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Subtractive Manufacturing Using CNC Robotics

This 2 day course introduces learners to subtractive manufacturing using a 6-axis industrial robot and a 7th axis rotary table, covering steps required to prepare a part for milling, machining, trimming, and finishing on a Robotic CNC cell. This includes 3D toolpath generation within Autodesk PowerMill software, editing links and leads, collision and axis limits avoidance, converting the toolpaths into robotic programs and simulating programs before transferring and executing on a robot cell.

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Description

Learner Profile:

• Individuals with prior CAD software (i.e., Inventor, Fusion 360, Solidworks) wishing to learn how to convert CAD data into robot tool paths.

• Individuals or companies who are interested in learning more about industrial robotics and their use in subtractive machining processes such as milling, machining, and trimming.

• Individuals looking for an introduction to subtractive manufacturing processes.

• Individuals looking to learn how to use 3D CAM solution software (Powermill)

• CNC operators looking to upskill.

• Learners from previous AMTCE (or equivalent) robotic training looking to upskill.

Learner prerequisites:

  • Prior CAD/CAM experience is highly recommended.
  • Intermediate level robotics training or equivalent (which will be vetted by a KUKA Instructor prior to enrolment on this course)

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course learners will have a practical understanding of the following topics:

  • Creating tools in PowerMill
  • Generating and simulating safe 3D toolpaths on PowerMill software
  • Using the PowerMill Robot plugin
  • Correctly aligning the part to the robot in PowerMill
  • Generate Robot code (KRL) from PowerMill and transferring to the robot.
  • Manually moving (jogging) the robot
  • Starting and running programs in different operating modes on the Robotic CNC cell


Course Content:

  • PowerMill “explorer”
  • Importing part (CAD) data
  • Creating tools in PowerMill
  • Workplanes
  • Tool Workplanes
  • User Workplanes
  • 3D Tool paths
  • Default path and custom tool control
  • Robot Axis (Joint) limits
  • Orientation Vectors
  • Local Orientation Control (and blending)
  • Robot Axis priorities
  • Use of the External Axis (Rotary table)
  • PowerMill Robot plugin
  • Robot library
  • Robot Cell
  • Robot control
  • Robot program
  • Alignment of the part to the robot in PowerMill
  • Post Processing: Selecting a base frame, adding simulation, and robot selection in order to generate the correct robot code (KUKA Robot language)
  • Simulate, record, and run diagnostics of robot programs offline prior to code generation.
  • Simulate results and optimise movements / motions of your industrial robot.
  • Understand more about the unique challenges of driving industrial robots.
  • Manually moving (jogging) the robot and automatic robot cell operation

Duration:

2 days

Exam/Continuous Assessment details:


Practical assessment / evaluation.


MCQ Conclusion Test


Certification / Awarding Body/Credits;

Vendor Certificate of Completion

Progression Pathway:

Micro Qualification programme, Utilising Robotics in Advanced Manufacturing