There are various CNC toolpath software packages on the market. But, not all of them are suitable for robot machining.
What are your options if you want your generated toolpaths to control a robot instead of a conventional CNC machine?
A few key software features are necessary if you want to control your robot easily and efficiently. Plus, there are some important considerations you will need to make if you want to get the most from your machining robot.
Here’s a quick guide to CNC toolpath software for robot machining.
What is a CNC Toolpath?
A CNC toolpath is the path that a computer-controlled cutting tool takes through a workpiece. Toolpaths must be planned with care to ensure the correct cutting rate for the machined material to achieve the desired surface finish.
编程CNC Toolpaths的传统方式是用手使用它们G-Code,a specialist programming language for machining. This programming language still underlies most machining operations today.
However, these days it is far more common that you use Computer-Aided Machining (CAM) software to automatically generate the required G-Code out of the 3D models of your part. This G-Code is then sent to your CNC machine which uses the instructions to machine the part.
Toolpaths for CNC: How They Fit With Robot Machining
Robotic machining is a form of computer-controlled machining where a robot is used in place of a conventional CNC machine. For certain machining tasks,它与传统机器有一些优势including improved flexibility and the ability to work with larger workpieces.
当您为机器人编程为加工任务时，您可能会使用与传统数控加工相同的过程。
这个过程是：
- Generate computer models of your part in您首选的CAD计划。
- 使用CAM软件从这些模型生成G-Code中的CNC ToolPath。
- Export this toolpath to your robot or CNC machine.
CNC机器本身理解G码，所以第三步通常非常简单。它只是涉及将生成的G代码文件复制到机器。
However, robots do not natively understand G-Code. They are usually programmed using the manufacturer’s proprietary programming language.
As a result, you need to use a dedicated robot programming tool to quickly and effectively program your robot for machining tasks.
可用的CNC ToolPath软件
There are various options for CNC toolpath software, ranging fromfree software(often targeted at hobbyists) to expensive packages for industry.
In general, the tools come under the category of CAD/CAM software, which means that they can be used to both build the 3D models of your parts and generate the G-Code toolpaths.
大多数软件的问题是它不包含用于机器人加工的支持。这意味着您必须使用机器人进行额外的工作来将程序集成......而这项工作可能很重要！
Unless you pick a tool that makes robot machining easy…
集成机器人CNC ToolPath软件
There is an option if you are looking for an easy, reliable tool for robot machining.
RoboDK是一个专用机器人编程工具，支持数百种机器人型号的机器人制造商。
Among its many features and supported applications, RoboDK contains an integrated machining wizard that allows you to work with CNC toolpaths within the software itself.
它还具有本机插件many popular CAD/CAM packages.This means you can add it easily into your production workflow.
您只需将生成的CNC ToolPath加载到加工工具中，Robodk将自动生成用于加工操作的机器人程序。您还可以使用软件的仿真功能在将程序发送到物理机器人之前测试操作。
罗布克加工工具的3个非常有用的功能
Some distinctive features of RoboDK make it especially useful as a tool for robot machining.
The 3 top features that you are likely to use are:
可视化刀具路径
There is a whole category of software tools called“G-code simulators.”These exist so that you can visualize your generated toolpath before you send it to the CNC machine itself.
With RoboDK, there is no need for an extra G-Code visualization tool. The integrated machining wizard generates a visualization of the toolpath right inside the RoboDK itself. It also shows how the robot will move along this toolpath.
Collision Avoidance
One difference between robots and CNC machines is that robots are more in danger of collisions. Due to their flexible workspace, they can collide with the environment, with the workpiece, or with other objects within their workspace.
Robodk会自动检测在加工任务中可能发生的冲突。由于这在模拟阶段完成，它允许您在程序发送到物理机器人之前纠正这些冲突。
Solves Singularities
Singularities are a unique problem for robots and other complex mechanical structures. They occur when the robot’s program tries to instruct the robot to make a physically impossible move.可能发生一些不同类型的奇点。
By programming your machining task with RoboDK, you can solve singularities before they become a problem. The software automatically detects and solves singularities.
How to Visualize Your CNC Toolpath With the Machining Wizard
The best way to start using RoboDK’s machining wizard is to download a free trial copyon our download page.
你可以找到例子of robot machining projects, video tutorials, and detailed practical guidanceon our documentation page.
您目前使用的CNC ToolPath软件？Tell us in the comments below or join the discussion onLinkedIn,推特,Facebook,Instagram.,YouTube或者Robodk论坛。
