Features and Advantages of Four-Axis SCARA Robots

Overview of Four-Axis SCARA Robots

Four-axis SCARA robots were initially designed for assembly applications and are significantly different from traditional articulated robots. Their name is derived from their outstanding performance in assembly tasks. The four-axis SCARA robot features a 4-axis mechanical arm design, which includes base rotation, two rotational joints in the same vertical plane, and a linear movement in the vertical direction. Its unique configuration provides high stiffness in the vertical direction while maintaining a certain degree of compliance in the horizontal direction.

Characteristics of Four-Axis SCARA Robots

Four-axis SCARA robots are characterized by high speed and high acceleration and can operate accurately in environments with strict tolerance requirements. Their excellent dynamic performance makes them essential in industrial production, providing reliable automation solutions for various high-precision, high-efficiency operations.

Typically, four-axis SCARA robots are relatively small, with a maximum load capacity of about 20kg and a working radius ranging from 450mm to 800mm. Despite their limited size, they perform excellently in applications such as electronic assembly, precision machining, packaging, small press feeding, and glue dispensing. However, due to their only 4-axis configuration, their application range is somewhat limited, mainly suitable for fast handling and assembly tasks within a horizontal plane.

Performance and Market Advantages of Four-Axis SCARA Robots

To quantify the performance of different robots, the industry uses the robot standard cycle time (Goalpost Test) as the evaluation standard. This test consists of a 25mm vertical upward movement, a 300mm horizontal movement, and a 25mm vertical downward movement, simulating a typical assembly process. The four-axis SCARA robot can complete this reciprocating motion in as little as 0.3 seconds, much faster than comparable six-axis articulated robots, showcasing its high-speed, high-efficiency operational capabilities.

In the global market, four-axis SCARA robots account for about 12% of sales, particularly favored in the Asian market. The Asian electronics manufacturing industry is extensive, with high demand for high-precision, high-speed assembly robots, and four-axis SCARA robots perfectly meet this market demand. According to data from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) in 2013, the Asian market accounted for about 50% of global SCARA robot sales, further confirming their widespread application and market advantage in the electronics industry.

With their advantages of high speed, high precision, and high stability, four-axis SCARA robots play an important role in assembly, handling, packaging, and other industrial production processes. Their compact structure and quick response make them an ideal automation solution for industries such as electronics manufacturing and automotive parts production. With the further development of smart manufacturing and industrial automation, four-axis SCARA robots will play an increasingly important role in global industrial production.