Low Cost X/Y/Z Liquid Handling Gantry

Industry: Education / Development Lab

Problem: 

A bioengineering student at the University of Pennsylvania recently needed an X/Y/Z linear robot to aid in the construction of a liquid handling system for a development lab project. The gantry speed requirement was relatively slow, accuracy was not critical, but repeatability was important to process functionality. Lastly, the system needed to fit within a tight budget.

 Solution:
To meet the motion requirements needed by the student, Macron engineers produced a unique solution using standardized parts. Constructed of MacSTANDARD MSA-PSC actuators and a connector kit, the X & Y axes of motion were solved. To provide Z axis function, a MacBUILT dual round rail screw table with motor mount was proposed.

 System benefits:

The MSA-PSC actuators are Macron Dynamics’ most economical line of belt driven actuators, fitting the tight budget constraint of the student and have quick turn-around with a 3 day lead-time. Easily transformed into a gantry module with Macron connector kits, PSC linear actuators are popular in light load applications. The actuator is capable of different mounting orientations, allowing for flexibility in design. Using standard parts to create a custom solution kept overall costs down.

Macron’s in-house machining and manufacturing facility produced the round screw table with stock motor adaptors to fit seamlessly with the PSC gantry system, only adding a few more days of lead-time.

Customer comments:

“No one was interested in my one-off project, but Macron took interest to learn more about my project. Their application engineer spent quite some time sketching out a unique, affordable solution to my problem. They made buying a gantry system an easy choice.”

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