How is the robolink® made?

Vishaka Upreti | 15 April 2021

The igus robolink is available in various different models: robolink DC and DCi, and robolink DP and DPi.

The robolink DC works over 4 or 5 rotating axes and is made from symmetrical rotating joints which are available in high end or standard options. The joints pivot about slewing rings which feature polymer slewing ring bearings for dry operation and a low coefficient of friction. This robolink is available in a small or large version, the former reaches to 600mm and can lift a 1kg payload while the latter can lift a 3kg payload and reaches up to 710mm. These can be customised according to degrees of freedom (DOF), motor encoder, and output encoder. The robolink DCi is the same as the DC version but comes with the control system, required cables and cable management, and INI.

The robolink DP is also available with 4 or 5 DOF. This is a polymer-based version of the DC and uses ball bearings in its joints to increase speeds and accuracy while remaining lightweight. The small version of the DP reaches up to 620mm and has a payload capacity of 3kg; whereas the large DP reaches up to 790mm and can also lift 3kg. The joints are made with ball bearing joints to reduce weight, while increasing speed and accuracy.

Meanwhile, the robolink DPi is the same as the robolink DP but is inclusive of control system along with the cables, cable management, and INI.

The igus robolink arms are all made using standard igus parts to best produce high precision, high speed, and high payload capacities over their 4-5 DOF axes. In addition to the polymer-reinforced components, by utilising standard parts from its own product range, igus is able to keep the costs down and the standards up for this adaptable product.