Shopbot terms

[newton_c]

Very basic question; What are the different types of shopbots and what do the names mean? I have heard the names PRT, PR, ALPHA, etc. and I assume, there is a top speed difference and improvement but I don't know what the actual difference would be. I know some of the newer ones have a heavier gantry.

On that subject... I bought mine used.. how do I tell what I have so I can relate the info here to mine and how it will help me? I looked all around it but didnt see it stamped "PR-anything".

[myxpykalix]

you might want to post a picture of it, that might help others i.d it for you.

[harryball]

There are not any formal stampings or logos on the machines. The PR PRT PRTAlpha or PRS are different names given to the bot over the years as they developed. Then, there are always ongoing upgrades that can change the machine performance dramtically as well.

Jack is correct, if you will post a photograph of the whole machine, the control box and the labels on the ends of the motors etc... someone here will be able to give you some spec information.

Robert

[bill.young]

Hi Newton,

The Reader's Digest answer is...

*The PR tools are the oldest and used gold utility strut for the rails. They were originally cable driven but later moved to rack and pinion

*The PRT tools used machined Angle Iron or bent steel angle for the rails which was powder coated blue. They were available in "Standard" which used a PC computer case for a Control Box, and "Alpha" that used an large rectangular aluminum Control Box

*The new PRS tools use aluminum extrusions for the beams and machined v-rails for the tool to roll on. They are also available in a "Standard" and an "Alpha" version, with the same styles of control boxes as the PRTs to let you know the difference.

Bill

[newton_c]

I do believe I have a PRT Standard according to your description. Thanks!