Simplify CNC Machine Tending

Machine tending can be a laborious and time-consuming task. You are prevented from performing more beneficial duties because your CNC machines need practically continual supervision. While CNC machines can be more productive by using a robotic machine tending solution - minimizing the need for workers to stay close by and increasing the safety of your operation - incorporating a robot for machine tending can be difficult. Unless you are a seasoned roboticist, some particular integration difficulties may cause you to stumble and cause the deployment process to drag. Machine tending deployments are slowed down the most by one specific issue and now an easy to implement solution is finally available.

There are numerous manufacturers and types of CNC machines. Each model uses a unique communication strategy. Traditionally, your robot controller had to interact with the machine via these communication methods. When you have to program your robot to communicate with the machine, things get tricky. You have to research the communication protocol utilized by your particular CNC machine in order to modify your programming suitably. If you have programming experience, this work is not particularly difficult. However, if you are not a programmer, it could be limiting.

Similar to how your human operators interact with your CNC machine, the Robotiq Machine Tending Solution does the same, fully eliminating the necessity for a communication protocol.

Robotiq Machine Tending Solution

Ensure Consistent Output

The Robotiq solution gives you the assurance that your machines will always be in operation. With an easy-to-use system that handles the work for you, you can extend your production hours and decrease downtime.

Obliterate Complexity

Automation of a CNC machine can be extremely challenging. Our solution simplifies a difficult application by guiding you through programming from beginning to end.

Immediately Deploy on Any CNC

It works with any brand of CNC machine; there is no need to open or modify your machine in any way. External modules manage connection with the machine interface. This strategy drastically cuts down on deployment time.

Make Rapid ROI

With the expedited deployment and changeover made possible by our Machine Tending Copilot, high-mix, low-volume automation is finally commercially viable. Automating any batch size is now possible.

A robotic machine-tending cell's structure A CNC cell is quite intricate. But there are recurring components that make up a robotic machine tending cell. The nomenclature used to describe the anatomy is as follows.

1. CNC machine: Autonomously machines parts (CNC stands for computer numerical control).

2. Workholding: Holds parts while they are being machined.

3. Controller: Coordinates the machine’s motions.

4. Operator: Operates the machine (in a human-operated cell); operates the robot (in a robotic cell).

5. Teach pendant: Handheld device used to program the robot.

6. Parts: Material that go into the machine as raw parts—generally one at a time—and come out as machined parts.

7. Gripper: Grasps the raw material, places it in the machine, and collects the machined part after the transformation process.

8. Robot: Performs the tedious actions of loading and unloading parts for the operator, including opening and closing the CNC door.

9. CNC door: Keeps metal debris confined within the CNC machine and prevents part projection while the machine is running.

To free up employees for more worthwhile activities, collaborative robots can be employed to maintain machines like CNC, injection molding, press brakes, stamping presses, and more.

Reduce the risk of injury associated with operating close to large machinery while increasing speed and process quality. Our innovative system reduces the forces at contact if the robot that is tending to the machine bumps into someone. Additionally, UR robots can be configured to operate at a slower speed when a human enters their workspace and to resume working normally when the human exits.

The collaborative robot arm will add value to your company and pay for itself more quickly than any other robot in the sector. (Estimate your ROI online for free here.) You may swiftly modify production lines to new items with UR's quick and flexible deployment. Small firms wishing to optimize production can use the platform offered by Universal Robots, which is future-proof. The robot's tiny size and lightweight construction make it easy to deploy in new constellations if your workflow changes.

All facets of the manufacture of plastic and polymers, including injection molding applications, can use UR industrial robots. The Injection Molding Machine Interface (IMMI) option comes with both the control box connector module and the cable needed to connect to the injection molding machine, as well as user-friendly programming templates for quick and simple setup, for increased connectivity and deployment ease.

By automating machine maintenance, you may lessen the tediousness of CNC machining and increase the productivity of your machining processes.

The Robotiq Machine Tending Solution is likely the simplest and most user-friendly option available if you're seeking for a machine tending solution that functions with virtually any CNC machine without requiring complicated communication programming.

Have a project in mind already? Contact our automation specialists today!