Robotic machining from programming to process control: a complete solution by force control

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present the critical issues and methodologies to improve robotic machining performance with flexile industrial robots.

Design/methodology/approach

A complete solution using active force control is introduced to address various issues during the robotic machining process.

Findings

Programming complex couture parts without a CAD model is made easy by using force control functions such as lead‐through and path‐learning. The problem of process control is treated with a novel methodology that consists of stiffness modeling, real‐time deformation compensation for quality and controlled material removal rate for process efficiency.

Originality/value

Experimental results showed that higher productivity as well as better surface quality can be achieved, indicating a promising and practical use of industrial robots for machining applications that is not available at present.

Citation

Pan, Z. and Zhang, H. (2008), "Robotic machining from programming to process control: a complete solution by force control", Industrial Robot, Vol. 35 No. 5, pp. 400-409. https://doi.org/10.1108/01439910810893572