News

News

Manufacturers of non-standard precision parts

LARGE TUBULAR PARTS · CNC MACHINING Solution

Release time:

Oct 19,2026

Views:

29

Large Tubular Parts & CNC Machining for Global Industrial Robotics

In modernindustrial roboticsmanufacturing,large tubular partsplay a critical structural role (such as main arm links, primary rotation shafts, pillar brackets, and bases). Because these parts must withstand high dynamic loads while maintaining precise positioning during operation, they rely heavily on high-precisionCNC machining.

🛠️ Core Applications of Large Tubular Parts in Industrial Robots

1.   Robot Arm Links/Tubes:The main arms of large six-axis or heavy-duty robots are usually made of high-strength aluminum alloys (e.g., 7075-T6) or thin-walled low-alloy steel tubes. Precision machining is required on both ends of the tube to form flange surfaces and bearing bores for gear redactors (RV or harmonic drives).

2.   Central Drive Hollow Shafts:Robots require internal routing for cables and air hoses. Large tubular hollow shafts perfectly balance lightweight design, high rigidity, and internal routing channels.

3.   Bases and Column Structures:For the main support steel tubes of large mobile robots (AGVs/AMRs) or gantry robots, CNC cutting is essential to achieve perfect coaxiality and perpendicularity.

LARGE TUBULAR PARTS · CNC MACHINING Solution


⚙️ CNC Machining Processes & Core Challenges for Large Tubular Parts

When processing large-diameter, long-length tubular components, the machining process must overcome three major challenges:rigidity, vibration, and deformation.

Machining Process

Application in Robotic Tube Parts

Technical Requirements & Core Challenges

CNC Turning / Turn-Mill

Machining end counterbores, outer diameters, precision threads, and bearing seats.

Strict Coaxiality & Roundness:No axial runout is allowed during joint rotation. Long tubes require large-bore lathes and steady rest support to prevent sagging and vibration.

4-Axis / 5-Axis CNC Milling

Machining weight-reduction pockets, sensor mounting holes, and cable outlets on the tube wall.

Thin-Wall Deformation Prevention:To minimize weight, tube walls are often very thin. Custom fixtures (e.g., hydraulic clamping sleeves) are required to avoid distortion, and cutting forces must be tightly controlled to prevent chatter.

3-Chuck Laser Tube Cutting / Beveling

Raw tube cutting, high-precision cutting-to-length, and 3D beveling (V/X/K joints) prior to welding.

Heavy Load & High Efficiency:Heavy-duty robot tubes can weigh hundreds of kilograms. This requires three-chuck synchronous linkage to prevent twisting distortions during long tube rotation.

One-stop Custom Precision CNC Machining Service

💡Common Materials & Surface Finishes for Robotic Tube Parts

·        Material Selection:

o   Aluminum Alloys (7075 / 6061):The top choice for collaborative robots (cobots) and highly dynamic robot arms, offering the highest stiffness-to-weight ratio.

o   Medium-Carbon Alloys / Stainless Steel (e.g., 4140, 304, 316):Used for heavy-duty industrial robots (Payload > 200kg) or highly corrosive environments (e.g., washdown robots) where fatigue and impact resistance are paramount.

·        Surface Finishing:

o   Aluminum tubes typically undergohard anodizingto increase surface hardness and wear resistance.

o   Steel tubes requirequenching and tempering (heat treatment)to relieve machining stresses, followed by black oxiding, chrome plating, or powder coating for rust prevention.

🤝Choosing Global Supply Chain Manufacturers (OEM Sourcing Tips)

If you are outsourcing large tubular parts for an industrial robotics project, consider evaluating suppliers based on the following capabilities:

·        Large-Scale Precision Equipment:Look for facilities equipped with large spindle-bore CNC lathes, Swiss-type machines, or 4-axis/5-axis gantry machining centers with travels exceeding 2 meters.

·        Inspection & Quality Assurance:Suppliers must have largeCoordinate Measuring Machines (CMM)or laser trackers to provide comprehensive geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) reports (coaxiality, runout, flatness).

·        Industry Certifications:Prioritize manufacturers certified withISO 9001 or AS9100 (aerospace/high-end equipment grade) to ensure the repeatability and accuracy of mass production.

 


Previous

None

Next

CNC Parts Machining Industry in Recent Year

Related News

Custom CNC Machining Solution for Motor Spare Parts & Motor Components

Motor Spare Parts & Motor Components 1. Project Background Global industrial motor, new energy vehicle and UAV manufacturing sectors are raising s...

Custom CNC Machining Solution for Medical Device Spare Parts

The global medical device industry has raised unprecedented strict standards for core spare parts, especially for surgical instrument components, diag

Custom CNC Machining Solution for Industrial Mechanical Spare Parts

1. Global industrial manufacturing sectors including automation equipment, packaging machinery, textile machinery and engineering machinery are...

Custom CNC Machining Solution for AI Robot Core Components

The rapid global expansion of the AI robot industry, covering industrial collaborative robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMR), humanoid service robots