What is a SCARA robot? A brief introduction to the world of SCARA robots

SCARA robots are a type of industrial robot commonly used in manufacturing and assembly processes. These robots are equipped with a horizontal arm that moves in two directions, allowing them to reach and manipulate objects within a limited working area.

SCARA robots are known for their high precision and speed and are therefore well suited for tasks that require precise movements or the handling of small parts. In this article, we will take a closer look at the features and capabilities of SCARA robots and explore their various applications in industry.

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Contents

• How are SCARA robots different from other types of robots?
• Advantages of SCARA robots
• Common processes that are automated with a SCARA robot
• Conclusion
  
  

How do SCARA robots differ from other types of robots?

First of all, it is important to understand that SCARA robots differ from normal 6-axis industrial robots in several ways. One of the main differences is the way they are constructed. The most obvious difference is that a 6-axis robot has six axes (or degrees of freedom) that allow it to move in a variety of directions and perform tasks in different planes, whereas SCARA robots only have four axes/degrees of freedom.

The arm of a SCARA robot consists of two parallel joints that allow the robot to move in the horizontal plane and a wrist that allows it to rotate, grasp and place objects.

Another key difference between a SCARA robot and a 6-axis robot is their range of motion. SCARA robots have a limited range of movement in the vertical plane, as their arm is primarily designed for the horizontal plane. This makes them ideal for tasks that require precise movements or the handling of small parts in a specific work area, but less suitable for tasks that require a large vertical range of motion or complicated movements.

Furthermore, SCARA robots are usually smaller and more compact compared to 6-axis robots, making them easier to integrate into smaller workspaces. They are also typically faster and more precise than 6-axis robots, making them well suited for tasks that require high-speed assembly or handling of small parts.

Advantages of SCARA robots

As mentioned above, SCARA robots have several advantages that make them useful for certain applications.

One main advantage of SCARA robots is that they are generally less expensive than other types of industrial robots, such as 6-axis robots. This is partly due to their comparatively simple design. This feature makes them less expensive to manufacture and maintain, which can mean significant cost savings for companies.

SCARA robots are also known for their high speed and accuracy, making them well suited to tasks that require precise and repeatable movements. Therefore, these robots are often used in small parts assembly lines (e.g. in the electronics industry), where they can perform tiny tasks quickly and accurately, improving overall efficiency and reducing the risk of errors. Disadvantages of SCARA robots

However, a major disadvantage of SCARA robots, as previously explained, is their limited range of motion. This type of robot is restricted to a relatively small and specific working area. They are not as flexible as other types of robots, e.g. standard 6-axis industrial robots.

Furthermore, they are far behind modern cobots (collaborative robots), which are designed to work alongside humans and usually have 6 axes, in terms of ease of use and performance. These characteristics limit the types of tasks for which a SCARA robot is suitable and make it unsuitable for tasks that require more flexibility, range of motion or adaptability.

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Common processes that are automated with a SCARA robot

So where are these robots most commonly deployed and used?

They are often used in industrial processes that require precise movements, extreme speed or the handling of small parts. Some of the industrial processes that are commonly automated with SCARA robots are:

1. Assembly: SCARA robots are well suited for tasks that require precise assembly of small parts. They can be programmed to perform tasks such as fastening screws, inserting pins or assembling small components with a high degree of accuracy and speed.
2. Pick and place: SCARA robots can pick and place small parts or components with a high degree of precision. They are often used in manufacturing and assembly processes to move parts from one location to another or to transfer them to a conveyor belt or other transportation system.
3. Packaging: SCARA robots can be used to package products for shipping or storage. They can be programmed to pick up products and place them in boxes or containers. They can also be equipped with sensors to detect the size and shape of the products being handled.
4. Dispensing: SCARA robots can be used to dispense small quantities of liquids or other materials with high accuracy. They are often used in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries to dispense precise quantities of liquids or powders.
   
   
   

Conclusion

SCARA robots are a valuable tool for certain manufacturing and assembly tasks. Nevertheless, SCARA robots also have disadvantages. While they are generally cheaper, smaller and faster than other types of industrial robots, they are not suitable for all tasks due to their limited range of motion. If you are considering using a SCARA robot in your business, it is important to carefully consider the capabilities of these robots and ensure that they are suitable for your specific requirements.

For activities that require more flexibility or adaptability, a different type of robot, such as a collaborative robot, may be a better choice. Ultimately, choosing the right robot for your business depends on your specific needs and goals. Careful consideration and research can help you make the right choice. However, if you need speed or extreme precision, a SCARA robot may not only be the best option for you, but also the most affordable.

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