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.

Why Choose AIXI for Robotics Components and Equipment?

Fast Prototyping

Leverage design for manufacturability (DFM) insights in our instant quotes to refine your part design before production starts, and efficiently move through both early and late-stage prototyping.

Quality Certifications and Traceability

Benefit from our ISO 9001-certified production processes for parts with stringent requirements.

On-Demand Production

Add flexibility to your supply chain by ordering quick-turn parts, whether for low-volume custom components or high-volume, repeatable parts.

Variety of Materials

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.

Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO)

Quickly order custom production parts on demand for MRO needs to ensure robotics equipment stays operational without interruption.

3D Printing in Robotics

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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Why 3D Printing for Robotics?

  • Fast prototyping
  • Flexibility in design for intricate shapes and complex structures, including lattice designs
  • Reduced weight
  • Ability to produce parts as a single unit, cutting down on assembly time
  • Minimized material waste

Common Robotic Applications for 3D-Printed Parts:

  • Cameras
  • Motors
  • Sensors
  • Microcontrollers
  • Feedback mechanisms
  • Controllers
  • Manipulators
  • Robotic arms

What 3D Printing, Finishing, and Quality Processes Does AIXI Offer for Robotics?

  • Stereolithography
  • Selective Laser Sintering
  • Direct Metal Laser Sintering (Metal 3D Printing)
  • Multi Jet Fusion
  • PolyJet
  • 3D-Printed Silicone
  • Post-Process Machining
  • Mechanical Testing
  • Heat Treatments
  • Vapor Smoothing
  • Painting
  • Insert Fitting/Tapping
  • Assembly
  • Measurement Reports (3D Scanning)

CNC Machining for Robotics Development

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.

Why Choose CNC Machining for Robotics?

  • Efficient, automated production process
  • High-precision components
  • Use of robust, durable materials
  • Design versatility with 5-axis milling
  • Variety of surface finish options

Common robotic applications for machined parts include:

  • Gear mechanisms
  • Gripping tools (end effectors)
  • Custom-designed fixtures
  • Motor components

AIXI offers the following machining, finishing, and quality processes for robotics:

  • CNC milling and turning
  • Use of standardized machines and tools to ensure consistency
  • Anodizing and chromate conversion coating
  • Basic assembly, part marking, and comprehensive inspection reports

Injection Molding in the Robotics Industry

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.

Why Choose Injection Molding for the Robotics Industry?

  • High precision in component manufacturing
  • Consistent repeatability for large production runs
  • Opportunities for lightweight designs
  • Scalability to meet production demands
  • Fast turnaround for rapid prototyping

Common robotic applications for molded parts include:

  • Protective housings and enclosures
  • Structural frames
  • Gear components
  • Camera mounting frames
  • LED indicator housings

AIXI offers the following molding, finishing, and quality processes for robotics:

  • Plastic injection molding
  • Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) molding
  • Overmolding and insert molding
  • Assembly services
  • Part marking
  • Measurement and inspection
  • Traceability for all parts

What Materials Work Best for the Robotics Industry?

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.

Robotics Manufacturing Report

A comprehensive guide for engineers to explore cutting-edge hardware, materials, and the future trends in robotics manufacturing.

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