4D Engineering, UK distributor for the Robotmaster CAD/CAM system has announced the new release of Robotmaster v5 – an offline toolpath trajectory programming system for 6-axis robots for CNC applications such as trimming, machining and deburring.

The latest release adds new graphical tools for easy positioning of the component and its toolpaths within the specific working envelope of the robot. Multiple ISO views of the robot envelope are displayed together with the component being machined allowing the user to dynamically rotate and pan each view and ‘slide’ the component into the working area so that the robot frame data settings can then be updated accordingly.

This graphical positioning is a far easier method of getting the component set-up for the best orientation for the robot, rather than the trial and error methods other more manual systems have to use. Once positioned correctly, Robotmaster then optimises the toolpaths generated within the Mastercam X5 CAD/CAM system (within which Robotmaster operates) for 6-axis movement and automatically detects and presents graphical solutions for typical robot problems areas such as joint limits and singularities. Additionally, it provides the user with full simulation of the robot movements to correct any potential collision areas.

Robotmaster v5 now has the ability to drive most types of 6-axis robots including those from ABB, Comau, Fanuc, Kuka, Mitsubishi, Motoman and Staubli. Working alongside most of the robot manufacturers and integrators has shown that the right combination of robot hardware together with Robotmaster for offline CAD/CAM programming can provide a more cost-effective alternative for the multi-axis machining of light material components when compared to the more traditional gantry style 5-axis CNC machine tool methods.

4D Engineering
www.robotmaster.com