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Thanks Johannes!

What kind of solutions are people using for workholding when using industrial robots for milling?

Thanks,

Wade

Hello! I'm doing some research for an architecture firm / fabrication company. I have a background in 5-axis milling & digital fabrication, but I'm new to robotics.

We're setting up a lab here for digital fabrication research. My role is "digital fabrication manager" & I'm tasked with setting up this lab, executing research projects & training a staff of architects, engineers & fabrication specialists about the capabilities of digital fabrication so that this technology may be ingrained into our design process.

We'll be acquiring a multipurpose robot for welding, milling, gripping, etc... I want to be setup for milling, but I have a feeling that the majority of the robotic work that we will be doing in the future will be welding frames for large scale prefabricated modules. I'm fairly experienced with grasshopper & I have a background in executing the digital fabrication of parametrically modeled installations. The rhino/grasshopper interface is more realistic as a design/teaching tool for architects & I have been tinkering with KUKA PRC a bit. However, we have an automation company close to us in Alabama, USA & they have a relationship with Yaskawa for integration of robotics in manufacturing. My main question is: should I entertain their suggestion that we go with Yaskawa? Or should I suggest/demand that we go with KUKA for KUKA Prc? Is it possible to create a post for Yaskawa INFORM that could be used with KUKA Prc? I've seen HAL on food4Rhino & see that they have created posts for various manufacturers, however I'm not certain how active the creator of HAL is. (there doesn't seem to be much action in their forum & their website appears to need some updating)

Thanks!
-Wade