The portal version of the H 244 clearly illustrates the consistently hygienic design of this handling module: absolutely no water can collect on the inclined surfaces of the latticed stainless steel structure. The FDA compliant frame section is easily accessible for wet cleaning and is free of undercuts as well as internal corners and dead spaces in which dirt could accumulate. The same also goes, of course, with regard to the integrated delta robot. The drives for the robot axes are supported in the top part of the portal structure. Each motor is horizontally mounted to one of our gearboxes. A robot upper arm, attached to an articulated lower arm without a drive of its own, is screwed to each output flange. Control of all drives is coordinated to enable fast and precise gripper movements in the XYZ directions. Since encapsulating the complete drive unit does not guarantee a perfectly tight seal, MULTIVAC opted for an open system concept. Each component must consequently meet the hygienic requirements individually.

The many different applications in the delta robotics sector present the most diverse requirements for dynamics and cleanability. The version which is used in each case depends, among other things, on the necessary or optimized motion profiles (pick & place distances) as well as on the moving masses. MULTIVAC’s designers attached considerable importance to a high power density because it meant lower mechanical integration costs and drives which took up less space, and were easily accessible, when integrated in the portal frame.

Our series is suited for use in all manner of environments: we offer one version for dry areas, for example, and another for applications where strict hygienic and chemical resistance requirements apply. The special housing design prevents dirt and liquids from accumulating. The gearbox’s resilient and easy-to-clean surfaces are food safe and FDA compliant as well as resistant to acids and alkalis. All exterior parts are made from stainless steel. A high performance gear oil, non-toxic, class UH1 6 ensures that the gearboxes run maintenance-free.

The design of the surfaces was crucial here. MULTIVAC insisted that their resistance to corrosion should not be impaired either at installation time or subsequently during operation, for instance as a result of paint damage. This requirement was met in full – along with those of EHEDG and other relevant guidelines.

An austenitic stainless steel was chosen for the gearbox surfaces in MULTIVAC’s delta robots. This steel fulfills the increased corrosion resistance requirements which are specified for chlorinated alkaline foam cleaners where the oxidative component has a particularly strong effect on materials, or for chlorinated fluids as stipulated for food processing applications.