Robotics is a growing and diverse industry, especially prominent in industrial and manufacturing sectors. Key applications include robotic arms, collaborative robots (cobots), robotic process automation, AI integration, predictive maintenance, and service robots. For robotics components, ensuring dimensional accuracy is crucial as parts must be precisely engineered to integrate seamlessly with other robot components. Durability under repetitive use is also vital. Additional factors such as customization, low-friction surface finishes, and complex geometries are important. This is where digital manufacturing excels, offering unique advantages in producing and assembling parts for robotics.
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Select from a wide range of materials, including machined metals like aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel 17-4 PH, as well as plastics like POM and flexible elastomeric resins.
Quickly order custom production parts on demand for MRO needs to ensure robotics equipment stays operational without interruption.
The robotics industry is increasingly adopting 3D printing because it enables the creation of intricate, organic, and highly efficient parts. It allows for the design of geometries that may be difficult or impossible to achieve through traditional machining or molding processes, offering a wide range of material options in both plastics and metals. Additive manufacturing also enables the integration of multiple components into a single design, resulting in cost savings during production.
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CNC machining is a key service for the robotics industry, offering exceptional precision and dimensional accuracy along with a wide range of material options. It allows for tighter tolerances compared to other manufacturing methods, and 5-axis CNC milling can produce intricate parts, essential for applications requiring exact, repeatable motions. Post-processing in machining enables controlled surface finishes, which are critical for low-friction components in interactive robotic parts. CNC machining is especially well-suited for producing custom robotics components in low volumes.
Injection molding is a dependable manufacturing method for low- to mid-volume production. As the production volume increases, the cost per piece generally decreases thanks to our volume pricing model. Although injection molding is not the main process for creating robotic components, it is widely used for producing parts such as housings, frames, and casings. Moreover, the use of Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) molding is on the rise with the growing development of soft robotics.
Aluminum is a popular material in the robotics industry because of its lightweight properties. Some alloys also offer excellent corrosion resistance, good weldability, and high heat resistance, which are essential for robotic applications. For alloys with lower corrosion resistance, treatments like anodizing can be applied to enhance it.
Additionally, aluminum provides a variety of surface finish options that can improve the appearance of robots, especially for those on display. Another key advantage of aluminum is its excellent machinability.
Stainless steel is a widely used material in the robotics industry, especially for components that require durability and the ability to withstand repeated processes and harsh environments.
It is also easy to harden, making it a great option for the framework or body of a robot. Stainless steel is the ideal material for parts that need a balance of corrosion resistance, high strength, and temperature resistance.
Acetal (also known as Delrin) is a popular plastic used in robotics. Its lightweight nature makes it a great choice for applications that require weight reduction. Acetal offers excellent dimensional stability and low friction, making it ideal for robotic components that involve sliding or repetitive movements. Additionally, it is relatively cost-effective compared to other materials commonly used in the industry.
Elastomers are gaining popularity in the robotics industry, particularly with the growth of soft robotics, which are designed for more delicate tasks that require a gentler touch. These materials are also utilized in traditional robots for internal components like semiconductors and casings, where flexibility is essential.
A comprehensive guide for engineers to explore cutting-edge hardware, materials, and the future trends in robotics manufacturing.
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