Glossary Updates12 new terms added to the glossaries · October 2, 2026, 22:44 CEST
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Glossary · Robotics

Robot flange

Also known as: Mechanical interface, Tool flange, Mounting flange

German: Roboterflansch

In robotics, the robot flange is the mechanical interface at the end of the manipulator to which end effectors are attached. ISO 9409-1 standardizes the dimensions of flange plates, such as pitch circle, bolt holes and locating pin.

  • Robotics
  • Standards

In one sentence

The robot flange is the mechanical interface at the end of the arm where tools mount; ISO 9409-1 standardizes flange plates.

Example

Because the robot flange follows ISO 9409-1, the gripper from the old robot could be mounted with the same adapter plate.

How it applies

  • Engineering: The flange defines the mechanical coordinate system (tool zero) from which tool data is measured. Adapter plates or Tool changer modules sit between flange and tool.
  • Assembly: Tightening torques, locating pins and the orientation mark ensure the tool is mounted repeatably; a rotated tool invalidates the TCP data.
  • Documentation: The documentation team should give flange size and standard, screw sizes and tightening torques, and the orientation of the flange coordinate system, and should reference the flange in the Interface specification between robot supplier and tool builder.

Robot flange vs. tool center point

The flange is a physical interface with a fixed coordinate system. The Tool center point (TCP) is a defined point on the tool, given as an offset from the flange.

By knowledge.aitechdoc.world · Published September 26, 2026 · Last reviewed

Source: ISO 9409-1:2004, Manipulating industrial robots — Mechanical interfaces — Part 1: Plates

Definitions follow the cited standards and specifications. Where a source is a copyrighted publication, such as an ISO, IEC or EN standard, the definition is a close paraphrase, not a verbatim quotation, so as not to infringe copyright. We recommend reading the original publication. The sections “How it applies” are editorial commentary by AI TechDoc Blog and are not part of any standard.

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