Glossary of Terms
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- Accuracy :
A measure of deviation between wanted and attained points.
- Actuator : A pneumatic device
that converts air pressure into motion.
- Angular Gripper : A gripper
with jaws that swing an arc.
- Assembly Robot :
A electro pneumatic mechanism that uses automation to add parts to a
product in a sequence to make a finished part or assembly.
- Automation : A process that
is performed using programmable machine.
- Automated Assembly Equipment :
A machine or system designed to automate production.
- Axis : The plane in which a
rotation body turns.
- Base : A platform
that supports other equipment.
- Cartesian :
A robot’s arm that has three axes that are coincident with a Cartesian
coordinate.
- Controller : A piece of hardware
that provides human control of a mechanical system.
- Collision Sensor : A device
that detects a crash situation and shuts down the machine before major
damage can occur. a.k.a. Load limitor, Crash protection, Overload protection,
Safety joint, Robotic clutch and many more names.
- Cycle : A single set of complete
moves within an automation system.
- Degree of Freedom :
The number of independent joints, each joint represents a degree of
freedom.
- End Effector :
The last mechanical piece or device to perform the intended task. Common
end –effectors are Pneumatic grippers, Vacuum cups and Weld guns.
- End of Arm Tooling : The last
mechanical piece or device placed on the end of a robotic arm. See End-effector.
- Factory Automation
: Industrial machinery or processes that use control systems primarily
to increase production.
- Fixed or Hard Automation :
Automated systems that are mainly used for large production runs where
little flexibility is needed.
- Flexible Automation
: Custom assembly systems that have the ability to switch quickly from
product to product in short times.
- Grippers :
Pneumatically activated device to manipulate, hold or move parts in
an automated system.
- Industrial Automation
Equipment : Programmable automatic
machines and processes that replace human operators.
- Industrial Manipulators :
A mechanism used to move or position parts. Commonly known as Grippers,
Magnets, Suction cups, and hooks.
- Integrator :
A company that combines software and hardware automation components
into a unified assembly system.
- Linear Actuator
: A pneumatic linear actuator provides linear motion via an air cylinder,
shafting and a moving carriage along a linear axis.
- Load Limiters :
See Collision sensors.
- Manipulator :
A mechanical device used to move objects. See gripper.
- O-Ring Assembly
: O rings or seals are manipulated using a pneumatic device that stretches
the o-rings in an hexagonal shape and places it on a part being assembled.
- Parallel Gripper
: A gripper with jaws that travel in a parallel axes.
- Parts Feeders : A device that
distributes and orients parts so that automated assembly equipment can
pick and place components. This devise works in conjunction with a feed
escapement.
- Pick and Place : A simple machine
used to move and place parts in a specific location.
- Powered Slide
: An assembly of internal double acting air cylinder mated to shafts
and a carriage to perform a linear motion.
- Pneumatic Gripper : A gripper
that uses pressurized air to move mechanical jaws. See gripper.
- Robot : A programmable
machine with one or more degrees of freedom that accomplishes a curtain
task.
- Robotic End Effector : A manipulator
used to move objects specifically used on robots. See grippers.
- Rodless Linear Actuator :
A linear motion device that provides long travel with a short carriage
via a magnetically coupled air cylinder.
- Rotary Actuator
: A pneumatically driven device that provides repeatable rotary motion
about an axis with zero backlash.
- SCARA
: Acronym for Selective Compliance Robotic Arm. A robotic arm that has
two parallel axis in a plane.
- Sensor :
A device that detects part present, magnetism or motion and transmits
a signal back to a controller.
- Tool Changer :
A system used to change out tooling or work pieces in a rapid manor
to increase productivity in an automation system. Two mating parts called
the Robot half and Tool half lock together to form a seamless bond between
the robot and the end effector.
- X Y
Z : The plane
in which an automation system or robots works forming a Cartesian coordinate.
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