Offline robot programming

CNC operations have a wealth of established software suites to provide programming, however, robot operators have often relied on manual teaching of robot movement through the use of teach pendants. Manual teach methods are often time consuming and inaccurate. Off-line programming (OLP) is a faster way of producing robot trajectories. Robot path programming can occur on a computer, while the robot can continue to operate with a current program. Off-line programming is of course, not a new concept; robot simulation and OLP suites have been available for decades. What is just now becoming available is OLP software with features that can take advantage of better robot tolerances: features such as producing robot trajectories from CADCAM data. Robotmaster is an OLP/simulation module built on Mastercam for the creation of accurate 6-axis robot trajectories from tool path information. It removes the dependency on teaching or point creation via pendant by using CAD geometry to create tool paths. Tool path data is processed off-line, as native robot instructions in a file, ready to download onto a robot controller. Robotmaster supports 6-axis robots from Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, Motoman, and Stäubli, with development continuing on further robot brands. Current applications that Robotmaster is suitable for, but not limited to are: trimming, welding, mould machining, spray coating, painting, polishing, grinding, de-burring/de-flashing, and dispensing.