For the past six months, Stäubli Robotics has been involved in a major project initiated by the Cetim (French Mechanical Engineering Technical Centre). A new solution is being tested for the industry: the machining professional robot. What will be the outcome of this technical innovation when it is finalized in September 2009? Let's professional zoom in on the adventure.


An experiment using multiple skills: Stäubli has contributed several technological innovations to the project. The RX170 HP robot has a Precise-Fisher high speed spindle integrated directly into its forearm, an adaptation that greatly enhances rigidity. In addition, the professional harness containing the unit's power supply manufacturer, professional cooling system and lubrication is completely inside the arm, with no external ducting. The robot's pressurisation also enables it to operate in difficult conditions.
The organization involving a team of companies working on the project is unprecedented. The robot's rigid cell, reducing vibrations with its machined, welded base filled with sand, was designed by Segula. The professional software publisher Delcam is working on generating the arm's trajectory over five axes, while Alma is converting the CAM files into robotic programming language before performing simulations to validate the paths.

High-level technological objectives: For the Cetim Centre this operation is first and foremost a chance to concentrate on machining accuracy accessible to the robot. The aim is to get as near as possible to +/- 0.04 mm repeatability with the standard RX170 HP robot. A challenge to be taken up during the two years of tests being conducted in the Cetim's facilities in Senlis. The Precise-Fisher high speed spindle systems’ features (17 kW, 42,000 rpm) enable it to machine parts at extremely high speeds. Spindles with different power or rotation-speed specifications can also be adapted for the robot.
The specification is extremely wide ranging. Research into manufacturer of numerical control, fine-tuning cutting conditions, tests involving a wide range of materials (wood, stone, stainless steel, aluminium, steel, composite material, resin, glass…), with or without lubrication, all working towards reaching extreme machining conditions.

A very wide range of applications: Apart from the robot's remarkable performances, its price and features will make it an extremely attractive proposition from both the capital investment and operational standpoints. Engineering shops will be able to deal with different types of machining operations, such as contouring, die trimming, weld bead machining, prototyping, polishing, drilling and tapping. It is a future-proof solution that will adapt to any changes in production applications.
The robot, to be officially launched during the 2008 "Industrie Paris" trade fair, will find its place in numerous sectors such as the automotive industry, clock-making, glass machining and timber, as well as the nuclear industry (maintenance operations), aeronautics and railways, to name but a few.

The robot's polyvalence provides factories with added value. What is the point of relocating, since the robot, after providing a return on investment, gives exceptional efficiency with superlative quality? This alternative is going to be extremely attractive to companies who want to maintain employment levels.