Understanding Parts Link in Industrial Robotics
Parts Link is a crucial concept in industrial robotics, particularly when it comes to programming and simulating robotic tasks. It refers to the connection between the physical objects that a robot manipulates, known as Parts, and the objects that hold or support these Parts, called Fixtures. This article will delve into the intricacies of Parts Link, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of its role and application in industrial robotics.
What is a Part?
A Part, in the context of industrial robotics, is any object that a robot is designed to handle or manipulate. These can range from simple geometric shapes like cubes, spheres, and cylinders to complex 3D models of actual parts used in manufacturing processes. When you’re working with Parts Link, it’s essential to accurately represent these objects in your simulation environment.
Let’s take a look at the different ways you can add a Part to your simulation:
| CAD Library | Single CAD File | Multiple CAD Files | Box | Cylinder | Sphere |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| System’s built-in CAD database | One CAD file | Multiple CAD files | Simple 3D box shape | Simple 3D cylinder shape | Simple 3D sphere shape |
Adding a Part to Your Simulation
Suppose you want to add a simple box to your simulation. Here’s how you would do it:
- Right-click on the “Parts” section in the Cell Browser and select “Add Part”.
- Select the type of Part you want to add. In this case, choose “Box” from the available options.
- Set the Part’s properties, such as its name, color, mass, and scale. For instance, you can name your Part “Little Box”, set its color to default, mass to 2kg, and size to 50mm.
- Click “OK” to add the Part to your simulation environment.
What is a Fixture?
A Fixture is an object that holds or supports a Part during the robotic process. It ensures that the Part remains in the correct position and orientation for the robot to manipulate it effectively. Fixtures are essential for tasks like assembly, inspection, and packaging.
Adding and Configuring a Fixture
Adding a Fixture to your simulation is similar to adding a Part. Here’s how you can do it:
- Right-click on the “Fixtures” section in the Cell Browser and select “Add Fixture”.
- Select the type of Fixture you want to add. In this case, choose “Box” from the available options.
- Set the Fixture’s properties, such as its name, location, and orientation. For instance, you can name your Fixture “Little Fixture”, set its location in the simulation space, and adjust its orientation as needed.
- Click “OK” to add the Fixture to your simulation environment.
Parts Link in Action
Now that you have both a Part and a Fixture in your simulation, it’s time to link them together. This process ensures that the robot knows how to manipulate the Part using the Fixture. Here’s how you can do it:
- Select the Part you want to manipulate.
- Right-click on the Part and select “Link to Fixture”.
- Select the Fixture you want to use for the manipulation.
- Adjust the link properties, such as the position and orientation of the Part relative to the Fixture.
- Click “OK” to establish the Parts Link.
Benefits of Using Parts Link
Parts Link offers several benefits in industrial robotics:
- Improved accuracy: By accurately representing Parts and Fixtures in the simulation, you can ensure that the robot performs tasks with precision.
- Reduced errors: With a clear understanding of how Parts and Fixtures interact, you can minimize errors in the manufacturing process.
