Gantry systems are overhead structures that hold and support robots, providing extended reach for welding large assemblies. They allow robots to access areas they couldn’t otherwise reach and are mounted on tracks for extended travel—covering parts hundreds of feet long.
Three main gantry configurations:
The transportation industry primarily uses gantries due to part size. Trailers, truck bodies, and trains all benefit from gantry systems because these parts are simply too large for standard robotic cells.
Gantry systems represent one of Mach Machines’ core strengths and a differentiator from competitors. Most integrators avoid these large-scale projects. We specialize in gantries for welding and take on the projects others turn down.
Unlike our pre-engineered systems designed for faster deployment with standardized configurations, gantry systems are engineered specifically for your oversized parts and reach requirements.
Most integrators avoid large-scale gantry projects due to risk concerns and project scope. Hand programming on a ladder is dangerous and impractical for huge systems. These projects require complete engineering capabilities, safety systems for large-scale automation, and programming expertise to handle multiple external axes.
We specialize in large-format welding systems and have the “whatever it takes to make it work” approach these projects demand. We only automate existing manual processes. If you’re welding by hand today, we can automate the process. This approach eliminates risk while achieving proven results.
Work with an integrator whose primary business is designing gantry systems for welding, not an integrator who occasionally undertakes a project.
All mechanical and electrical engineering is done at Mach Machines. Every gantry system includes Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for structural validation. We deliver complete turnkey solutions.
We always approach from the custom side initially. If an existing design is close to what you need, you benefit from reduced engineering time. If you need something completely new, we’ll design it. The goal is to deliver working solutions.
Hand programming on a ladder is dangerous and impractical for huge systems. Office-based programming with our VC software makes this practical and safe.
The software handles multiple external axes. The robot has six internal axes, the gantry adds external axes, and positioners add more axes. Our software solves all of these in multiple configurations. You can lock specific axes if needed—robot-only welding or track-only welding, depending on your application. This flexibility lets you choose what works best for your parts.
Track auto-lubrication systems keep systems running smoothly. Gantry systems have surprisingly low preventative maintenance requirements despite their scale.
We conduct safety assessments for every gantry system. Latest technology includes area scanners, light curtains, park position sensors, presence sensors, and proximity sensors. These systems ensure safe collaboration between large automation systems and your workforce. Safety is especially important for big, complicated systems where people work near massive moving structures.
Works with Server Robot seam tracking for post-weld quality inspection. The laser rescans completed welds and identifies out-of-spec areas: undercut, width variations, height irregularities. It automatically spray-paints problem areas to focus rework efforts on specific locations. This is better for larger companies producing many parts. Small companies typically use visual inspection instead. For massive parts, REA Jet prevents the need for complete visual inspection on every weld across the entire assembly.
Transportation manufacturers primarily use gantries because their parts are huge. Trailers, truck bodies, and trains all require the extended reach that gantry systems provide. The parts are simply too large for standard robotic cells to access all the weld locations.
Mach Machines specializes in large-format welding systems that other integrators avoid. Our gantry expertise integrates with our complete automation approach for oversized parts and assemblies.
Our complete automation solutions include:
Contact us to discuss your large-scale welding application and explore gantry solutions.
We specialize in the large-format welding systems that other integrators turn down.
Partner with an integrator whose main business is gantries for welding.
Gantry systems can cover very long parts—hundreds of feet is possible. They’re mounted on tracks for extended travel, providing the reach needed for oversized assemblies common in transportation manufacturing. We design gantry systems specifically for your part sizes and reach requirements.
Hand programming on a ladder is dangerous and impractical for huge systems. We use office-based programming with VC Robotics software for safety. The software handles multiple external axes—the robot’s six internal axes, plus gantry axes, plus positioner axes. You can lock specific axes if needed for different welding strategies, giving you flexible programming options based on your application.
We conduct safety assessments for every gantry system and integrate the latest safety technology: area scanners, light curtains, park position sensors, presence sensors, and proximity sensors. These systems ensure safe collaboration between large automation and your workforce. Safety is especially important for big, complicated systems where people work near massive moving structures.
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Cincinnati, Ohio 45242
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