Robots for rapid prototyping and for tooling of high volume workpieces

Abstract

Today rapid prototyping techniques make it possible to convert CAD models directly into paper laminated workpieces, plastic workpieces or metal sintered workpieces, but are restricted to dimensions of 500/spl times/500/spl times/500 mm. The robot, as a 6 to 8 axis milling machine, allows fast and economical manufacturing of high-volume workpieces of model materials. The robot may also be used as a tool for net-shape treatment, for grinding and for other surface treatments. Several examples of modeling and of tooling high volume workpieces, used in ship engineering and for paper production machines, in connection with the problems of calibration, of generating datas and the of graphical interactive operation are presented.