Robotics & Automation News

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cutting

Effects of CNC Machining on Surface Roughness in Fused Deposition Modelling Products

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Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is a 3D printing technology that uses melted plastic filament to build up objects layer by layer. FDM parts are typically made from thermoplastic materials such as ABS, PLA, or PC.

Once the object is printed, it can be finished using various methods, such as sanding, painting, or machining. CNC machining is one of the most common ways to finish an FDM part.

It involves using computer-controlled cutting tools to remove material from the surface of the object until it reaches the desired shape and size. [Read more…] about Effects of CNC Machining on Surface Roughness in Fused Deposition Modelling Products

4 Ways to Reduce Laser Cutting Costs

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Many industrial companies, particularly those in the fabrication and machining sectors, require laser cutting for their projects and services.

Essentially, laser cutting refers to the process of using a laser beam to pierce the material and melt it in an exact line to ensure a clean output. It has been a popular method in the industrial setting because it produces no edge effects after cutting.

Due to its ability to cut materials with precision, manufacturers and other businesses can carry out a high volume of jobs more efficiently. However, it’s essential to know that laser cutting can be expensive.

The continuous use of laser cutting can be unsustainable for many companies and organizations. [Read more…] about 4 Ways to Reduce Laser Cutting Costs

Stäubli Robots to unveil new hygienic robotic solutions at trade show

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Stäubli Robotics will present live demonstrations plus an educational session on its new hygienic robotic solutions for the food industry at IPPE 2022 in Atlanta.

The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) takes place January 25-27 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

As a leading provider of advanced automation solutions for the food industry, Stäubli Robotics is a must-see for inventively engineered robots used in food production, processing and packaging applications. [Read more…] about Stäubli Robots to unveil new hygienic robotic solutions at trade show

Flame Cutting, Plasma Cutting, and Waterjet Cutting – Differences

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There are many options for metal cutting when you need it cut to size. Not all processes will work for every job and every type of metal. 

You may choose to use flame cutting or plasma cutting for your project. However, it is important that you understand the differences between these cutting methods. [Read more…] about Flame Cutting, Plasma Cutting, and Waterjet Cutting – Differences

Nvidia and USC researchers demonstrate autonomous robotic cutting

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Nvidia and USC researchers have demonstrated an innovative approach to Autonomous Robotic Cutting in new work nominated for a Best Paper Award at the Robotics Science & Systems Conference  last month. (See video and images below.)

Robotic cutting of soft materials is critical for applications such as food processing, household automation, and surgical manipulation. As in other areas of robotics, simulators can facilitate controller verification, policy learning, and dataset generation. Moreover, differentiable simulators can enable gradient-based optimization, which is invaluable for calibrating simulation parameters and optimizing controllers.

In their work nominated for a Best Paper Award at RSS 2021, Nvidia researchers present DiSECt: the first differentiable simulator for cutting soft materials. The simulator augments the finite element method (FEM) with a continuous contact model based on signed distance fields (SDF), as well as a continuous damage model that inserts springs on opposite sides of the cutting plane and allows them to weaken until zero stiffness, enabling crack formation. [Read more…] about Nvidia and USC researchers demonstrate autonomous robotic cutting

Tools Guide for Your Heavy-Duty Workshop

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Whether you are looking to start the workshop you have always wanted or you want to uplift an existing one, there are a few tools you need to have on your wish list.

If you are a handyman by profession, or you love DIY projects, the most common must-have equipment includes a table saw, radial arm saw, band saw, or a good stud welder, depending on your frequent projects.

Dress-up equipment like a drill press, lathe, and a planer, are essentials every workshop should have. Most projects can be passed only using a drill press, a saw, and proper hand tools. [Read more…] about Tools Guide for Your Heavy-Duty Workshop

Methods Machine Tools adds next generation of RoboCut to product line

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Methods Machine Tools, a supplier of machine tools and automation equipment in North America, recently added the Fanuc RoboCut α- CiC series to its line of wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) products.

Steve Raucci, Methods’ technical sales director and RoboCut product manager, says: “The α-CiC series continues to push the boundaries of speed, precision, and reliability.

“The redesigned α-CiC series creates a faster, more exact EDM experience.” [Read more…] about Methods Machine Tools adds next generation of RoboCut to product line

Okuma unveils machining center that forms and finishes metal parts in ‘one setup’

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Okuma has unveiled a new machining center that it says can form and finishes large metal parts and components in one setup.

The company says its MCR-S double column machining center “combines cutting-edge technology and process improvements to reduce cycle time by 25 percent”.

Okuma is one of the largest manufacturers of CNC machine tools, and says its MCR-S roughs and finishes press dies in one setup and is designed for heavy duty machining of process-intensive press dies. [Read more…] about Okuma unveils machining center that forms and finishes metal parts in ‘one setup’

ABB launches podcast about robotics and automation

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ABB is introducing a new series of podcasts that explore the world of robotics and automation, and their benefits to society in what the company describes as “the greatest shift in automation in a generation, brought on by the pandemic”.

Whether it’s collaborative robots working alongside humans in laboratories and SME businesses, or industrial robots working in large factories producing the next generation of electric vehicle, robots of all shapes and sizes are making work safer and more efficient for people and companies the world over.

Each episode of The Robot Podcast features a panel of experts and takes an in-depth look at some of the most interesting global case studies. [Read more…] about ABB launches podcast about robotics and automation

Okuma makes ‘conversational programming’ standard on its CNC machines

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Okuma, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of industrial equipment, has introduced “conversational programming” as standard on its CNC machines.

Okuma says its Advanced One Touch (AOT) conversational programming software enables shops to “easily create programs without the need for highly-trained programmers, achieve faster setup times, and increase machine productivity”.

Okuma America says that select machines from Okuma’s core product line now come equipped with the Advanced One Touch-Interactive Graphics Function (AOT-IGF), the conversational programming software designed for Okuma’s lathes, machining centers and multitasking machines. [Read more…] about Okuma makes ‘conversational programming’ standard on its CNC machines