Fastems, LLC has introduced Fastsimu for offline robotic programming. Designed to enhance the capabilities of advanced automated material handling and processing equipment, Fastsimu is a software application that provides robotic production features, especially for machining, grinding and de-burring operations. The software can be used in conjunction with 3D CAD models or by utilizing tool paths created by CAD/CAM, which makes it possible to program the robot just like any other multi-axis machine tool. Fastsimu provides several features for direct 3D CAD model-based programming. Robot program simulation includes: near-miss and collision inspections; monitoring of robot joint limits, speeds and accelerations; singularity detection; tool change simulation; and cycle time inspection.
The company has also introduced the MMS5 control system, which is designed to expand the capabilities of flexible manufacturing systems to include a factory-wide manufacturing execution system for total control over such functions as automatic warehousing, tool management and robotic cell integration. It includes interfaces optimized for management, supervisors and shop floor operators.
