In the robotics industry, having a CNC machining capability is essential. Robots are generally used in manufacturing and other industrial applications. And their accuracy and precision depend on the quality of the parts.
CNC machining allows for high accurate and precise parts. So if you are looking to build a robot, include CNC machining in your plans. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the basics of CNC machining and how to use it in the robotics industry. Stay tuned!
What is CNC Robotics?
CNC Robotics is the use of robotic technology in manufacturing processes. Computer numerical control machines refer to computers to control machine tools. Robotics is the branch of engineering that deals with design and construction of robots. In CNC robotics we use robots that can carry out manufacturing tasks such as;
- Welding
- Fabricating
- And CNC machining
CNC robotics has several advantages over traditional manufacturing methods:
- It allows for greater accuracy and repeatability.
- It is generally used to create products and critical parts. The parts that otherwise are impractical or impossible to manufacture using traditional methods.
- CNC robotics can increase productivity by reducing the need for human operators.
- It offers a higher degree of safety for workers. There is no need for them to be present in the workspace during operation.
- It reduces the amount of waste generated during production.
CNC robotics is a fast growing field, and its applications are expanding in a constant way. More and more businesses are adopting this technology. You can find any manufacturing company suitable for the same work. So, its impact on manufacturing will likely continue to grow.
Manufacturing CNC Parts for the Robotics Industry:
CNC Machining is used to manufacture bespoke components for the robotic industry. Often we see that robotic applications are much tailored to their use case. CNC Machining is a perfect manufacturing option as it creates cheap parts at low volumes. Here are some examples of where we use the CNC Machining to produce robotics parts contain;
- Custom Jigs and Fixtures
- Robotic End Effectors
- Material/Part handle
- What materials are generally used for Robotic parts?
Robots are becoming a staple in many industries such as;
- Manufacturing industry
- Agriculture industry
- Healthcare manufacturing setups
- And logistics
As demand for these versatile machines grows, so does the need for reliable and high-quality robotic parts. In most cases, the best materials for robotic parts offer a combination of;
- Strength
- Durability
- And flexibility.
For example, many industrial robots use aluminium parts. The reason is that aluminium is strong and lightweight. In other cases, plastics or composites may used to resist wear and tear. Or they may used because of their ability to withstand extreme temperatures. The best material for a given robotic part will depend on the application’s specific need.
Can we use robots for CNC machining?
CNC machines and robots are different due to their core utilities. When it comes to coding them, both are similar in performing a precise task. The difficulty and distinction of particular job are where key differences come in. CNC machines are highly specialized in producing a specific type of component. Robots are generally very resourceful and we can adopt to execute different functions.
Nowadays, it is generally acknowledged that CNC Robots will never replace CNC Machines. The CNC robots are rising in popularity. Let me tell you; an important factor about this industry. It is stopping robots from advancing or attracting more prominence than CNC machines. It is that robots tend to be less robust. We face some technical challenges about the hardness of machined materials. The CNC machines and their various types (Cutting, drilling, turning) can;
- Remove large amounts of materials from the workpiece
- To work with a higher speed
- To work in an efficient way
We can see robotic machining as a workable alternative in different departments. It depends upon the complication of the final part and desired surface finish. Yet, it will not be a substitute for CNC Machining for 3-4 axis applications. A robotic arm can help to shorten the CNC machining process. It is a clear example to use robots in CNC machining.
More details of the same are under;
- Performing pick and place the operations.
- Move parts from one CNC machine to another machine for further process
- Being able to use extra 5th and 6th axes
It is pertinent to mention here that we can use the operators where we do not need them. It will cut the cost of CNC machining and save time. The human factor is always a reflection in automated CNC machining & manufacturing. More human interference increases the possibility of error and safety concerns.
Some differences between robots and CNC Machines:
Several different technologies can generally be used to create products in manufacturing. Two of the most popular options are robots and CNC machines. While both technologies have their advantages, they also have some key differences.
One of the most significant distinctions between robots and CNC machines is the degree of flexibility. Robots can move their arms and legs in a wide range of directions. The same allows them to handle tasks that need a high degree of skill. But, CNC machines are much more limited in their range of motion. They are better suited for tasks that involve cutting or machining repetitive motions.
Another key difference is cost. Robots tend to be much more expensive than CNC machines. It is due to the robots are more complex and need more maintenance. Additionally, the software necessary to operate a robot can also be quite expensive. The CNC machines are typically less costly to buy and maintain.
Finally, it is important to consider the application when deciding between robots and CNC machines. For example, if accuracy and precision are paramount, a CNC machine may be the best option.
