KUKA Robotics Corp., a leading global manufacturer of industrial robots, has signed Programming Plus (PPI) of New Berlin, WI, as its newest system partner. The companies have partnered to provide customers with advanced CAM expertise for the rapid prototyping, milling and material removal markets. Programming Plus, utilizing Delcam software and KUKA robots, has designed a process to translate CAD files to CAM files thus allowing KUKA robots to function as a more efficient and cost effective automated alternative to current large CNC machines.
"Programming Plus has been providing software intensive CAM solutions for 15 years," said Joe Campbell, director of strategic alliances for KUKA Robotics Corporation. "Combining KUKA's robot products and technology with Programming Plus' CAM expertise in milling systems will meet customer demands for robotic prototyping and machining."
"KUKA and PPI have the only partnership in the industry that provides for CAD/CAM translations for robots," said Tom Bentley, president of Programming Plus. "KUKA's high performance robots and our CAM expertise means the customer will mill more efficiently and more cost effectively than ever before."
With the use of KUKA robots and Delcam software Programming Plus has developed a process that allows the milling of many types of products, including concept models, in a variety of materials such as wood and foam.
This system has expanded the capabilities of the robot, allowing it to function as a larger CNC machine would. One KUKA robot can mill from one position 2, 3, 4 or even more parts stationed around it and in many cases, it can load its own parts.
KUKA Robotics Corp., with its parent company KUKA Roboter GmbH, Augsburg, Germany, is one of the world's leading manufacturers of industrial robots. The company's 5 and 6 axis robots range from 3kg to 570kg payloads, and 635mm to 3700mm reach, all controlled from a common PC based controller platform. For more information go to www.kuka.com/usa/en/ /.
Programming Plus is a Value Added Reseller (VAR) specializing in services for complex milling processes. For more information go to www.programmingplus.com