Tormach, a supplier of “affordable and compact” CNC machines, has launched its latest product, the ZA6 robot.
The company says the ZA6 robot is built to industrial standards, utilizing EtherCAT servo motors, harmonic gear drives, and aluminum castings. It can carry a 6 kg payload through a reach of 975 mm with impressive speed and repeatability.
Requiring only 20 A of single-phase 220 VAC, it can be installed almost anywhere. At less than $20,000, it represents “one of the best-value robots on the market”, according to Tormach.
The ZA6 is the only industrial robot to use Python as its programming language. Python is popular, easy to learn, powerful, and because it’s commonplace, it makes it incredibly easy to integrate ZA6 with other Python-driven systems.
With over 200,000 Python libraries available, most of the work required to connect the ZA6 to the outside world has already been done.
The ZA6 is powered by PathPilot, Tormach’s award-winning control software. The company says PathPilot is “so user-friendly that no expertise in industrial robotics is required to program the ZA6 in most applications”.
Tormach is committed to helping customers succeed, providing resources like a YouTube tutorial series, user forums, and industry-leading technical support.
Tormach’s PathPilot Robot control system is built on Robot Operating System, the world’s most popular computing platform for robotics research. Because ROS and PathPilot are open-source, the ZA6 is particularly attractive to people who ROS researchers or others who need code transparency, or want access to low-level system variables.
Andrew Grevstad, Tormach’s business development director, says: “The new ZA6 robot is a natural addition to Tormach’s product line.
“Like our CNC mills, lathes, plasma tables and routers, it is designed for ease of use. It is perfect for entrepreneurs, small businesses, educators, and is available at an attractive price point.”
The ZA6 starts at $18,450 which includes the robot, electrical cabinet, control computer, and PathPilot control software. Tormach offers the ZA6, and a selection of accessories, for direct purchase via the company’s e-commerce website.
Key specifications of the ZA6 include:
- Weight (robot + electrical cabinet): 146 lbs. (65 kg)
- Payload: 13 lbs. (6 kg)
- Reach: 38” (975 mm)
- Repeatability: +/- 0.5 mm/0.020”
- Digital Inputs: 12 (10 user inputs, 2 dedicated safety inputs)
- Digital Outputs: 12
- I/O Power Supply: 24 Volt 2 Amp
- Power Supply: 200-240 Vac, 50-60 Hz, Single-Phase Power
As with all Tormach products, customers will receive free remote technical support via email, phone, and video chat.
