Industrial robots are automated machines that can perform various tasks in industry, such as milling, cutting, welding, painting, among others. In this article, we will focus on robots used in robotic milling and cutting.
Milling is a machining process that involves removing material from a part with a rotating tool called a milling cutter. In robotic milling, robots are used to carry out this process in an automated and precise way. The most common robots used in robotic milling are:
- Six-axis robots: These robots are the most common for robotic milling. They have the advantage of being able to create complex shapes and designs on the workpiece. Additionally, they have a good balance between reach and strength, allowing them to work with large parts and heavy equipment. Some applications of these robots include mold milling, ship frame machining, tube finishing, and artistic milling.
- SCARA Robots: These robots are less common than six-axis robots for milling, but are a good option for small, simple, low-cost applications. Although they don’t have the same dexterity and reach as six-axis machines, they are easy to program and reprogram, and can perform tasks such as machining small parts.
ROBOTIC CUTTING
Robotic cutting is a process that uses robots to cut materials with different methods, such as laser, plasma, pressurized water, among others. Some of the robots used in robotic cutting are:
Laser cutting robots: These robots use an intense beam of light to cut materials with high precision and speed. The laser can cut metals, plastics, wood, glass, among others. Some advantages of this method are the reduction of material waste, the improvement of cut quality and the reduction of the risk of deformation or contamination of the part.
BRANDS OF INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS FOR ROBOTIC MILLING AND CUTTING
There are several brands of industrial robots that offer solutions for robotic milling and cutting. Some of the most recognized brands are KUKA, ABB, FANUC and Motoman. Below, we will mention some of the featured models of each brand:
KUKA
- KR AGILUS: A compact and agile six-axis robot that can perform high-precision, high-speed milling tasks in tight spaces.
- KR IONTEC: A versatile and flexible six-axis robot that can adapt to different production and application requirements.
- KR DELTA Robot: A four-axis parallel robot that has a hygienic design and high dynamics. It is ideal for laser, water or plasma cutting of sensitive materials such as food or pharmaceutical products.
ABB
- IRB 1200: A compact and fast six-axis robot that can handle small and medium-sized parts with ease.
- IRB 2600: A robust and efficient six-axis robot that can perform complex and demanding tasks in different environments.
- IRB 6700: A powerful and reliable six-axis robot that can work with large and heavy parts.
FANUC
- M-1iA: A lightweight, compact four- or six-axis robot that has a shape similar to the human hand. It is ideal for handling, assembly or inspection of small parts.
- M-710iC: A versatile and precise six-axis robot that can perform various tasks such as welding, painting, machining or cutting.
- R-2000iC: A robust and powerful six-axis robot that can work with large and heavy parts.
- Motoman
- MH5S: A compact and agile six-axis robot that can perform fast and precise tasks such as assembly, handling or machining.
- GP8: A fast and efficient six-axis robot that can perform various tasks such as welding, cutting, packaging or palletizing.
- HP50-20: A powerful and reliable six-axis robot that can work with large and heavy parts.
These are just some of the models available on the market. Each brand offers a wide range of industrial robots for robotic milling and cutting, so it is important to evaluate the specific needs of each application before making a decision.
We hope this article has been informative and helpful in understanding the importance of industrial robots in robotic milling and cutting.
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