Programming software options.

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    I have a thread in the Fanuc section. We have been in CNC manufacturing for decades, but need to adopt robotics, so I am soaking this up as fast as I can. Because I have done a ton of CNC programming through CAM software, that is usually how I prefer to approach programming complex paths in 3D space. I have primarily focused on Fanuc robots because I am told they are much more abundant on the used markets, and I want to buy used until we can really justify new.

    We would start with a single robot, but I wish to expand, and the better I can get at this, the easier it will be to adopt another robot.

    I am told that I should stick to just programming with the teach pendant out of the gate. I totally understand that for simplicity and cost. But I will say our very first CNC machine had 'conversational programming' which means aided programming at the machine. Literally we tried both CAM and conversational at the same time, and on our very first part, we ditched conversational and never looked back.

    I realize the importance of making adjustments in the field with the robot pendant, but I also want to explore what software options might be a good fit for us in the future? So far I have only looked at Roboguide. I know it is not cheap but we are not taking this on as a hobby. However, while I have not yet even played with Roboguide, it seemed pretty primitive to me. I don't know.

    Curious what you pros use? Since it sounds like a robot language may be specific to each MFG, could I assume general use softwares will convert a codex to suit a certain MFG or control model? I guess what we call in CNC, a "post processor" or code converter if you will.

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    You didn´t mentioned what Your company want to make with this robot, but based on your CNC background, I suppose is some kind of milling/cutting operation.

    If we are talking about simulation software for robotics, we need to consider that are two main categories:

    First one is the brand own software solution. Roboguide, in case of FANUC. It has its pros and cons, but it is the closer You can get of a real FANUC robot.

    On the other hand, there are the generic simulators, that can simulate various brands at the same time, as Process Simulate, DELMIA or RoboDK, where You program the virtual robot with a common (and normally graphical) language, and after You can download (or post-process) the program in a format that the real robot can understand.

    In this case, there are specific generic simulators, as Robotmaster or SprutCAM, that are more oriented to the CAD-to-Path philosophy, where You basically load a 3D model of a part, indicate in what region of that part the robot needs to work, parameters and so on, and than the software generate the paths automatically.

    You need to know that generic simulators normally focus on generic/common robot operations, as path generation. But if You want to dig in the specifics of a particular brand, You need the brand own software.

    Nowadays I mostly use Process Simulate or RoboDK, but sometimes I will fire up Roboguide, RobotStudio or MotoSim, depending on my needs.

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    I would imagine that machining CAM software will probably miss quite a few things, as I have experienced in the past even with different types of machine tools.

    The first primary focus of the robots is mundane, to gain footing. That is to offload and reload parts assemblies in machines which are too heavy for employees. 30-50kg.

    However, we have several things I need the robots to do later that would basically be like "deburring" parts, which would be following the actual contour of a part, not just a general linear or joint move. I would never be asking a robot to do real machining even though I see these 'game-ish' looking sims of that happening. You need real accuracy and rigidity to do it right. But I might have something in the "high def plasma" area for quick work down the road, but that is really not a priority matter, but that would certainly be best to come right out of our CAM software.

    I did read where a guy here was somehow carving stone sculptures with a robot out of his CAM software so apparently it can happen. But he was also in here asking about other software...lol

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    Quote from Bobsmith

    The first primary focus of the robots is mundane, to gain footing. That is to offload and reload parts assemblies in machines which are too heavy for employees. 30-50kg.

    You don't need CAM software for that. If you want to prepare and modify programs offline for this application go for Roboguide, there is no better and cheaper software for this purpose. Jm2c.

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    Quote from hermann

    You don't need CAM software for that. If you want to prepare and modify programs offline for this application go for Roboguide, there is no better and cheaper software for this purpose. Jm2c.

    Thank you. I guess I am trying to gage at what point Roboguide is not adequate? Assume we wanted to drive a 3D tool path, either machining, or squirt glue, can Roboguide do that with reasonable efficiency? I do want to move into some more complex part stacking and checking so I would like to go down the correct path from the start to gain familiarity.

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    IRBCAM should also be mentioned, in the category "generic simulators", but with a focus on CAM to robot path. It existed as a desktop application since 2005, but transitioned to a web-based application in 2024. It currently supports ABB, FANUC, KUKA, MOTOMAN and UR.

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