Coventry-based Güdel Lineartec (UK) Ltd (www.gudel.com) says that its latest TMF-5 linear track has been developed to help extend the reach of heavy-duty robots.

Many of today’s six-axis robots can handle payloads up to 1,300kg, but their horizontal reach is generally less than 4m, which can be a limiting factor in certain applications.

This is why Güdel has developed its TMF-5 linear track, which is available in lengths from 3 to 100m (in 1m increments).

It is also said to be the only standard module currently available that can move an articulated robot weighing over
6 tonnes (with a payload of 1,300kg) and sustain a static payload of over 10 tonnes.

Working as a fully integrated seventh axis for robots, the TMF-5 opens up new possibilities in a number of production processes.

A range of adaptor plates, designed to suit the increasing number of large robots now available, maximises the potential for integration with different manufacturers and their respective robot models.

With the ability to accommodate up to four independently driven carriages, multiple robots can share the same track if required.

The carriages used on the TMF track have been designed to handle the often high dynamic loads of a moving robot, including those associated with emergency-stop conditions.

The use of hardened and ground helical racks on the TMF-5, coupled with planetary gearboxes, deliver positional repeatability of ±0.05mm, along with smooth and quiet operation.

The new linear track is also available as an enclosed version to meet the demands of specific operating environments, including cleanrooms.

From a maintenance perspective, the ability to adjust the guide-way rollers from outside the unit, plus the availability of an automatic lubrication system for the rack and pinion, will help keep planned down-time to a minimum.