Advertising in MoldMaking Technology offers
Issue link: https://mmt.epubxp.com/i/485569
Automation 48 MoldMaking Technology April 2015 equipped with a variety of sensors, such as a vision sensor that can read bar codes or radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags to ensure a smooth system change-over. This type of lights-out machining cell is commonly found in moldmaking shops. Another value-added application of robotics in moldmaking is in making reverse molds. The science isn't in the manipula- tor robot itself, but rather in the CAD/CAM system that helps the engineer create a reverse mold for the robot to machine from a cylindrical foam blank. Using a motorized cutting tool, the foam blank is transformed into the reverse mold with cutting paths generated from a 3D CAD/CAM system. Once the cutting paths are generated in traditional G-code language, the paths that reside in the program can be translated into a useful set of instructions for the robot by a G-code converter. Robots do not use G-code language as the primary programming struc- ture, but there is software that can translate the G-code output FOR MORE INFORMATION: Yaskawa Motoman / 937-847-6200 motoman.com / info@motoman.com CONTRIBUTOR Andy Glaser is vice president of sales for Yaskawa Motoman. from the CAD/CAM system into a useful program the robot can easily execute. Equipped with the modeled cutting tool, the robot can quickly and effectively cut the foam blank into the shape originally designed in the CAD/CAM environment. This reverse mold component will assist the engineer in creating the final mold. With creative production personnel and engineers working together to integrate it into a reliable process and peripheral components, a robot can add value to high-mix, low-volume pro- duction. Moldmaking is one of the more difficult businesses in which a robot's flexibility and agility can be taken advantage of to attain a worthwhile return on investment, but today's robots are ready for the challenge. LEARN MORE Visit our Automation Zone for more information on lights-out machining, un - attended operations, robots, work cells, tool management and software. Go to moldmakingtechnology.com/zones for a complete list. Learn more at singlesourcetech.com/FCS CLAMP. DONE. RUN. © 2015 Single Source Technologies. Introducing FCS clamping system from SST. It's that fast. Learn how moving clamping setup time to the CAD/CAM stage can drastically reduce downtime at the point of production. Talk to your SST representative about the latest innovations from FCS clamping system.