Chicago, Illinois - Advances in technology allow robots to capture more material removal applications. This paper will discuss advantages and limitations of plasma and oxy fuel cutting, plasma gouging and drilling and tapping and polishing when applied using robotics. One of the main drivers in this field is equipment cost. A 6 axis robot with 500 kg. end of the arm payload capacity costs around $140,000 which is substantially less than a typical 5 axis mill with similar work envelope. Articulated arms are also quicker than Cartesian based machine tools due to reduced inertia. On the minus side robots are less rigid or accurate than machine tools. Plasma and oxy fuel cutting and gouging require no tool force which makes them ideal candidates for robotic machining. Material removal is accomplished using the power from either the plasma arc or the exothermic reaction of steel rather than using spindle horse power. Drilling, tapping and polishing are good robotic material removal technologies as they do not exet side loads on the tool or the robot.
About the speaker
Daniel Allford has been the president and owner of ARC Specialties for over 33 years. Dan was an early adopter of industrial robotics and turned his passion into an internationally recognized automation company. Dan holds several patents in the field of welding automation. He has grown ARC Specialties from a one man operation into a 65 person team of engineers and craftsmen. With systems working around the globe, ARC is known for Plasma, TIG, MIG, SAW and Resistance welding systems. ARC Specialties was selected as one of the “Best Work Places in Houston” in 2012. Dan has degrees from the University of Houston and Texas State Technical Institute. He is a life member of the American Welding Society, as well as a member of Society of Manufacturing Engineers, American Society for Metals and Houston Economics Club. Dan helps cultivate the next generation of engineers by mentoring USFirst High School robot teams, and has subsequently hired several engineers from the program. He also serves as guest speaker at the University of Texas, Texas A&M, LeTourneau University, Lone Star College, Houston Community College and professional society meetings around the country.
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