Robots are important machines used in many industrial settings today. They consist of many parts that help them carry out their purpose. Although these parts can be manufactured using many techniques, one of the most effective and advanced methods used is CNC machining.
In this guide, we explained all you need to know about the best CNC-machined parts for robotics.
What is Robotics CNC Machining?
Robotics CNC machining involves the process of using the Computer Numerical Control machining process to produce components that are valuable in robotics. It encompasses processes like CNC milling, drilling, hobbing, etc, used in creating precise and high-quality robot parts.
Robot components require accuracy, precision, and tight tolerances, and this is best achieved through CNC machining. Moreover, the process allows for customisation, improves production efficiency, can handle parts with complex geometries, and lots more.
Why CNC Machine Robotics Components?
Here are some of the reasons you should consider CNC machine robotics components.
Fast Lead Time Production
CNC machining allows the production of robot parts quickly. Iterations can quickly be made for prototypes, and custom parts can easily be made to suit your needs.
Dimensional Accuracy and Precision
Precision in robotics is vital, and CNC machining creates parts with dimensional accuracy. CNC machining can produce parts with tight tolerances while also maintaining consistency. No matter how complex the design is, CNC machining can achieve it.
Surface Finishing
CNC machining can help achieve parts with fine finishing. This is important to help lower the friction between parts. CNC machining helps reduce surface roughness compared to other production methods like die casting and 3D printing. Introducing post-processing methods like polishing even helps achieve smoothness.
Material Compatibility
Most materials used for robot part production are suitable for CNC machining. These materials need to be strong, durable, corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and they can be effectively machined through CNC processes.
Cost Effectiveness
Investing in CNC machining for your robot parts might at first be expensive; however, the method helps eliminate errors, reduce part maintenance costs, eliminate material wastage, and improve production speed. As such, it is cost-effective.
Customization
With CNC machining, you can easily create custom components for robots. This means you can easily and quickly create designs based on your specific needs.
Best CNC-Machined Parts for Robotics
The 6 best CNC machined parts for robotics include the following:
Structural Components
The structural components of the robot must be durable and sturdy since they provide support. As such, they are manufactured with metals like aluminium, steel, and high-performance plastic, etc, which aligns with CNC machining.
Beyond that, these structural parts usually have complex and intricate designs, and thus, CNC machining is well-suited for them. Some of the structural components you can produce with this manufacturing technique include gears, bearings, housing parts, shoulder joints, etc.
Gears
Gears are also important components used in transmitting motion and controlling the speed of the motor. Gears usually have intricate designs and, as such, are produced with CNC machining or gear hobbing. Hobbing is a unique CNC machining technique used in manufacturing gears by cutting them out of a material, whether metal or non-metal.
Modular Tooling
With modular tooling, robotic operations become more effective and faster. Instead of having to change tools for every specific task, modular tooling allows the robot to utilise different tools for several operations.
As such, you do not need to build more tools every time, as you already have a system of tools. Modular tooling can therefore be built with CNC machining to ensure accurate precision and quality.
End of Arm Tooling/End Effectors
These are tools that actually allow the robot to carry out its function and could range from various equipment and tools depending on the application and industry. It could be welding or cutting tools, drilling and shearing tools, surgical tools, etc.
These tools basically are the ones that interact and make contact with the environment and are usually located at the end of the arm. Most of the end effectors used in robotics are well-suited for CNC machining.
Assembly Trays and Other Custom Fixtures
This is another of the best CNC-machined parts for robotics. Custom parts requiring high precision and quality are also well-suited to CNC machining.
Custom jigs and fixtures also form important components needed to carry out robotic operations. For example, a custom fixture might be required to help position a part so that a robot can work on it.
You might also need custom jigs to help robots switch tools during operations. CNC machining is usually the best for custom parts as it can quickly produce the part with the most suitable materials.
Robotic System Motor Components
Motors in robots help support the movement of the arm and joints. The motor also consists of several moving parts, which can be produced through CNC machining. Bearing and shafts can also be CNC machined.
Shafts can either be produced on a lathe or with mills to include features like slots and keys. Similarly, there is also the gear that transmits motion from the motor to other robot parts and can be machined with CNC, gear hobbing, or EDM.
Design and Material Selection
Design Optimization
Before the production of robot components, design optimisation is necessary. CAD software and simulation machines are thus used to create designs to test and validate part structure and function.
Topology optimisation techniques are also utilised to maintain part durability and ensure materials are used efficiently.
Material Selection
Selecting the right materials for the robot part is also vital to ensuring good quality and precision. Some of the metals most suitable are aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, etc.
These metals are valued for their lightweight durability, corrosion resistance, and so on. Plastics like ABS and polycarbonate are also utilised in producing lightweight and corrosion-resistant components.
Machining Processes
CNC Machining Technology
Precision CNC machining is an advanced manufacturing technique most suitable for most robot components. With the use of 4 and 5-axis CNC machining, manufacturers can produce even the most intricate designs with tight tolerances.
They can achieve designs with complex geometries, eliminate clamping errors, and improve the consistency and effectiveness of robot parts.
Quality Control
The CNC machining process also follows a strict quality assurance and control, which is important in ensuring precision and accuracy.
The production technique uses unique and highly precise measuring machines and tools like Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs). This helps ensure milling parameters are monitored, and the part produced meets specific design requirements.
Practical Applications
Here are some practical applications of CNC machining in Robotics.
Medical Robots
Robots are used for delicate operations like surgery in the medical field, and as such, components must be built with high precision. The joint and arm must be designed in a way that ensures stability during operations. As such, some medical robots consist of custom titanium parts to ensure durability, light weight, and precision.
Industrial Robots
In industrial settings, robots are needed to work at high speed and capacity. With the use of CNC machining, you can be sure of part reliability and performance, thereby reducing maintenance costs. Some industrial robots, for example, use aluminium parts due to their lightweight and heat dissipation ability, which is essential in reducing heat while the robot is in use.
Service Robots
Robots are also used in the retail and hospitality industry and many other sectors to carry out different tasks like goods delivery, cleaning the environment, etc.
With CNC machining, you can ensure that robot parts are lightweight yet durable to support smooth mobility and functioning. Some of the components manufactured with CNC in service robots are drive shafts and compact frames.
Humanoid Robots
CNC machining also allows the creation of human-like robots that are used in many industries. Humanoid robot parts must also be lightweight and durable to support consistent movement of the robot without falling. Thus, parts like the structural frame, joints, and gears are CNC-machined.
Get High Quality CNC-Machined Parts for Robotics from RobotCNCParts
RobotCNCParts is an expert manufacturing company that specialises in producing highly precise and quality robot parts.
With our advanced CNC technological facilities and team of professionals, we can deliver your robot’s custom parts as swiftly and effectively as possible. Our 4 and 5-axis machining process helps us deliver accurate, complex geometry components that suit your needs. Get a quote now.
Conclusion
CNC machining is crucial for producing high-quality, durable, and precise robot components. These parts are necessary for the optimal performance and reliability of robots. This post has therefore explained the best CNC-machined parts for robotics.
