movements

32:1 for high loads

64:1 for self-locking and precise positioning

Which motor kits can be connected?

All drylin E DC motors, as well as all stepper motors in NEMA11, NEMA17 and NEMA23 installation sizes

Which output diameters are available?

4-12mm

What is the maximum and minimum stroke for the cantilever axis?

Min. 53mm
Max. 1042mm

Can I also control the Apiro gearbox with the D1/D3 motor control system?

Yes.

Is the Apiro gearbox suitable for splash water and underwater applications?

We have a special model for this application, which we can offer upon request.

What torque can I transmit?

4:1 with 2.5Nm

32 with 1Nm

64 with 1Nm

Are spare parts available?

Yes, you can also order the worm wheel and the worm shaft separately from us.

For which applications can components from the drygear Apiro modular gearbox system be used?

Our drygear Apiro modular gearbox system allows an infinite number of possible combinations for the most diverse applications. This may include

  • Rotary axes,
  • Lane adjustments,
  • Pusher applications
  • or Cartesian robots


The terms "Apiro", "AutoChain", "CFRIP", "chainflex", "chainge", "chains for cranes", "ConProtect", "cradle-chain", "CTD", "drygear", "drylin", "dryspin", "dry-tech", "dryway", "easy chain", "e-chain", "e-chain systems", "e-ketten", "e-kettensysteme", "e-loop", "energy chain", "energy chain systems", "enjoyneering", "e-skin", "e-spool", "fixflex", "flizz", "i.Cee", "ibow", "igear", "iglidur", "igubal", "igumid", "igus", "igus improves what moves", "igus:bike", "igusGO", "igutex", "iguverse", "iguversum", "kineKIT", "kopla", "manus", "motion plastics", "motion polymers", "motionary", "plastics for longer life", "print2mold", "Rawbot", "RBTX", "readycable", "readychain", "ReBeL", "ReCyycle", "reguse", "robolink", "Rohbot", "savfe", "speedigus", "superwise", "take the dryway", "tribofilament", "triflex", "twisterchain", "when it moves, igus improves", "xirodur", "xiros" and "yes" are legally protected trademarks of the igus® GmbH/ Cologne in the Federal Republic of Germany and where applicable in some foreign countries. This is a non-exhaustive list of trademarks (e.g. pending trademark applications or registered trademarks) of igus GmbH or affiliated companies of igus in Germany, the European Union, the USA and/or other countries or jurisdictions.

igus® GmbH points out that it does not sell any products of the companies Allen Bradley, B&R, Baumüller, Beckhoff, Lahr, Control Techniques, Danaher Motion, ELAU, FAGOR, FANUC, Festo, Heidenhain, Jetter, Lenze, LinMot, LTi DRiVES, Mitsubishi, NUM,Parker, Bosch Rexroth, SEW, Siemens, Stöber and all other drive manufacturers mention on this website. The products offered by igus® are those of igus® GmbH