Off-line programming aids paint robot efficiency

Off-line programming capability allows a paint plant operator to accurately program robotic systems without tying up physical resources on the factory floor, thereby reducing man-hours.

Dassault Systemes, a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, announced today that its DELMIA IGRIP robotic solution and UltraPaint have been implemented at the Caterpillar facility in Decatur, Illinois, USA.

to assist in the upgrade of the company's robotic paint production lines where a number of new robots have been installed requiring intensive re-programming.

In order to deliver the project in a timely manner, it was agreed by all parties that utilizing the DELMIA IGRIP software with the UltraPaint add-on was the optimal solution.

IGRIP is a physics-based, scalable robotic simulation solution for quick and graphical modeling and off-line programming (OLP) of complex, multi-device robotic workcells for applications such as painting, welding, dispensing, material removal and machine tending.

The OLP capability allows users to accurately program robotic systems without tying up physical resources on the factory floor thereby reducing man-hours and process engineering lead-time while improving accuracy.

Included with the UltraPaint is a complete set of painting simulation tools.

Spray gun and paint attributes can be entered into the painting device and the results can be graphically displayed in multiple colors illustrating relative film thickness; or exact thickness can be obtained though the uses of a built-in film build gauge.

Complex paint booths can be constructed, and multiple robot moving line applications can be simulated.

Additionally, the Realistic Robotic Simulation (RSS) feature allows the IGRIP software to interface with a robot manufacturer's proprietary motion planning software (called an RCS module) to provide greater accuracy in the trajectory motion and cycle time prediction.

The DELMIA IGRIP calibration tools let users adjust the simulation model to accurately reflect real world device relationships, while the signature interface enables programmers to easily modify robot devices to gain accurate robot motion.

Finally, users download the optimized simulation programs using IGRIP's postprocessors.

In this application, each existing part paint program was simulated in the cell, taking into the consideration the new robots in order to check for reach ability and clearances.

With the simulation capability, existing programs could be optimized to gain efficiencies.

For example, any unnecessary helicopter moves where the wrist wraps around in a 360 deg move and is typically a waste of motion and time were able to be identified and eliminated.

IGRIP is part of the DELMIA Resource Modeling and Simulation solution suite, providing the tools to develop and implement resources, application routines and mechanical programming.

Within this set of solutions, resources such as robots, tooling, fixtures, machinery, automation and ergonomics are defined and infused into a complete manufacturing scenario.

* About DELMIA - DELMIA is a premier brand for digital manufacturing solutions, focused on two unique software applications that can be used to streamline manufacturing processes.

DELMIA Automation provides solutions to digitally design, test and validate the control of a machine, workcell, or entire factory line and DELMIA PLM provides the process and resource capability to enable continuous creation and validation of manufacturing processes as related to the product throughout the entire product lifecycle.

DELMIA serves industries where the optimization of manufacturing processes is critical, including automotive, aerospace, fabrication and assembly, electrical and electronics, consumer goods, plant, and shipbuilding sectors.

* About Dassault Systemes - as a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, the Dassault Systemes group brings value to more than 90,000 customers in 80 countries.

A pioneer in the 3D software market since 1981, Dassault Systemes develops and markets PLM application software and services that support industrial processes and provide a 3D vision of the entire lifecycle of products from conception to maintenance.

The Dassault Systemes portfolio consists of CATIA for designing the virtual product - SolidWorks for 3D mechanical design - DELMIA for virtual production - SIMULIA for virtual testing and ENOVIA for global collaborative lifecycle management, including ENOVIA VPLM, ENOVIA MatrixOne and ENOVIA SmarTeam.

Dassault Systemes is listed on the Nasdaq (DASTY) and Euronext Paris (#13065, DSY.PA) stock exchanges.

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