The Future Development Prospects and Directions for Stamping Robots
The future development of stamping robots will primarily focus on four key areas. The development prospects can be seen from the following aspects:
High Repetitive Accuracy
The precision of a stamping robot in reaching specific points is related to the controller's resolution and its feedback system. Repetitive accuracy refers to the robot's ability to reach the same position accurately after multiple movements. Repetitive accuracy is more critical than precision. If positioning is slightly off, there is usually a consistent, predictable error, which can be corrected through programming. Repetitive accuracy defines the range of random errors, measured by repeating the same action multiple times. With advancements in microelectronics, modern control technologies, and the commercialization of pneumatic servo motor systems, the repetitive accuracy of pneumatic stamping robots has significantly improved, expanding their application fields, such as in China's nuclear and defense industries.
Modular Design
Some companies refer to pneumatic stamping robots with a series of guided drive devices as basic transfer technology, while modularly assembled pneumatic stamping robots are considered modern transfer technology. Modularly assembled pneumatic stamping robots offer a more flexible system compared to composed guided drive devices. They integrate electrical connectors and guided systems with cables and pneumatic tubes, allowing for smooth robot motion. The use of specially designed bearings in the drive components of modular pneumatic stamping robots provides high rigidity, strength, and precise guidance. Excellent positioning accuracy is a key feature of the new generation of pneumatic stamping robots. Modular design enables a single stamping robot to have different functions by using various modules, expanding the application range and becoming a critical direction for future development.
Oil-Free Operation
To meet the contamination-free requirements in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, electronics, textiles, and instrumentation, oil-free lubrication components have been developed. With advancements in material technology and the emergence of new materials (such as sintered metal and high-purity graphite materials), components made from self-lubricating materials have appeared. These not only save on lubrication oil and prevent pollution but also offer a simple system, stable friction properties, low cost, and long life.
Mechatronics Integration
The typical control system composed of "programmable controller-sensor-pneumatic components" remains a key aspect of automation technology. The development of responsive control pneumatic components, closely integrated with electronic technology, has transitioned pneumatic technology from "switch control" to high-precision "feedback control." The development of hybrid integrated systems that reduce wiring, tubing, and components while simplifying installation has greatly improved system reliability. Today, with the decreasing coil power of solenoid valves and the increasing power of PLCs, direct control of solenoids by PLCs is becoming more feasible. Pneumatic stamping robots and pneumatic control are increasingly reliant on PLCs, and the development of valve island technology makes PLC control in pneumatic stamping robots and pneumatic systems even more effective.
