Client: Leading Industrial Robotics Manufacturer
Industry: Robotics & Automation
Manufacturing Process: CNC Machining (5-Axis) & Additive Manufacturing
Material: Aerospace-Grade Aluminum & Stainless Steel
Challenge: Achieving Tight Tolerances for High-Performance Actuators
Background
A leading industrial robotics manufacturer approached 8X Parts Inc. to develop high-precision actuator components for their next-generation robotic arms. These actuators required tight tolerances (±0.005mm), lightweight materials, and exceptional durability to ensure smooth and repeatable motion in automation processes.
Challenges
The client needed actuator housings that could meet extremely high precision requirements while also being lightweight and durable. Some of the key challenges included:
Tight tolerances: The actuator components required precision within ±0.005mm to ensure smooth movement and prevent misalignment.
Weight constraints: The company wanted to reduce the overall weight of the robotic arm to improve efficiency without compromising strength.
Scalability & speed: The project required an agile manufacturing process that could support both rapid prototyping and low-volume production before scaling up.
Material selection: The components needed to withstand high operational stresses while maintaining corrosion resistance.
Solution
To meet the client’s requirements, 8X Parts Inc. combined 5-axis CNC machining with additive manufacturing to produce actuator components that delivered precision, strength, and efficiency.
Material Optimization: After evaluating multiple options, aerospace-grade aluminum (6061-T6) was chosen for its lightweight and high strength, while stainless steel was used for critical wear-resistant sections.
Precision CNC Machining: Using advanced 5-axis CNC machining, the parts were manufactured with ±0.005mm tolerances, ensuring perfect fit and motion consistency.
Additive Manufacturing Integration: 3D-printed internal baffles were incorporated into the actuator design, reducing the overall weight by 20% while maintaining durability.
Rapid Turnaround: Prototyping was completed in 10 days, allowing for immediate testing and quick adjustments before full production.
Results
The final actuator components significantly improved the robotic system's performance:
30% weight reduction, making the robotic arm more energy-efficient and responsive.
Improved precision, ensuring smooth and repeatable motion for high-performance automation.
50% faster development cycle, helping the client accelerate their product launch.
15% cost savings, achieved through material optimization and streamlined production processes.
Summary
By leveraging high-precision CNC machining and advanced additive manufacturing, 8X Parts Inc. helped the client develop lighter, stronger, and more precise actuator components while reducing costs and accelerating production timelines.
Need precision-engineered components for your robotics project? Contact 8X Parts Inc. today to discuss how we can support your next innovation.