“How one can create a instrument” is without doubt one of the hottest matters of debate amongst our RoboDK customers… and for good purpose! Whether or not you’re a brand new consumer or simply trying to streamline your course of, including a customized robotic instrument is a foundational ability in robotic programming.
Some of the extremely seen discussions on our RoboDK Discussion board is “how you can create a instrument.”
On this information, we are going to stroll you thru this foundational step for programming with RoboDK.
Let’s dive proper in!
Earlier than you determine to create your personal customized instrument into RoboDK, examine that there isn’t one already accessible in our in depth Robotic Library.
We have now already built-in over 100 instrument fashions for fast use in your robotic tasks, together with grippers, laser cutters, dispensers, sanders, and extra.
How one can Use an Current Instrument in RoboDK
To browse the vary of instruments already accessible, examine the Instrument part of our Robotic Library.
Then load a mannequin by following these steps:
- Open RoboDK and cargo your mission file or create a brand new one.
- Discover the instrument you wish to use within the on-line Robotic Library.
- Click on Obtain to obtain the instrument file to your laptop.
- Drag and drop the instrument file onto the simulation workspace or use File > Open to find and cargo the mannequin.
Step 2: Importing a 3D Object into RoboDK
Generally, you’ll want to create your personal customized instrument to completely go well with the wants of your software.
Creating your personal customized instrument inside RoboDK begins with a 3D mannequin. This file may both be equipped by the producer — if you’re utilizing a bought instrument — or you could possibly create it your self.
Keep in mind that the 3D mannequin might be easy. It doesn’t have to incorporate all of the intricate workings of the instrument. The mannequin solely wants to incorporate sufficient element to program the robotic.
RoboDK helps a variety of 3D recordsdata, together with STL, IGES, and STEP.
How one can Import the Instrument File into RoboDK
Listed here are the fundamental steps for importing the 3D mannequin of your instrument into the simulation:
- Open RoboDK and cargo your mission file or create a brand new one.
- Drag and drop your 3D file onto the workspace or use File > Open to find and cargo the mannequin.
The imported mannequin will now seem within the Mission Tree as an object.
After importing your instrument as a 3D object, it’s good to designate it as a robotic instrument. This lets RoboDK know to deal with it as a programmable instrument as a substitute of a primary object.
To do that, comply with these steps:
- Drag the imported mannequin inside the Program Free from the Objects part onto your robotic mannequin.
- Take a look at the instrument inside the simulation window to examine that it has appropriately connected to the top of the robotic flange.
If all has gone appropriately, you must now see the instrument listed as a sub-item of the robotic mannequin and the 3D mannequin needs to be connected to the top of the robotic.

A correctly configured Instrument Middle Level (TCP) ensures the accuracy of your robotic program by defining the operational level of your instrument. For instance, a two-fingered gripper may require a TCP to be positioned exactly between the 2 fingers.
RoboDK gives 2 strategies to regulate your TCP inside the simulation window:
- Guide Enter — Double click on on the instrument inside the Program Tree. Enter the precise X, Y, and Z values within the Instrument Particulars window to regulate the TCP.
- Interactive Adjustment — Press Alt+Shift and use your mouse to reposition the TCP of the instrument dynamically within the simulation window.
Now, you’ll be able to start programming your robotic utilizing your newly added instrument.
In case your robotic system requires switching between instruments throughout operation, RoboDK helps instrument changers to simplify the method.
A instrument changer can streamline your software for duties like machining, meeting, inspection, and another job that requires a number of instruments.
For a complete information to including a instrument changer to your mission, take a look at our article How one can Use Instrument Changers With RoboDK.

Step 6: Enhancing Flexibility with Macros
If you wish to lengthen the performance of your instrument even additional, robotic macros are pre-written sequences or perform calls that automate particular duties.
Macros are best when utilizing instruments with further options. They help you simply perform repetitive programming duties like working spindle instruments, simulating welding instruments, attaching objects to gripper instruments, and way more.
For extra info on the ability of macros, see our article How one can Create Highly effective Robotic Macros and Customized Instruments in RoboDK
On this information, we’ve outfitted you with the necessities for making a instrument in RoboDK. Nevertheless, we additionally present much more in-depth tutorials in our in depth vary of official documentation guides.
The documentation offers you with an unlimited vary of steerage, together with:
- Step-by-step tutorials that break down the main points of utilizing customized instruments inside RoboDK.
- Accompanying photographs and movies with simple to comply with alongside directions for a variety of instrument programming duties.
- Tips about how you can overcome frequent hurdles and use key options like guide enter.
- Sensible examples of how you can use instruments, with accompanying mission recordsdata inside your RoboDK set up.
Whether or not you’re simply beginning utilizing instruments in RoboDK otherwise you’re an skilled consumer trying to grasp superior instrument programming, we’ve a variety of assets that will help you unlock the total potential of your chosen instruments.
What facet of instrument programming do you battle with essentially the most? Be part of the dialogue on LinkedIn, Twitter, Fb, Instagram, or in the RoboDK Discussion board.. Additionally, take a look at our in depth video assortment and subscribe to the RoboDK YouTube Channel