Gudel Gantry Robots with the S4C+ (ABB) 6-Axes Robot Controller

[ponycar17]

I posted this in the PLC forum, but maybe this question is better suited here.

Does anyone have experience with the Gudel Gantry robots, or can provide feedback on the programming effort required for the newer ABB S4C+ robot controller?

A coworker strongly dislikes the older ABB S4 controllers because of their commandline style programming. Is the new version improved? How is the reliability/stability of the system?

Can anyone recommend a more simplistic "parameter-based" robot controller?

Thanks greatly. This controller will be used to control 5, and possibly 6 axis for two seperate gantry style robots.

Thanks in Advance,
ponycar17

 

[Barry1961]

I am not familar with Gudel or the new ABB.

You may be able to find a MMI to hide the technology enough for your co-worker. I have done a 24 axis machine with pmac interfaced thru motion commander that people on the shop floor program. In general I worry about the controller being able to do the job. If after the machine is in the line there needs to be much programming done it will probably be yanked off the line.

Barry1961

 

[blacksea]

As Barry I am not familar with Gudel or the new ABB also.

The motion controllers DMC from Galil have asked Gantry mode for such load sharing. Also controller with up to even 8 axes would be suitable for your application. Programming Galil controllers with two-letter commands is easy really.

 

[ponycar17]

blacksea, thanks for the Galil suggestion. I will check into it tomorrow. My application is simple, but requires high speed. We're moving 10 lb. or so, 15x15x1.5" objects from one machine to another. It seems simple enough, but cycle time is the killer.

Thanks for the replies. Any more suggestions?

Thanks,
ponycar17

 

[Barry1961]

I have designed many high speed gantrys type robots. Give a little more detail and I might know a solution.

The highest speed I have designed so far is 120 in-sec at around 1 G. The limit was the linear recirculating ball bushings. They now have plastic "cages" so the balls don't rub each other which increases the max linear speed to over 200 in-sec if I remember correctly.

Barry1961