Cutting with the Band Saw
In 2023, the robotics lab acquired an end-of-arm tool that holds a portable band saw. This tool can be used to make long, flat cuts through various materials.
The band saw can be mounted on either robot, but the work envelope has significantly fewer obstacles around HAL than around TARS. Therefore, we recommend using HAL for most operations.
Always use personal protective equipment when running the robots, particularly with the band saw.
Step-by-step guide
Prepare a KRL script using Grasshopper with the KUKA PRC Plugin.
Mount the band saw.
Mount the workpiece on the base.
Test the toolpath with the saw in place but not running, to ensure that the saw blade is entering the work piece where it is expected to.
Run the program, paying very close attention to the dynamics of the saw blade and adjusting the speed appropriately.
Remove the tool and place it on the shelf.
Clean the workspace.