In the past it has been expensive and complex to convert CAD files into robot movements. IRBCAM brings this technology within the price range of many more customers. Universities and teaching institutions receive a large discount (teaching material available on request).
• Ease of use:
IRBCAM has an intuitive and user-friendly 3D interface. Even complex robotic systems including external axes can be configured intuitively with graphical wizards. IRBCAM is currently used as a robotic teaching tool at several universities and technical colleges. However, the majority of our customers are industrial companies.
• Flexibility:
IRBCAM is not limited to a particular manufacturer of robots, CAD/CAM software or operating system. You do not have to switch to a new CAD/CAM software when purchasing IRBCAM. IRBCAM has been tested and works with SurfCAM, CATIA, ProEngineer, VisualMill, PowerMill, SolidWorks/SolidCam and others. Send us an example APT-CL or G-code file if you want us to test IRBCAM's compatibility with other CAD/CAM software. IRBCAM is currently available for Windows (32/64-bit), Mac OS X (64-bit) and Linux (64-bit).
• Offline Programming:
IRBCAM can also be used as a stand-alone offline programming and verification tool, including singularity checking and robot configuration (bending backwards/forwards, elbow up/down, wrist flip/noflip). Robot programs can be created and verified in 3D without using G-code or APT-CL toolpaths from CAD/CAM software.
• Continuous Development:
IRBCAM is continuously developed and new functions and features are added based on customer requests.
Current Features:
• IRBCAM contains a graphical and intuitive user interface
• An optimizer reduces the need to modify individual coordinates
• The fully configured toolpaths are safe (no ConfL\Off)
• IRBCAM contains 3D graphics, verification and tool animation
• On ABB robots, IRBCAM lets you drip-feed points which allows for non-interrupted milling of large jobs.
• Support for coordinated motions of linear tracks and rotary tables
• Reachability and singularity testing, including external axes
• Easy user interface for robot configuration (Bending Backwards, Elbow Up/Down, Wrist Up/Down).
• Options for: Gun on/off (suitable for laser, plasma and waterjet cutting)
• Supports automatic tool-change and spindle RPM speed
• Machining from all sides (construction views) with only one coordinate frame calibration on the robot
• In addition to the GUI, IRBCAM can be seamlessly integrated into CAM software as a post-processor
• Functions for editing, adding and deleting robot positions.
• Automatic placement of transition points between Construction Views.
• Scaling of APT coordinates in X,Y,Z directions.
• CAD Converter and import into robot station.
• Roller Mode for 6-axis toolpaths, see this YouTube video.
• Support for actuated tables, see this YouTube video.
Left: KUKA-KR16 with KR C3 controller. Right: COMAU SMART-NM-25-2.2 and 3-Axis Milling.
Left: MOTOMAN-UP50N with NX100 controller, 5-axis milling. Right: FANUC R-1000iA-80F with rotary axis.
Information about the software:
IRBCAM converts the APT-CL or ISO G-code formats to different robot languages from various manufacturers. IRBCAM supports the ABB controllers S4, S4C, S4C+ and
IRC5 as well as KUKA KR C3, MOTOMAN NX100/DX100 and FANUC RJ3/RJ4 controllers.
Typical accuracies that can be achieved with a well-calibrated robot is 0.3mm-1.0mm, a repeatability
of 0.1-0.2mm and a workspace volume with radius up to 3.9 metres. (Calibration is important. If not properly calibrated, the
robot will have position errors of several millimetres). IRBCAM supports external axes, which can extend
the workspace even further (typical linear tracks are 5 to 10 metres). A rotary external axis enables an object
to be machined from all sides in one setup. The most flexible setup is a robot mounted on a linear track plus
a rotary table holding the part. Very large objects can be machined this way, for example moulds and plugs
for marine applications, wing structures for aerospace or windmill blades.
IRBCAM works together with any CAM software that can export to the APT-CL format and can be seamlessly integrated as
a post-processor into other CAM packages. In this way, when the system has initially been set up, the user does not have to
switch between many different software packages.
IRBCAM is delivered with a
system module which, when installed on the (ABB) controller, allows for non-interrupted milling of very large jobs,
only limited by the size of the robot controller's internal disk.
IRBCAM supports 3- and 5-axis machining operations and is suited for rapid prototyping, cutting, milling, grinding, surface finishing or mould production
of wood, foam and ceramic materials and light metals (aluminium). In addition to traditional machining, the IRBCAM software
can also be used for waterjet, plasma and laser cutting, glueing, as well as painting.
IRBCAM supports construction views (or construction planes). This means that an object can be machined from all sides
with only one coordinate frame calibration on the robot. Only one calibration means that errors introduced
when recalibrating are eliminated. For the propeller example in the
Pictures section, a worst-case
accuracy of 0.3mm was achieved when machining from two sides (top and bottom views) using an IRB1600 robot.
News:
Some Example Videos:
