Very precise metal cutting medium on a STAUBLI RX130 robot

Citation

(1999), "Very precise metal cutting medium on a STAUBLI RX130 robot", Industrial Robot, Vol. 26 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.1999.04926caf.003

Very precise metal cutting medium on a STAUBLI RX130 robot

Keywords Metal cutting, Robots

Contour Cutting Technologies, based in southern England, has developed a very precise metal cutting medium, which is mounted on a STÄUBLI RX130 robot, and intend to market the technology under the name of C.C.T. Systems.

C.C.T. has developed a method of production using a precise, finely controlled plasma beam, which is applied to the work by unique torch designs (see Plate 3). C.C.T. Systems provides multi-axis cutting technology designed to cut pressed metal panels very accurately to predetermined programs, with a high level of repeatability.

Plate 3 C.C.T. has developed a method of production using a precise, finely controlled plasma beam

Mounted on a 6-axis STÄUBLI RX130 robot on a unique linear 7th axis jig mounting bed, the systems provide a fast and highly flexible production tool for cutting and trimming, replacing the function of the conventional trim and pierce tool, thus eliminating associated high costs. The 7th axis allows large panels to be cut in one program, which would otherwise be out of the RX130 arm's reach, requiring two or more stage programming.

Programmed by C.C.T. off-line "Act-CCT" system and/or manual teaching, work is produced quickly and efficiently. This is an important factor if the system is required to cut a continually changing work program, such as prototypes.

In this type of application, STÄUBLI V-TRAJSIG trajectory generator is particularly well adapted to the robot control. The cooperation between C.C.T. and STÄUBLI allows a constant evolution of this product.

C.C.T. Systems technology works like a laser system, but cutting speeds are much higher and the cutting medium is much less expensive to operate.

The cut's quality is as good as quality lasers, and can be achieved on a wide range of metals, including aluminum, coated steel and stainless steel, as well as mild steel. The process produces a clean, dross and burr-free finish.

The faster cutting speeds allow a greater flow volume of panels to be cut in a given work period than can be achieved by a laser, and most importantly, high volume production panel cutting becomes a viable option to tooling.

For further information contact: Clive Montague-Brown, Contour Cutting Technologies, Beresford Gate, Walworth Ind. Est., Andover, Hampshire, SP10 5BN, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1264 333 663; Fax: +44 (0) 1264 336 005.