There has been a significant shift towards automation in the manufacturing industry in recent years. From precision machining to assembly line production, robots have transformed manufacturing and continue to do so.
One area where significant innovation has occurred is the use of CNC robotics and automated production. These technologies redefine what is possible, taking precision, productivity and quality to new levels.
Robot-assisted machining
Robotic machining, as the name suggests, is the process of using robots and automation to perform various machining operations. For example milling, drilling, turning, cutting and much more. Generally, these robots have tools such as end mills, drills or grinders and move along a predetermined path to perform the machining operation.
Robots offer several advantages over traditional machining methods. One of the main advantages is greater precision and accuracy. Robots can perform the same machining operations with consistent precision and repeatability, resulting in higher quality parts and less waste.
Today, the use of CNC robots is common in several industries, such as aerospace, automotive and medical, where precision, speed and consistency are essential. With advancements in robotics and automation technology, CNC robots are becoming increasingly popular and are expected to play a significant role in the future of industrial automation.
Why use CNC robotics over traditional manufacturing methods?
Switching to robots requires significant investment. Updating older equipment, reprogramming existing machines, recruiting the right talent, and all other associated tasks require time and resources. Is this all worth it? What advantages do CNC robots offer?
Here are some of the main advantages of robotic machining over traditional methods.
1. Automation
CNC robotics is a fully automated manufacturing process that allows robots to work 24 hours a day without the need for breaks or rest periods. This results in higher productivity and shorter delivery times compared to traditional manufacturing processes that rely on human labor.
2. Greater accuracy and precision
CNC robotics offers high precision and accuracy in manufacturing. Unlike traditional manual methods, CNC machines and robots are programmed to perform specific tasks with consistent precision and repeatability. This results in high-quality products with fewer defects.
Think, for example, of medical parts, surgical instruments, medical devices and other items that need to be as precise as possible and where only automation can consistently guarantee such precision.
3. More flexibility
Machining robotics allows greater flexibility in production. Robots can be reprogrammed for different tasks, making it easier to switch between products, parts or even materials.
For example, machining aluminum requires a very different approach than titanium in terms of cutting speed and depth. The right robot can easily handle both. This is particularly useful for small runs or custom orders where production requirements can change frequently.
4. Cost-benefit
CNC robots can require a greater initial investment than traditional manufacturing techniques. Over time, benefits such as increased productivity, less waste and higher quality products can lead to greater benefits and lower operating costs.
5. Greater complexity
CNC robots can perform manufacturing tasks that would be difficult or impossible for traditional machines or humans. For example, robots can handle hazardous materials, work in tight spaces, make complicated cuts or welds, and perform multiple operations at the same time without compromising their productivity.
6. Security
CNC robots eliminate the need to put human lives in danger while performing tasks that could pose a safety risk. This reduces the risk of accidents and increases the overall safety of the manufacturing process.
CNC machines and robots: what are the differences?
CNC machines and CNC robots look similar, and with good reason. Essentially, they are two sides of the same coin and have many similarities, but also some fundamental differences.
1. CNC machines have limited uses
The biggest difference between CNC machines and robots is their limitations. Robots are flexible and can perform many tasks, from picking up the part to placing it and then processing it (machining, welding, cutting) according to the program.
Normally the CNC cannot do this. Its operations are limited to editing. Most common CNC machines cannot perform more than a few functions. For example, a CNC drill cannot perform milling and turning or similar operations. This would require other types of CNC machines.
2. CNC machines require human intervention
Likewise, CNC machines require human intervention throughout the process. Robots, on the other hand, can work side by side with humans. This makes them an ideal choice for a collaborative manufacturing environment.
3. Robots perform multiple tasks more efficiently
Furthermore, robots are very versatile and can be programmed to perform different tasks with high efficiency. CNC machines, on the other hand, perform better when producing a large quantity of identical parts. The consistency and repeatability they provide is truly unmatched.
Therefore, there are some differences between robots and CNC machines. While CNC machines are specialized machines for precise machining operations, robots are versatile machines that can be programmed to perform a variety of tasks in manufacturing environments.
Types of CNC robots available in different industries
Robots are generally designed to perform a specific task. In the manufacturing sector, the following types of robots are commonly used for machining applications.
Cartesian robots
These robots are also called gantry robots. You work in the Cartesian plane (x, y and z) and can pick and place tasks. They're also great for simple editing operations that require straight-line movement.
Articulated robot
These robots have multiple axes of rotation, allowing them a range of motion similar to that of a human arm. Most CNC robotic arms are articulated robots and are often used for welding, painting and other tasks that require complex movements.
SCARA Robot
The abbreviation stands for Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm. These robots feature a horizontal arm and are often used for assembly and material handling tasks that require high speed and precision.
Collaborative robots
Robots are good at repetitive tasks and provide precision, but they cannot match the creativity of a human. Collaborative robots, better known as cobots, are designed for tasks that require human creativity and robotic precision. They are designed for small spaces and have several built-in features to ensure safety.
When selecting a robot, manufacturers must consider the unique requirements of their application. Each type of processing robot has its own advantages and disadvantages. The correct decision depends on the project complexities and processing facility requirements.
Rise of Robotics in Automation: Past and Future of CNC Robots
Although they may seem new, CNC systems and manufacturing robots have been around since the 1950s. The concept existed but could not be implemented due to a lack of programming skills and the exorbitant costs associated with it.
All of this was only possible because there were great advances in programming and automation. The introduction of new robotic technologies, the connection of new and old devices, the continuous improvement of operations and the implementation of many things that previously only existed as a concept have become possible, leading to this paradigm shift.
What does the future hold?
In short: the future of robots in production is very exciting. Experts expect new developments in the area of automation that will lead to more flexibility and performance. Robots in general are becoming more affordable and this is leading manufacturers to rely on them even more.
Another area with great potential is the integration of IoT, AI, machine learning and industrial automation for better manufacturing. This integration aims to take production to the next level, simplifying all related processes, from design to assembly.
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Robot parts must be precisely machined for the correct purpose. Errors can negatively impact quality and waste materials, time and resources. The best way to avoid this is to hire the right professionals for the job.
Concluding
Robotics is drastically changing modern manufacturing. Advances in industrial automation offer a series of benefits that previously only existed in theory. Additionally, the ability to automate repetitive tasks and program complex movements has provided manufacturers with unprecedented productivity, cost efficiency and competitiveness.
Furthermore, CNC robotics is becoming increasingly intelligent and intuitive through the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Common questions
What is a robotic arm?
A robotic arm can perform a variety of tasks, including welding, placement, packaging, assembly, etc.
What type of robot is most commonly found in manufacturing?
Due to their versatility and flexibility, articulated robots are probably the most used robots in industrial environments. They are used in both CNC machining and 3D printing, as well as in many other areas of diverse industries.
