close
Choose Your Site
Global
Social Media
| Industry | Robotics & Automation |
| Application | Humanoid Robot Joint System |
| Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Manufacturing Process | SLM Metal 3D Printing + 5-Axis CNC Machining |
| Production Type | Prototype & Low-Volume Production |
| Dimensional Accuracy | ±0.01mm |
| Surface Finish | Bead Blasting + Anodizing |
| Inspection Method | CMM & Precision Measurement Equipment |
Notes：
We have signed confidentiality agreements with all of our customers. The product cases you see on our website are either displayed with customer authorization or created using AI technology to simulate the manufacturing process for demonstration purposes, while ensuring that our customers’ core data and confidential information remain fully protected.
Developing a Lightweight Structure Without Compromising Strength
Humanoid robot components require strict control over weight, strength, and dimensional accuracy.
The customer needed a compact joint housing that could:
Reduce overall robot weight
Maintain sufficient structural rigidity
Provide accurate bearing and mounting interfaces
Support reliable assembly performance
However, several manufacturing challenges needed to be solved before production.
The original CAD model contained complex internal structures designed to reduce weight while maintaining mechanical strength.
These internal cavities created difficulties for traditional CNC machining because many areas were difficult or impossible to access with standard cutting tools.
Limited tool accessibility
Complex internal surfaces
Reduced machining rigidity
Higher risk of material waste
Dawang Precision evaluated the design and recommended a hybrid manufacturing process.
The complex lightweight structure was produced through SLM metal additive manufacturing, while critical precision areas were finished through CNC machining.
Although additive manufacturing provides excellent geometric flexibility, robotic components still require extremely accurate functional surfaces.
Critical areas included:
Bearing mounting seats
Connection interfaces
Precision locating holes
Assembly reference surfaces
These features directly affect:
Joint movement accuracy
Mechanical stability
Long-term reliability
5-axis CNC machining was applied to finish all functional surfaces.
This allowed precise control of:
Position accuracy
Surface finish
Dimensional consistency
Final machining accuracy reached:
±0.01mm
A fully CNC-machined solution would require significant material removal and complex multi-angle setups.
A fully 3D-printed solution could achieve complex geometry but could not meet all precision requirements.
After engineering evaluation, the hybrid approach provided the best balance:
Manufacturing Method | Advantage | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
SLM Metal Printing | Complex geometry, lightweight structures | Requires secondary finishing |
CNC Machining | High precision and surface quality | Limited internal geometry |
Final Solution:
SLM Printing + 5-Axis CNC Machining
From CAD Model to Final Manufacturing Process
Before production, the engineering team reviewed the 3D CAD model and developed a complete manufacturing strategy.
The analysis focused on:
Machining accessibility
Critical tolerance requirements
Fixture design
Tool path planning
Inspection requirements
The engineering team analyzed the original CAD design to identify potential manufacturing risks.
Key evaluation points included:
Ensuring the lightweight structure maintained sufficient strength.
Checking whether cutting tools could reach critical areas.
Identifying surfaces requiring precision machining and inspection.
Suggested Image:
CAD model screenshot with annotations:
Internal cavity
Bearing seat
Mounting interface
Machining area
Based on the design requirements, the component was divided into two manufacturing stages.
Used for:
Complex internal structures
Lightweight geometry
Near-net-shape production
Used for:
Precision mounting surfaces
Bearing seats
Threaded holes
Assembly interfaces
This approach reduced machining difficulty while maintaining high accuracy.
Step-by-Step Production Workflow
The initial component structure was produced using Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology.
This process allowed the creation of complex lightweight geometries that would be difficult to manufacture using conventional machining methods.
Key benefits:
Reduced material waste
Improved design flexibility
Suitable for complex robotic structures
Image Required:
Metal powder bed fusion printing process.
After additive manufacturing, the component underwent precision CNC machining.
A 5-axis machining center was used to complete critical functional surfaces.
Machined features included:
Bearing mounting areas
Precision holes
Connection surfaces
Alignment features
Advantages of 5-axis machining:
Reduced setups
Better surface consistency
Improved positional accuracy
Image Required:
5-axis CNC machine machining the aluminum robot housing.
After machining, the component received surface treatment according to the customer's requirements.
Process:
Deburring
Surface preparation
Bead blasting
Anodizing
The final finish improved:
Surface appearance
Corrosion resistance
Product durability
Image Required:
Finished aluminum robotic component.
Before delivery, every critical dimension was verified using professional inspection equipment.
Inspection methods included:
Inspection Item | Equipment |
|---|---|
Overall dimensions | CMM |
Hole position accuracy | CMM |
Bearing seat diameter | Precision measurement tools |
Surface quality | Visual & surface inspection |
Delivering a Reliable Robotic Component Solution
Through the combination of additive manufacturing and precision CNC machining, the final humanoid robot joint housing achieved:
Optimized geometry reduced unnecessary material while maintaining mechanical performance.
Critical interfaces achieved ±0.01mm accuracy for reliable robotic assembly.
The hybrid process enabled rapid development of complex robotic prototypes without sacrificing precision.
For complex robotic components, additive manufacturing and CNC machining are complementary technologies rather than alternatives.
Metal 3D printing is ideal for:
Complex geometry
Lightweight structures
Prototype development
CNC machining remains essential for:
Precision interfaces
Tight tolerances
Functional assembly surfaces
The combination provides engineers with greater design freedom while maintaining manufacturing accuracy.
Precision robotic parts require strict quality control throughout the manufacturing process.
Dawang Precision applies inspection methods including:
CAD drawing review
In-process measurement
CMM inspection
Final dimensional verification
This ensures every component meets the required specifications before delivery.
SLM manufacturing enables complex lightweight structures, while CNC machining provides the precision required for assembly interfaces. Combining both technologies delivers better performance than either process alone.
Precision CNC machining can achieve tight tolerances depending on material, geometry, and design requirements. For this project, critical dimensions reached ±0.01mm.
Yes. Engineering teams can evaluate CAD models, optimize manufacturing processes, and produce prototypes or low-volume robotic components based on customer requirements.
Common materials include aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, and stainless steels. Aluminum is often selected for robotic housings because of its lightweight characteristics and good machinability.
This humanoid robot joint housing project demonstrates how advanced manufacturing technologies can work together to solve complex engineering challenges.
By combining SLM additive manufacturing, 5-axis CNC machining, and precision inspection, Dawang Precision provided a reliable manufacturing solution for next-generation robotic components.
