Industrial robots are robots with multi joint manipulators or high degrees of freedom used in industrial production. It can not only perform work automatically according to the pre arranged program, but also accept human command. Modern industrial robots can also act according to the principles and programs formulated by artificial intelligence technology.
Application of industrial robots
Industrial robots have been used as machine hosts in welding, handling, assembly and other applications. But in other fields, especially when industrial robots are used together with machine tools, they usually play a role as auxiliary machines. The structural relationship between robots and machine tools can be divided into two forms: robots installed outside the machine tools and robots integrated with the machine tools. Robots installed outside the machine tool can be divided into fixed, mobile and scaffolding types. Now let's introduce the specific application cases of industrial robots and machine tools:
Loading and unloading of single machine
According to the material, shape, size, structure, quantity and other parameters of the parts to be processed, the required parts are removed from the whole or the whole batch of materials. This process is called blanking. The process of transporting materials to the processing position is called feeding. Loading and unloading of single machine is the most typical and mature application case of industrial robots and machine tools.
Compared with manual loading and unloading, robot loading and unloading operation has great advantages, which is not only more accurate and faster, but also better guaranteed in safety. For the processing of small and medium-sized parts with large batch production and short processing time, or for heavy workpieces that need to be hoisted, the advantages of robot loading and unloading are particularly obvious.
Flexible production line
Flexible production line is a production line composed of multiple production equipment that can be adjusted manually and equipped with automatic conveying devices. Relying on the management of information system, it can combine various production modes, so as to reduce production costs and make the best use of everything.
In the flexible production line with the participation of robots, robots generally undertake the work of process conversion, while the layout of machine tools depends on factors such as process routes and site conditions, usually in the form of L-shaped, U-shaped, linear, opposite layout, etc. This application mode is more complex than single machine loading and unloading, but it is also more valuable. In the current process of industrial transformation and upgrading, the market demand is becoming stronger and stronger.
Jointly complete the processing process
In addition to participating in workpiece transfer, robots can also complete machining processes with machine tools. Robots hold workpieces and machine tools complete processing, which is widely used in punching, shearing and bending machines.
Robots directly participate in processing, which replaces all the original manual operations, and compared with human operation, robots are more accurate and fast, so that product quality and production efficiency have been greatly improved. In addition, this application method also completely eliminates the hidden danger of industrial injury of stamping machine tools, and makes a contribution to safety production.
Complete the processing process independently
The robot can not only cooperate with the machine tool for processing, but also complete some processing procedures independently. In this case, the robot itself is a machine tool. As long as the robot is equipped with special claws, it can complete the process of cutting, grinding, polishing, cleaning and so on. If the robot holds the cutting tool, it can also directly cut, punch, tap and rivet the workpiece.
With the development of sensors, Internet of things and other technologies, robots have visual and tactile functions. Such robots are already competent for complex processes such as assembly and parts sorting. Even for loading and unloading, the special working position apparatus with positioning device can be omitted.
In addition, robots can also be used in some extreme working environments. For example, if the robot is equipped with special claws, it can operate in a high-temperature environment, and carry out operations that are difficult to be directly completed manually, such as casting, forging, molten iron extraction, pouring, hot blanks up and down, and hot mold replacement.