Lifting Axis ZH90 for car parts
Lifting Axis ZH90 for car parts
SYSTEM AND SELECTION
JOINT OR ROPE MANIPULATOR?
Two designs, two strengths. A direct comparison will clarify which design is suitable for which application.
Joint manipulator or rope manipulator? Both types belong to the category of industrial manipulators, but differ fundamentally in construction, movement behavior, and area of application.
Which design is right depends on the load, the lifting height, the available installation space, and the precision requirements. In practice, the two concepts complement each other. An articulated manipulator guides the load rigidly via mechanical arms, while a rope manipulator lifts the load using an actively controlled steel cable. What initially sounds like two variations of the same device are actually two tools with different philosophies.
CONSTRUCTION
JOINT MANIPULATOR: RIGID AND PRECISE
The articulated manipulator consists of two or more rigid arms connected by rotary joints. At the end is the load-bearing element, which securely holds the load. The entire mechanism transfers the load moment into the supporting structure. The operator moves the load manually, but always guides it via the mechanical joints. There is no free movement on the cable, no oscillation, and no lateral movement outside the intended path.
This design is particularly suitable when loads need to be joined in a specific orientation, when attachments to the load-handling device (grippers, clamping frames, vacuum lifters) require rigid guidance, and when the workspace is confined. Typical applications include automotive final assembly, handling high-voltage batteries, the glass and window industry, and joining operations in special-purpose machine construction.
CONSTRUCTION
ROPE MANIPULATOR: FLEXIBLE AND SENSITIVE
The rope manipulator lifts the load using a steel cable or a belt pulley system, which is wound and unwound by a driven drum, or via a pulley system. An active load control system detects the operator's force and supports the movement in real time. The load remains attached to the rope, but can be controlled so precisely that even delicate components can be lifted with an accuracy of just a few grams.
The advantages lie in the large lifting height, long reach, and intuitive operation. The operator moves the load almost weightlessly. However, the load is not rigidly guided laterally. Where this is not necessary, the rope manipulator fully demonstrates its strengths: in logistics, when loading machining centers, and when lifting packaging units or bagged goods.
CONSTRUCTION
ROPE MANIPULATOR: FLEXIBLE AND SENSITIVE
The rope manipulator lifts the load using a steel cable or a belt pulley system, which is wound and unwound by a driven drum, or via a pulley system. Active load control detects the operator's force and supports the movement in real time. The load remains attached to the rope, but can be adjusted so precisely that even delicate components can be lifted with an accuracy of just a few grams.
The advantages lie in the large lifting height, long reach, and intuitive operation. The operator moves the load almost weightlessly. However, the load is not rigidly guided laterally. Where this is not necessary, the rope manipulator fully demonstrates its strengths: in logistics, when loading machining centers, and when lifting packaging units or bagged goods.
COMPARISON
CONSTRUCTION IN DIRECT COMPARISON
In the articulated manipulator, the load is guided by mechanical arms. The lifting motion is achieved conventionally via a pneumatic cylinder. The entire system is robust, mechanically easy to maintain, and, if correctly designed, extremely durable.
In a rope manipulator, an integrated pulley system with a steel cable performs the lifting motion. The drive regulates the cable so that the operator no longer feels any weight. This design is more compact but requires pneumatic or electronic controls and regular cable inspection.
COMPARISON
LOAD AREA AT A GLANCE
Zeilhofer's articulated manipulators are designed for loads up to 800 kg. They are suitable for medium-weight workpieces requiring high lateral precision. Zeilhofer manufactures cable manipulators in the Acer and ZH70 series, covering the range of light to medium loads. For very heavy loads up to 1,200 kg, the ZH90 lifting axis is used, which is also based on a rigid linear guide.
COMPACT
CONSTRUCTION TYPES AT A GLANCE
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Articulated manipulator: up to 800 kg, rigid track
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Acer / ZH70 rope manipulator: light to medium weight
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Lifting axis ZH90: up to 1,200 kg
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UVV inspection required according to DGUV Regulation 54
FUNCTION
WHEN WHICH DESIGN IS RIGHT FOR YOU
A articulated arm manipulator is the right choice when the load needs to be guided precisely laterally, when joining operations are performed with a defined path, or when bulky workpieces need to be positioned in confined spaces.
A rope manipulator is ideal when large lifting heights need to be achieved, when the finest load control is required during lifting, and when the operator wants to move the load freely in space without a rigid path.
Zeilhofer manufactures both designs in lightweight aluminum construction, with no pendulum action and optional 48-volt battery operation. We would be happy to discuss which design best suits your application in a preliminary consultation, taking into account the load, lifting height, workpiece, and workspace.
FAQ / Q&A
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
01 What is the difference between a joint manipulator and a cable manipulator?
An articulated manipulator guides the load via rigid arms and joints. The load never hangs freely and can be precisely positioned laterally. A rope manipulator lifts the load via a tensioned steel cable with active load control. It allows for greater lifting heights and very precise load dosing, but the load is not rigidly guided laterally.
02 What loads can a articulated arm manipulator move?
Zeilhofer articulated manipulators are designed for loads up to 800 kg. They are particularly suitable for medium-weight workpieces requiring high lateral precision.
03 What loads can a rope manipulator move?
Cable manipulators are typically used for light to medium loads. Their strength lies in precise load control and large lifting height. Zeilhofer manufactures cable manipulators to order in the Acer and ZH70 series.
04 When is a joint manipulator the right choice?
A joint manipulator is the right choice when the load needs to be guided precisely laterally, when joining operations with a defined path are performed, or when bulky workpieces need to be positioned in confined spaces.
05 When is a rope manipulator the right choice?
A rope manipulator is ideal when large lifting heights need to be achieved, when the finest load control is required during lifting, and when the operator wants to move the load freely in space without a rigid path.