We often hear from first-time customers who are overwhelmed by the variety of terms used to describe “industrial manipulators,” leaving them unsure of which product to look for when adding or upgrading equipment in their work environments.
Their confusion is understandable. Terms like pneumatic manipulators, lift assists, ergonomic manipulators, material handling equipment, jib cranes, vacuum lifts, and hydraulic arms are just a few of the many names used to describe machines that perform similar functions.
If you're searching for one of these products, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of how each machine operates and how well it will fit into your existing workflows. Here's what you need to know.
What does an industrial manipulator do?
An industrial manipulator is a machine featuring a rigid steel arm designed for complex pneumatic tilts and rotations, even when the product being moved is off-center from its mass.
Controlled by a human operator, the manipulator enables easy and precise movement to lift, lower, and transport products with accuracy.
Industrial manipulators are often used in situations where:
- A product is too heavy for manual handling
- A product needs to be moved to a location that's difficult or time-consuming for a person to access, such as a very high shelf
- There's a risk of injury if a person moves the product manually
- A person would quickly tire from moving products manually
- A large volume of products needs to be moved quickly and efficiently
The ability of the manipulator to move products outside of its center of mass becomes increasingly crucial when dealing with heavier loads or awkwardly shaped items. In such cases, other machines, like industrial balancers with cables, may not work as effectively with products that are heavier or irregularly shaped.
How does an industrial manipulator differ from a cable balancer?
As mentioned earlier, cable balancers, also known as rigid arm manipulators, are ideal for handling lighter objects with standard shapes.
Unlike machines without cables, which rely solely on a rigid arm, cable balancers use steel or nylon cables to move products up or down.
In most systems, cables are routed around pulleys on pneumatic cylinders. As these cylinders open or close, the cables move the product accordingly. Some cable systems are mounted on horizontal arms to allow movement around a central point, but all lifting is performed via the cables. For products with a small center of mass, some minor manipulation can be achieved through the tooling.
Who uses manipulators and cable balancers?
Manipulators and cable balancers are utilized across a broad range of industries worldwide to enhance efficiency and ensure safety. Some of the industries that rely on these machines include:
- Construction
- Packaging and packaging lines
- Textiles
- Chemicals
- Food
- Mechanics
- Electromechanics
- Foundry
- Automotive
- Woodworking
Which type of manipulator should you use in your work environment?
If you're unsure whether a rigid arm with cables (a balancer) or a rigid arm without cables (a manipulator) is best for your work environment, consider the following factors:
- The weight of the product you need to move
- The size and shape of the product
- The trajectory of the movement you need the machine to perform
Lighter products (typically under 200 lbs) with standard shapes that require only vertical movement are ideal candidates for a cable-balancer arm.
Heavier products (up to 2,000 lbs), items with irregular shapes, or products that need both horizontal and vertical movement are better suited for industrial manipulators.
