Metallic and non-metallic materials are being moulded by robots more frequently, with the latter being processed according to hardness, geometric complexity, physical tolerance and desired surface polish. Industrial robots now have better mechanical capabilities and can produce goods at higher speeds thanks to recent technological advances. Worldwide, the use of robotics in production is steadily expanding.
In 2011, sales of industrial robots increased by approximately 40%, mainly due to the automotive and metalworking sectors. The majority of industrial robot sales are for welding and material handling tasks, accounting for about 80% of total sales, while less than 5% of sales are for machining tasks. However, as machining robots can be used in a wide range of tasks and industrial sectors, these figures may increase.
Machining robots use a tool centre point (TCP) to perform a variety of operations. Recent improvements in technology have made machining robots a competitive alternative to both manual labour and CNC machines. Additional capabilities, such as a computer vision system or enhanced pressure control, can significantly improve the functionality and versatility of a machining robot cell.
Machining robots can work with items of almost any shape, size and complexity. Industrial robots, on the other hand, have a much larger working space: a moderate-sized machining robot has a working volume of 7 to 8 cubic metres. CNC machines are excellent for performing one specific task at a time, be it cutting, drilling or milling. However, robots have two major advantages that can make them a more attractive option: a larger workspace and greater versatility.
Unlike a standard CNC machine, robots can follow more complex work paths. The 3 or 4 different degrees of movement are also typical of CNC machines. It can be expensive, but is suitable for many machining tasks. Industrial robots can create virtually any shape thanks to their 6 degrees of freedom.
In addition, the prices of machining robots can be significantly lower. A robot is 30% less expensive than a machine tool with a comparable workspace.
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