A gantry system is essentially a framework that allows for movement within an X, Y, Z coordinate system.

A gantry system is a type of linear motion system that may be used for automated material transport and machine tool indexing. Gantries are typically composed of two horizontal members which move along vertical guide rails, perpendicular to their direction of travel, and support rollers or slides which follow the contour of the track.

Gantry systems are made up of two main components: the gantry crane itself (which is sometimes called a bridge or catenary), and the carriers that move along it.

Although each system is different, gantry cranes typically have two horizontal rails with one or more towers placed between them. The towers are positioned to hold up one end of the rail while allowing the other to drop down either at a steep angle or all the way to the ground. The rails and towers form a triangle with one tall side and two shorter ones that can be as short as just a few inches.

Ways in which carriers are attached to the gantry crane vary from system to system, but typically some sort of carriage is utilised. This carriage slides along the rail(s) of the gantry crane and is connected to a load, which can be either fixed or movable.

Gantry cranes are used in pairs most of the time, one on each side of whatever it is they're lifting. This makes them most effective when lifting heavy loads from one side rather than directly overhead, as this allows for more precise positioning with less potential for damage to the load.

• 3+ axis of movement of almost any length
• Scalable
• Gearbox and motor can be sized according to range of motion and speeds
• Suitable for light to heavy / hanging loads
• Flexible and efficient due to linear axes scalability
• Inexpensive
• Better positioning accuracy