CAD to Point for ECP (6-axis Robot)

CAD To Point for ECP is a function to output edge line information which is included in CAD data as point data to operate external control point (ECP) motion. You can use the ECP function with the virtual controller. If you want to use it with the actual controller, you will need to purchase ECP license. By the robot grasps workpiece and selecting edges of CAD objects on the 3D view sequentially, you can generate point data along with the motion path. The robot motion points can be registered automatically based on CAD data such as part. Therefore, development time of programs can be shortened.

Use a sample using easy CAD data to execute CAD To Point for ECP.

In the example, create a motion to follow an outer circumference of grasped CAD object (tray) by the robot on the edge of fixed syringe.

Operate the following procedures:

Connect to virtual controller "CTPforECP C4-B"
Open a project
Select CAD Object and ECP
Select an edge of CAD object and create a motion path of the robot
Output as point data
Create a program
Operate the robot by executing the program

Connect to virtual controller "CTPforECP C4-B"

Select "CTPforECP C4-B" of [Connection:] on Epson RC+ 8.0 toolbar. When the connection is complete, "CTPforECP C4-B" is displayed in the [Connection:] box.

Click the [Simulator] button on the toolbar to display the Simulator window. CAD objects: "sample_part" and "syringe", and Hand objects are placed.
Open a project
1. Click [Open...] from [Project] on Epson RC+ 8.0 menu.
2. Select [Projects]-[SimulatorDemos]-[CTP_for_ECP_C4_B].
3. Click the [Open] button.
Select CAD Object and ECP
1. Click the [CAD to Point for ECP button on the toolbar to display the [Select CAD Object and ECP] dialog.
2. Set as follows.
  - CAD: sample_part
  - Robot: 1
  - Tool: 1
  - Offset settings (X, Y, Z, Rx, Ry, Rz): 0.000
  - ECP: 1
Select an edge of CAD object and create a motion path of the robot
1. Click the [Select Edge] button to display the [CAD to Point (ECP Support)] dialog.
2. To operate the sample program properly, select edges in counter clockwise rotation sequentially from edge of straight part of right tray. For selection of surface including edges and edges, see below.
  
  CAD To Point (6-axis Robot)
  
  The straight part indicates edges on flat surface on the outer circumference.
  
  The curve part indicates edges on side of the tray.
  
  For division number and offset for each edge, refer to the following values.

Edge number			1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Type			Straight	Curve	Straight	Curve	Straight	Curve	Straight	Curve
Division number			0	2	0	2	0	2	0	2
Offset	Position (mm)	X	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
		Y	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
		Z	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	Orientation (deg)	Rx	20	-70	20	-70	20	-70	20	-70
		Ry	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
		Rz	0	0	-90	0	180	90	90	180

TIP

The arrow direction of edges indicates direction of start and end point of generating point. By clicking the [Reverse] button, you can reverse the arrow direction. Make sure to set the arrow direction will be counterclockwise rotation.

When all edges are set properly, it will be as follows.

Export the edges as point data

Click the [Export Points] button of the [CAD to Point (ECP Support)] dialog to display the [Export Points] dialog.

Click the [OK] button to output the point data to rows No. 0-12 in point file "robot1.pts".
Create a program
1. Set the proper robot orientation for the point data.
  
  Open the point file "robot1.pts" from the layout objects and perform the following.
  - Wrist orientation (Wrist) of output point No.0-12: NoFlip → Flip
  - J6Flag of point No. 10-12: 0 → 1
2. Create the following program in Main.prg program.
```
Function main

  Motor On
  Power High

  Tool 1
  ECP 1

  Go P0

  Move P1 ECP CP
  Arc3 P2, P3 ECP CP

  Move P4 CP
  Arc3 P5, P6 ECP CP

  Move P7 CP
  Arc3 P8, P9 ECP CP

  Move P10 CP
  Arc3 P11, P12 ECP CP

  Pulse 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0
  Motor Off

Fend
```
3. Click the [Build] button on the toolbar. The program will be built.
When the build is complete, the message "Build complete, no errors" appears in the status window.
Operate the robot by executing the program
1. Click the [Run Window] button on the toolbar to display the Run window.
2. Click the [Start] button. When the message "Are you ready to start?" appears, click [Yes].
3. Confirm that the program is executed and follow an outer circumference of grasped CAD object (tray) by the robot on the edge of fixed syringe to operate ECP motion.

Functions of CAD to Point for ECP

Click the [CAD to Point for ECP button on the toolbar to display the [CAD to Point (ECP Support)] dialog. For functions, see below.

CAD To Point (6-axis Robot) - "Function of CAD to Point"

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