Last Updated on Apr 23, 2021 by James W
Researchers believe they’re close to inventing a more budget-friendly alternative to traditional industrial robots for some milling applications. The alternative being debated here is the robotic arm.
Traditional robots can be utilized for milling tasks, but they are no match to the robotic arm when it comes down to accuracy. A milling robot arm can produce components with complex designs of the utmost eminence using CNC-type manufacturing techniques.
Robotic milling can have versatile cutting systems and instruments designed to adapt to material removal techniques. Such techniques include grinding, wire cutting, edge cutting, sanding, and blade cutting.
The robotic arm allows you to implement milling tasks on a vast range of materials, for instance, form and plastics, concrete, wood, marble, and even carbon fiber. Any item of any size or shape can be milled by changing the programming and end-effector for the task.
This review will, in detail, look at the robotic milling process, the importance of having system integration for your milling application, the advantages of robotic milling tasks, and plenty more besides.
What Does the Robotic Milling Process Involve?
Milling is a machining procedure that utilizes a turning, multi-edge blade to eliminate fragments from a certain structure. Robotic arms can perform the precise cuts and motions required to yield the highest quality components.
The varying shapes or sizes required are fabricated with simple robotic arm changes, programming, and versatile (end-of-arm tooling (EOAT). It is not difficult to see why milling is the favored technique for mold fabrication and prototyping.
What Is the Significance of Having System Integration for Robotic Milling?
A decent system integrator has numerous qualities, in addition to the cutting-edge tech to help you perform your milling tasks. Regardless of the task that needs automating, system integration will always provide a speedy return on investment (ROI).
A robotic integrator can assist you with deciding the best robotic arm for your milling applications. Trade-tested integrators are experienced in coming up with and implementing solutions that can match their client’s requirements regardless of size.
Milling integrators go further even to audit your system requirements and give you a solution that will boost productivity and the yield quality; this ensures that your earnings outweigh your expenses.
What Are the Advantages of Robotic Milling Over Traditional Milling Methods?
Robotic Milling Offers Versatility
The typical 6-axis articulated robotic arm gives you more versatility than a traditional milling machine. A robotic arm can process complex pieces from various angles. Rather than reclasping and repositioning the model or shape over and over, the robot can stay static.
Robotic Milling Increases Thruput
Milling tasks with a mechanical arm can boost the overall thruput. A robot is more reliable and precise. With fewer errors, and less time spent moving the mechanical arm, the milling process is enhanced, making it quicker.
Robotic Milling Is Ideal for The Soft Materials Used in Milling Tasks
A significant number of the materials utilized in molds and prototypes are delicate—for instance, foam, clay, plastic, and marble. A mechanical arm is appropriate for working with any product.
Robotic Milling Is Affordable
Milling with a mechanical arm is amazingly efficient. In contrast to milling devices, robotic arms can be redistributed to perform different tasks in a shop, including spot and arc welding as well as material handling.
Robotic arms can streamline the production process, thereby saving on time and boosting yield. Also, robotic arms can handle more work without the help of manual operators.
Robotic Milling Requires Less Working Space
When performing milling tasks using a robotic arm, you don’t require so much space compared to traditional milling methods. This is because the robotic arm does not operate in a fixed frame. The robotic arm can move around the floor area.
Final Thought
To sum it all up, milling processes can proceed without the involvement of any automation whatsoever. However, as illustrated above, the benefits of involving robotic arms in milling tasks outweigh the disadvantages.
