Page 42 - EDM Today Winter 2025

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CORNER
EXPERT’S

Moving/Multi-Sided Robots (See Figure 6)
These robots are designed to support (x2) or more machines

degrees with longer reach capabilities, but can also expand to
service multiple machines via the robot on a linear track
Design is typically a stationary robot base that can move 360
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Offer more modular and fl exible capabilities for extended
operation, but come with a higher price point and have greater

fl oor space requirements
Most utilize a cell control to operate and manage the system

5- or 6-Axis Robots (See Figure 7)

These robots can support (x1) or more machines

Design can be a stationary robot base that can move 360 degrees with varying reach and payload weight capacity,
but can also expand to service
EDM Today Magazine Figure 7 EDM Today Magazine EDM Today Magazine
multiple machines via the robot on
a linear track or overhead rail
Offer greater customizable

capabilities and articulation

to reach the workpiece, but

come with a higher price point
The use of a cell control is
optional and predicated

on automation requirements

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Linear or Overhead Rails
The multi-sided robot and 5- or 6-axis robot units can be mounted to a fl oor or overhead linear rail system to

expand an automation cell
This system services multiple machines (3 or more), and can include the integration of different machine

disciplines, inspection, and cleaning stations
These systems are highly customized and require signifi cant fl oor space and come with signifi cantly higher
costs, but can achieve the highest levels of productivity

Cobots (See Figure 8)
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Collaborative 6-axis robots are a new and expanding highly

customizable option for automation
Cobots are lighter-duty than their larger big-brother 6-axis robots,
but are lower cost and have lower payload capabilities

Cobots move slower than traditional robots, but they also utilize

touch-sensing feedback, which eliminates the needs for
conventional restrictive safety guarding

Cobots are ideal for automation of smaller part details with
weights up to around 55 lbs. (25kg)
Figure 8
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