Gantry Robot for Surface Treatment from Above

A Gantry Robot is a robot mounted on an overhead three-axis linear system that travels along X, Y and Z axes across the full span of the work area. It operates from above, giving it access to all surfaces of large and complex components without repositioning the workpiece.

The gantry configuration is primarily used for painting, where our painting robots apply coatings directly to large and complex components from above. For tasks requiring precise and uniform application across large surfaces, our spray painting robots deliver consistent results in two- and three-coat systems with polyurethane and epoxy – including epoxy with glass flakes.

An integrated video system records each painting operation with a part number and time stamp. If documentation is needed for a specific job within the past one to two weeks, the recording can be retrieved quickly for quality control or traceability purposes.

The robot is an ABB IRB 5500 or 5510 with ATEX Zone 2 certification for the area below the robot, where paint application takes place. Control equipment, HMI and the vision system are positioned above the ATEX zone. PLC equipment and frequency converters are from Beckhoff, with one central CPU connected to decentralised I/Os and communication via Ethernet/IP. Our automated paint system integrates directly with the robot and handles paint flow, pressure and material switching throughout the process.

A Gantry Robot is the right choice when you need to coat large or tall components where floor-mounted or rail-guided systems cannot provide sufficient reach, and where floor space needs to remain available for material handling. If your production involves significant variation in component size and geometry between runs, the system adapts to each individual component via 3D scanning – without manual reprogramming between jobs.

If your production involves smaller components moving through a continuous line, an In-Line Robot or Floor-driven Robot may be a more suitable solution. For production that also requires blasting before painting, our sandblasting robots can be integrated as part of the same facility setup.

A Gantry Robot is programmed using the Inropa™ Programmer, an offline programming system based on 3D CAD models. The system assists the operator in generating robot paths and adapts the programme to the component’s actual position via 3D scanning and the Inropa™ PoseFitter module. In complex areas, manual path adjustments can be made directly in the software.

A Gantry Robot is primarily used for painting and can be configured for various coating tasks depending on the requirements of the components and the specific production. The system handles polyurethane and epoxy – including epoxy with glass flakes – and supports airless spray guns, electrostatic applicators and air mix systems.

ATEX certification covers equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres such as paint booths where solvent vapours are present. The Gantry Robot is delivered with ATEX Zone 2 certification for the area below the robot where paint application takes place. Control equipment and the vision system are positioned above the ATEX zone.

The gantry system mounts to your building’s existing structural framework and runs under the ceiling of the paint booth. The system is configured to match your facility layout and component dimensions. We always adapt the solution to your production.