Recent developments in milling technology provide a high level of precision and flexibility. An industrial milling robot can shape any material regardless of its size, performing the right programming and using the end-of-arm tooling that suits the application and thus producing quality parts with a high level of detail.
Industrial robots used for the milling process are based on optimal precision machining, in order to check product quality and make sure the equipment is performing correctly.
The client is responsible for establishing these calibration parameters. This process is carried out through offline programming. This simulation tool allows for a more complete view of the robot’s behavior in different spaces and can fix errors before being installed in the production cell. In order for this programming to be as accurate as possible and to obtain good results, it is necessary to take into account the compatibility between the software (CAD/CAM), industrial robot and the work cell. Remember that correctly configuring the program will allow the robotic system to better perform the application. Before starting the calibration process, make sure that this program is easy to use, easy to understand and that it is easy to adjust the robot, as this will save you time.
Currently, there are many options and manufactures that offer the ideal industrial robots for this milling process.
KUKA: provides a wide variety of flexible, versatile and precise robots that can execute the milling process in pieces up to 20 meters in length, using multiple or stationary machining. Here are a few examples: KR QUANTEC, KR500 FORTEC, KR 30, KR 60 HA and KR 100 HA, among many others.
ABB: provides equipment that optimizes the milling application with high productivity and precision, these are a few of the series that are suitable for this process: IRB 6660, IRB 7600, IRB 4400, IRB 2400, IRB 2600 and IRB 140, among many others.
FANUC: offers robots with longer uptimes, high speeds and maximum flexibility for greater performance; among its products we can find: R-2000iC Series, M-10iA and M-20iA Series, LR Mate 200iD Series, P-350iA Series, and many more.
MOTOMAN: presents a series of robots with acceleration capabilities that reduce cycle times, help to eliminate inconsistencies, thus improving performance and product quality while optimizing production. Examples: H280 II, ES165RD II, GP400R, GP165R.
The use of industrial robots in a milling system offers a larger work space with the ability to expand it by adding an external axis, increasing malleability thanks to the robots having greater freedom of movement, making the robot flexible in every detail of the milling process and giving way to a wide variety of applications, with the ability to work on a variety of materials performing large-scale tasks. The industrial robot is more affordable and profitable, generating a rapid return on investment (ROI), increasing performance and efficiency with reduced costs and offering easy integration into different processes.
One example of a compatible robotic milling system is Robotic Hitech Solutions with a Kuka KR240 robot brand, with a KRC2ed05 controller and with a complete Robot Sprutcam software for processes with foam, wood and marble. This system offers easy integration into a CNC plasma cutting machine (2D or 3D) with an incredible work area, high speed, easy to operate, offering maximum safety, performance and productivity. It is a high-level solution for industrial automation.