The finishing sector is undergoing a radical transformation. Thanks to automation and digital technologies, the Cartesian robot is becoming increasingly central to industrial painting processes and, in particular, spray coating.
These systems not only improve the precision and uniformity of the paint, but also help companies reduce energy consumption, increasing the efficiency of production lines. In this article, we will explore how Cartesian robots can bring advantages in terms of energy savings in spraying and energy recovery in painting.
What is a Cartesian robot?
A Cartesian robot (also called a linear or gantry robot) is a robotic system that moves along three orthogonal axes: X, Y and Z. This allows the robot to move in a linear and precise way in three-dimensional space. Its structure is composed of a frame that supports a mobile platform. This platform can move along the axes, allowing the robot to perform tasks such as picking, placing or assembling components with great precision.
Cartesian robots are easy to program and highly repeatable, which makes them ideal for industrial applications such as manufacturing, packaging, material handling and painting. In the latter application, the robots minimise overspray by applying paint only where it is needed. This not only reduces material waste but also allows for energy savings.
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How does a Cartesian robot work?
The Cartesian robot moves along the three axes thanks to motors that drive the platform precisely. The integrated control system guides the stepper or servo motors to perform movements accurately. This makes the robot ideal for pick-and-place and painting operations.
In an industrial context, the Cartesian robot can be programmed to pick components from a conveyor and position them with precision. Furthermore, some robots like iBotic are equipped with self-programming functions, which increases efficiency and reduces errors.
The advantages offered by a Cartesian robot
Cartesian robots offer many advantages. Here are the main ones:
- Superior precision: The precise movements lead to high-quality finishes that are difficult to achieve with manual methods.
- Increased operational efficiency: By automating repetitive tasks, downtime is reduced and efficiency is improved.
- Sustainability: Cartesian robots reduce the carbon footprint thanks to energy savings and the reduction of waste and volatile compounds in the air.
Ease of integration: These robots adapt easily to existing processes
Energy saving in spraying
One of the main advantages of Cartesian robots in painting is the reduction of waste. Thanks to precise control of the spray pattern and application distance, the robots limit overspray and ensure that paint is deposited only where needed.
This leads to a reduction in material consumption and energy savings by limiting additional touch-ups. Furthermore, the use of advanced software allows for the optimisation of paint and solvent mixing, adapting them to temperature and humidity conditions. This ensures optimal paint application, further reducing consumption.
Powerback systems: energy recovery in painting
Another great advantage of Cartesian robots is energy recovery through powerback technology. During the process, a portion of the energy that would normally be lost, such as during deceleration, is stored and then made available to other systems and therefore reused.
This improvement in energy efficiency significantly reduces operating costs. Powerback systems use sensors and algorithms to monitor energy consumption in real time, capturing excess energy to reuse it in other phases of the production process. This not only lowers costs but also contributes to more sustainable production.
The new iBotic: efficiency and reduced consumption
Cefla Finishing has developed iBotic, a high-performance Cartesian robot that has revolutionised the spray-painting sector. Thanks to an updated user interface and an integrated energy recovery system, iBotic is able to optimise efficiency and reduce consumption.
One of the most interesting new features is Timeskip, a device that allows for colour changes without interrupting production. One arm goes into stand-by for cleaning, while the other continues to paint, recovering up to 90 minutes of production time per shift!
A practical demonstration of this technology? Discover how the company Pianca managed to reduce production costs and maintain the same standards of quality, customisation and impeccable service with Timeskip: discover the Case Study.
✅New functions for greater productivity
The new functions of iBotic have been developed based on customer needs. The innovations include:
- Spray angle adjustment: Automatically adapts the paint application to different shapes.
- Quick gun cleaning: Optimises colour changes and reduces downtime.
- Simplified maintenance: The water circulation system reduces areas of stagnation, improving cleaning.
These functions increase productivity and efficiency, making the robot ideal for meeting the growing demand for customised production.
✅New user interface
The iBotic user interface has been designed to be simple and intuitive. Operators can easily manage and program the robot, with rapid learning and without the need for complex training. Furthermore, iBotic integrates seamlessly with ERP systems for optimal production management.
✅Energy recovery system: reduction of running costs
Of course, a powerback system has also been implemented on the new iBotic, which allows for energy savings of 15-20%, reducing operating costs and increasing overall sustainability.
Discover more on iBotic in this webinar.
In summary, the Cartesian robot represents an innovative solution for the painting sector, offering advantages in terms of energy savings, efficiency and superior performance. With the adoption of advanced technologies such as energy recovery, manufacturers can not only reduce costs but also improve the sustainability of their operations.
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