Robotic routing
January 1st 2009 Six-axis robot trimming systems are taking plastic routing
to the next level, according to Paul Etchells, sales manager
of KMT Robotic Solutions
Routing is a dry cut process that uses
an electrically powered routing head
with a spindle-mounted bit, which is
spun at speeds of up to 50 000 rpm to trim
edges and form holes and slots in
thermoformed, injection moulded, blow
moulded, compression moulded and
rotationally moulded parts made from
polymeric and composite materials. The
method gives accurate material separation
and produces a high quality cut edge.
In the plastics moulding industry, the
choice of routing machinery varies widely.
However, for work on a wide range of parts
made from plastics, composites and
fibreglass reinforced materials, there is a need
for a routing method that boosts productivity
and makes 3-dimensional routing a reality.
To meet this need, six-axis robotic routing
systems such as the RoboTrim range from
KMT Robotic Solutions help boost
productivity. Features include: high
throughput, automatic spindle realignment,
automatic fixture locating, CADCAM
programming, rapid tool change, and
automatic part program call-up.
Most plastic component manufacturers
have experience of CNC systems using tool
paths generated in CAM software. A new
development – CamPro CADCAM software -
allows users to implement robotic routing
applications using these CAM tool paths.
As well as being an efficient way to
implement robotic routing applications, the
software offers an offline programming
capability, which increases productivity by
separating a lot of the programming time
required from the actual machine. The
graphical simulation capability of CamPro
allows for the robot program to be checked
off-line, identifying problems before they
occur on equipment.
KMT believes robotic routing systems can
trim parts with up to 50% higher throughput
than traditional five axis CNC systems,
while offering enhanced trimming flexibility
and cost savings through increased uptime.
Features in CamPro support use of
routing programs, to 'hook' into custom
utilities, and to automatically create usable
robot programs (not just tool paths) from
the CAM program. As well as being a
programming tool for a robotic routing
system, CamPro offers a solution for users of
robotic routing systems, looking to increase
the productivity of their systems. The
product need only be bought once and allows
the customer to program multiple robot
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