Machine design software/services

[mdlwn]

Hello..sorry if this has been covered elswhere... I am a complete noob. I'm trying to find out how to develope a robotic arm or similar machine to cut 3 dimensional objects. Are there software programs that would create mechanical solutions based on a set of known results needed?

 

[Mech_Engineer]

Sounds like what you want to make is a CNC (Computer Numerical Controlled) mill. There are home-made ones that can be done relatively cheaply, it all depends on what material you want it to cut, how large, and what the accuracy should be.

Do a search for "home made CNC mill" on Google, and you'll find what you want. making one will require some familiarity with machining processes, as well as absolute positioning and motion controlled-systems. Good luck!

 

[mdlwn]

I was thinking of a multi axis robotic arm that could sculpt objects anywhere from 2-20' or so...like a robotic welder. Still trying to learn what is required axis, extensions, etc to cut any potential shape. Well maybe not any shape, but a ball would likely be a good goal. Any resource info or a direction would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Mech_Engineer]

I was thinking of a multi axis robotic arm that could sculpt objects anywhere from 2-20' or so...like a robotic welder. Still trying to learn what is required axis, extensions, etc to cut any potential shape. Well maybe not any shape, but a ball would likely be a good goal. Any resource info or a direction would be greatly appreciated.

Well suffice to say such a system would be large and very expensive! Sculpt objects out of what?

 

[mdlwn]

Well suffice to say such a system would be large and very expensive! Sculpt objects out of what?

I really can't say at this point. The cutting head, platform, and mobility all exist commercially. Is there software or some formula that would test or plot how many and what type of axis would be needed to develope a robotic arm capable of performing these functions? If not, what might you recomend?

 

[Mech_Engineer]

I really can't say at this point. The cutting head, platform, and mobility all exist commercially. Is there software or some formula that would test or plot how many and what type of axis would be needed to develope a robotic arm capable of performing these functions? If not, what might you recomend?

It will depend on the kind of cutting tool used, but my guess is you would need something on the order of a ball end mill on 7-axis machine: 2 axes for positioning the arm around the part (assumes the part would have to be machined from multiple directions), 3 for machining the part in 3-d space once the arm in positioned, and 2 for changing the angle of the head to prevent interference with overhangs/dropouts on the part.

Developing an arm that is capable of these movements is not particularly difficult for an engineering team and a company with R&D capital; but, a single person probably won't be able to build one in their garage in their spare time... It will be a large, heavy, complex, and expensive system.

 

[mdlwn]

Thank you for your time and info. I have no intention of building this myself...more thinking along the lines of attaching a smaller arm based on modified existing equipment, then attaching it to something along the lines of an excavator. The important parts would be the axes mechanisms more so than the structure as the structure would only have to support its own weight and not apply force with the exception of its own movement.