Automated Gun Barrel Production Cells Boost Precision and Output
UNISIG’s R-4-2-2 fully automated barrel cell provides continuous and synchronous production. Automation such as robots and conveyors can be machine mounted or used to combine multiple machines or operations.
Posted: January 26, 2024
Expertly engineered and automated, the UNISIG R-4-2-2 fully automated barrel cell provides continuous and synchronous production. Visitors to the Shot Show 2024’s, held earlier this month, Supplier Showcase learned how the cell gundrills four barrels at once, while two gundrilled barrels are precision reamed and two others receive the final step of button rifling at the same time.
UNISIG has experts on hand to discuss how engineered automation is routinely included in its deep hole drilling machine cells. Automation such as robots and conveyors can be machine mounted or used to combine multiple machines or operations. The company is experienced in developing safe and effective standard automation that encompasses specialized solutions to fit the needs of particular production demands, applications or facilities – enabling shops to make the most of their UNISIG machines.
In operation, the UNISIG R-4-2-2 production cell uses a smart conveyor to simultaneously load four barrel blanks into a UNI four-spindle gundrilling machine. Drawing from a bulk feeder, this automated loading is the starting point for many hours of unattended operation. The four gundrilled parts are moved out of the machine by the conveyor, and a 6-axis robot then loads two gundrilled parts into the UNR reaming machine.
After precision reaming, the robot transports the two gundrilled and reamed barrels to a blow-off station and then loads them into the R-series rifling machine. Gundrilling, reaming and rifling operations are happening simultaneously for maximized productivity. The robot then delivers finished, rifled parts to a multi-level discharge magazine.
Prior to UNISIG, such fully automated barrel production was only possible for the largest firearm OEMs, according to UNISIG CEO Anthony Fettig. Now, production cells like the R-4-2-2, open the door for small to mid-sized as well as very large manufacturers by developing scalable barrel production cells, designed for productivity and reliability.
UNISIG excels in automation and application support, and with its process development and training even first-time barrel producers can be producing quality parts ready for their next production steps shortly after the cell is installed. Long-term support is also part of the UNISIG customer experience.
About UNISIG
A world leader in the manufacture of deep hole drilling systems, UNISIG provides comprehensive machine, tooling and automation solutions for customers around the world from its state-of-the-art production facility and headquarters in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. In addition to US-built and designed BTA, gundrilling, trepanning, skiving and multi-process CNC machines, the company offers custom-designed systems and complete process engineering, along with full customer and application support, to ensure manufacturers’ deep hole drilling success.
