Expert Live Q&A: Articulated Arms

Welcome to the ‘Articulated Arms’ question and answer session. 

Taking viewer questions in this Q&A is Adam Bigelow, our articulated arms Product Manager. In this Q&A, we’re exploring the robust articulated arms/torque tube product portfolio from Atlas Copco. The session begins with a brief introduction to Atlas Copco articulated arms from Adam, who explains that we have smaller, tabletop options like the SMS, SML, and AX1 arms. Our larger, floor-mounted options include the AXF, and we have an AXR arm which is rail mounted. When asked whether our torque arms and tubes are ordered standard through a catalog or custom through our Application Center (APC), Adam explains that it depends. Arms like the SMS and SML are standard, but floor-mounted arms are often more complicated and require going through the APC. 

Following this, a question about delivery times is submitted. Adam explains that standard arms within our catalog are typically delivered to the customer’s facility within a week. Custom options, due to their complicated nature, take a bit more time. Custom orders can take anywhere from 6-12 weeks, depending on the requirements of the order. When asked about the size range of Atlas Copco torque arms, Adam says that the smaller arms like the SMS and SML have a torque range of 12-150 Nm. Standard floor-mounted arms have a range of 270-2,000 Nm, while rail-mounted arms have a maximum of 370 Nm. Next, a viewer asks whether all Atlas Copco torque arms and tubes require air to run. Adam explains that they do not. We have spring balancing versions, shock versions, and pneumatic versions within our product portfolio.  

We then move into the topic of Atlas Copco torque tubes. Currently, there are two torque tube options available, the Reaction Suspension System – HTS and our SMC carbon tubes. When a question comes in about recommended articulated arms for moving lines, Adam suggests the HTS or the SMC, as both were designed to be on a rail or carriage and can move along with the product part. Next, a question is submitted about positioning systems available for Atlas Copco articulated arms and torque tubes. Adam explains that previously, we had TPS and PRS as positioning systems. We have since developed Industrial Location Guidance (ILG), which is an integrated, stand-alone error proofing system. It’s web-based, intuitive, and easy to learn, configure, and program. We end the Q&A with a question about whether there are options for facilities with no overhead rail system. Adam recommends the AX Jib, which utilizes a pillar and boom. Customers can add a rail system to the boom, and it allows for overhead support.