Advantages of Machining Robots 

By  //  April 23, 2021

Manufacturers have been using machining robots in myriad ways to change how they make things using applications like welding, pick-and-place, cutting, robot milling, amongst other processes.

Robotic solutions have provided manufacturers with flexible solutions that have allowed them to expand their production.

Machining robots are considered the new CNC machines. Over the years, robots are being used in place of traditional machine tools due to the wind range of tasks they can perform. Like CNC machines, robots are also known for their rigidity.

These robots have tool center points (TCP) that carry out different operations the same way CNC machines manipulate various tools. Machining robots have been used to grind, polish, and deburr – processes that were manually conducted.

These robots have the upper hand because they can operate in three or more axes. With more improvements in robotic technology, machining robots are giving CNC machines and manual labor major competition.

Thanks to their increased tool positioning capability, cost reductions, and more significant work volumes and areas, machining robotics has become more competitive.

Advantages of Machining Robots 

Large Workspace 

In terms of workspace, some CNC machines are enormous. However, most of them have a much smaller workspace. Machining robots have a large workspace – allowing you to add extra axes to the robot when need be or extend the workspace further.

Versatility 

Machining robots can be easily moved from one task to another, unlike CNC machines which can only perform one specific task. A robot will do different tasks like milling, drilling, and turning, while a CNC can only focus on one task at a time.

They are able to move along complex paths and are not as restrictive as traditional machines. Robots have 6 Degrees of Freedom (DoF), meaning you can machine anything you want.

Accuracy 

You can only create a quality product if the machine you are using is accurate. The accuracy of machining robots keeps improving, and they can be calibrated to their repeatability. With good calibration, the accuracy of the robot is improved.

Rigidity 

The rigidity of a machining robot strongly determines accuracy. If the machine has low rigidity, it will more when it encounters hard material, which causes inaccurate cuts. Robots can handle soft materials like wood, plastic, foam, among others, with ease.

Affordable 

Machining robots provide value for their money, thanks to their versatility and ample workspace. They can machine objects of any shape, size, and complexity, which gives your business more value than cost.

Ease of Programming 

Machining robots are easy to program for many applications. They can easily be re-programmed and applied to different tasks. Hence, manufacturers get a high level of flexibility which is essential when dealing with peak periods and short production runs.

Advancing Robotic Technology 

The use of machining robotics in manufacturing keeps growing, and it will only keep advancing as robotics technology keeps increasing. The sales of robots keep rising thanks to the metalworking and automotive industries.

Companies dealing with welding activities and material handling will continue to have a growing need for machining robotics to increase their sales in this competitive market. The popularity of robots will continue to grow, which makes buying a robot a worthy investment.

Can successfully perform different machining processes 

Machining robotics can be deployed in material-removal applications like deflashing, polishing, deburring, trimming, and grinding. They can also be used in milling softer materials like plastics, wood, foam, aluminum, and sand castings.

They can be used to trim sand castings, urethanes, and woods. They are not just limited to manufacturing plants, but they are also finding their way into other major sectors like health and automotive.

In Conclusion 

Machining robotics are slowly outperforming CNC machines depending on the type of application you are looking to use the robot. We recommend sticking to CNC machines where high rigidity and accuracy are required and opting for robot machining where a large workspace, versatility, and affordability are necessary.