Used Robot Manipulators for Sale — 933

A manipulator is a part of an industrial robot that undertakes the mechanical functions. The manipulator is used to instruct the robot and give it tasks. These instructions, delivered by the software (the robot's core) drive the robot's mechanical movements.

The history of a fascination

In the past, very simple machines that were similar to robots, and based solely on mechanics, were built. Jules Verne first used the word “robot” for these types of machines at the end of the 19th century. After the military gained great interest in the development and use of these machines, George Devol (USA) created the first patented programmable robotic manipulator in 1954. In the following years, the first industrial robots were used and further developed. In 1973, the “KUKA Roboter GmbH” produced the “FAMULUS”, an industrial robot with six electro-magnetic powered axles. One year later, a Swedish company presented their electrically-powered robots. From this point, and up until today, this basic principle of the industrial robot has not changed a lot. However, thanks to the steady development of robots, they work more efficiently, safely and have more possibilities, as well as smaller and lighter machines.

Areas of application and the function of a manipulator in industry

There are numerous areas where manipulators can be applied. In industry, they are used for assembly processes like welding, gluing, soldering or riveting components. They also often support components in production machines, like moving them from the machine onto the conveyor belt. Further tasks include holding the tools for processing, or measuring. Depending on the area of application, the industrial manipulator is usually equipped with a tool: the manipulator of a welding robot is equipped with a welding head; the manipulator of a measuring robot has a sensor; a robot used to hold or transport goods generally requires a gripping or a magnetic head. In many cases, the tool on the mechanical arm can be changed in order to be able to work more flexibly.

The translatory or rotating movements of the manipulator are always determined by a sensor. This measures, for example, the distance of the tool from the workpiece and workpiece's dimensions. This information is then processed in the robot's programme and then delivered onto the mechanics, which then moves the robot. Depending on the area of application, the manipulator either moves from a fixed location, using a jointed manipulator arm, and the workpiece stays in once place. Or the robotic manipulator itself is fixed, while the workpiece is moved, either by the table or another part of the robot. If a manipulator can only move one coordinate axis, then it doesn't make sense to use a manipulator with an expensive sensor system to try creating a straight seam using welding. If a component has a complex shape then it is essential to use a welding robot with a complex, mechanical, mobile manipulator. A manipulator is useful, even with changeable component dimensions, or varying movements in production. Manual manipulators are also available, in addition to the programmable and fully-automatic manipulators. The manual manipulator is usually used in dangerous areas, for example, mine fields, a nuclear power plant or under the sea where there is high pressure. These can either be controlled using a joystick or remote control.

Types of industrial manipulators

Industrial robots are a standard machine. The manipulator fits the area of operation and the tools that the robot uses. The types of manipulators are determined by its direction of movement: parallel or serial kinematics. On TradeMachines, you have access to different kinds of robotic manipulators such as hydraulic manipulator or forging manipulator.

Manipulator Manufacturers

Well-known manufacturers in the area of manipulators are, for example, ANDROMAT, ANVER, FEZER, IHF-JUNGENTHAL or FINKEN.