What is SprutCAM Robot
SprutCAM Robot is a powerful CAM program with which you can program, simulate and optimise (offline) industrial robots from a single working environment. Unlike traditional robot simulation software, SprutCAM Robot does not require an additional CAM program to generate the tool paths. The simple operation leads to an effective solution for creating complex and collision-free 3D movements.
For the calculation of the tool paths, SprutCAM Robot takes into account singularities, the kinematics and the range of the robot, any collisions and additional axes in the robot cell and the selected machining type. No transformations are required to go from 5 to 6 axes as the tool paths are calculated in 6 axes.
Operations
SprutCAM Robot has different machining strategies from 2D to 5D. A comprehensive set of preparatory and finishing toolpath strategies are available that work directly with the 3D model for the part and the workpiece. The tool paths in SprutCAM Robot can be used for various processing techniques such as milling, 3D and 5D printing, welding, cutting and spraying.
Robot scheme
A robot scheme is a one-on-one 3D model in SprutCAM Robot of the robot cell in your workshop. SprutCAM Robot contains a large number of robot schemes of the most common models. However, we make a tailor-made robot scheme for each customer and configuration.
We can calibrate the robot cell for you. This calibration is linked to the 3D robot scheme in SprutCAM Robot and is used to generate a safe collision-free robot program in combination with the starting material, the 3D model of the product, the tooling and the machining strategies.
Optimisation Robot Axes Map
The Robot Axes Map in SprutCAM Robot is a digital roadmap with which you can quickly check whether problems may arise during your robot project.
If you let SprutCAM Robot calculate the tool paths of your project, the tool path may encounter obstacles. A clamp, for instance, or another part of the fixture. SprutCAM Robot detects this and informs you of it through use of colour indication within the Robot Axes Map that a collision is about to take place. Singularities, out of reach and out of limits are also indicated with colours.
The Robot Axes Map in SprutCAM Robot allows you to manually and automatically fine-tune the degrees of freedom of a robot. An example of a Robot Axes Map is shown on the right. In SprutCAM Robot you can do this yourself manually by simply dragging the green line with the mouse. You can also let SprutCAM Robot calculate a collision-free tool path fully automatically.
Simulation
To ensure that the generated toolpaths are error-free and efficient, SprutCAM Robot offers an advanced machining simulation module with:
- accurate, realistic simulation of robot kinematics
- simulation of material removal
- mechanical collision detection
- detection of gouging of parts
- robot singularities and detection of zones out of range
6th Axis control
To position a rotating tool in relation to the workpiece, five degrees of freedom are sufficient. Most industrial robots have 6 degrees of freedom. The last 6th degree of freedom is created by adding an extra joint at the tool flange and is used to extend the flexibility and reach of the robot.
In SprutCAM Robot there are two ways to program the 6th axis: Automatic and manual. With automatic programming you have two options, namely Fixed vector and Direct to Point.
In Fixed Vector mode, you define the axis (the 3d vector) along which the Z axis of the robot tool flange (the flange vector) is aligned. In the image on the far left, you can see a robot with the 6th axis aligned along the X axis.
In Direct to Point mode, you specify a point at which the robot flange vector will be aimed during machining. This can be the robot zero point, robot elbow point, or a custom point. In the second image on the right, you can see a robot whose 6th axis is aimed at the robot zero point.
Postprocessing
A post processor is a translator that converts the generated tool paths into the language of your robot. SprutCAM Robot contains a number of standard post processors for all common industrial robots.
Post processors are usually customised according to customer requirements. Every customer processes different products and therefore needs other peripherals. For example a track, a rotary table or a tool change system.
There are also industrial robots that print and mill both 3D and 5D, the change of these tools is controlled in the post processor.
Want to know more about SprutCAM Robot?
Contact Ron ten Hove for a no-obligation introduction! Or try SprutCAM Robot for a free 30-day trial period and experience for yourself why SprutCAM Robot is the user-friendly alternative for complex robot projects.