Quickly Adapt to and Utilize Robotic Technology Via User-Friendly Programming
As robotics and automation technologies continue to advance, these systems will play an even more vital role in shaping the future of metal cutting production.
Posted: January 24, 2024
Robotic systems facilitate quick changeovers, minimizing downtime associated with retooling and setup, which contributes to increased overall equipment effectiveness.
Multi-Axis Force/Torque Sensors now Compatible with FANUC Robots
ATI Industrial Automation (Apex, NC), a Novanta company, announces the compatibility of its Multi-Axis Force/Torque (F/T) Sensors with FANUC robots and FANUC’s Force Control Software. This collaboration opens up new possibilities for advanced automation and precision control in robotic applications.
The integration of ATI’s F/T Sensors with FANUC products brings enhanced sensing capabilities to robotic systems, enabling users to achieve greater levels of accuracy, flexibility and responsiveness. With this compatibility, users benefit from seamless integration between these powerful technologies.
ATI’s Multi-Axis Force/Torque Sensors are renowned for their ability to provide accurate measurements of forces and torques in multiple axes, enabling robots to have a sense of touch and allowing them to perform delicate tasks with dexterity. These sensors are designed to withstand harsh industrial environments, ensuring reliable operation in a wide range of applications.
Users of FANUC Robots can now leverage the full potential of force control in their robotic operations. FANUC’s Force Control Software allows for precise control of robotic motion based on real-time force feedback, facilitating tasks such as assembly, deburring, polishing, and material removal with unparalleled accuracy. Target industry segments include metal fabrication, automotive, aerospace, electronics assembly, semiconductor, and general industry.
Collaborative Robot and Mobile Cart Provide Increased Versatility
As a production solution for today’s manufacturers, the Waybo series of pre-engineered compact machine tending cells are well suited for small and medium job shops that want to automate CNC machines for high-mix/low-volume manufacturing applications.
KUKA’s (Shelby Township, MI) KMR CYBERTECH utilizes a KUKA KMP 1500, an omnidirectional, mobile platform that navigates autonomously and flexibly. Combined with the latest KUKA controller, it provides modular, versatile and above all mobile production. This intelligent, AV supplies materials to robots and machines when needed, ensuring flexible production; and integrates seamlessly into manufacturing operations. The KR CYBERTECH family of industrial robots represents the world’s largest range of models in the low payload category with the greatest power density. They are ideally suited to space-saving cell concepts, such as Waybo’s, and provide top performance — with particularly low follow-up costs.
The compact Waybo cells are easy to install, can be moved from one machine tool to another and are simple to set up for the next batch of products. Because they can run autonomously for many hours — and easily cover the night shift — they have a quick return on investment. The two models currently available — PartNR and CyberDrawers — can load and unload any new or existing CNC lathe or milling machine. The robot can also perform additional tasks, such as marking, inspection, washing, etc.
Cost-Effective 5-Axis Machining with Cobot Cell System
During DISCOVER 2023 held in Florence, KY, the Mazak Corp. paired the VC-Ez 16X vertical machining center with its Automation Systems’ Cobot Cell System CC-10 for unattended machining. The CC-10 system uses a FANUC CRX-10iA/L robot and provides 22.04 lb. (10 kg) payload capacity. Three available grip systems and an area scanner with limited fixed fencing allow fully collaborative human-robot workflows. To maximize productivity, the VC-Ez 16X accepts a range of optional automation solutions, including fully cooperative robot installations.
The VC-Ez 16X with MAZATROL SmoothEz5 CNC is the newest addition to Ez Series. It provides axis travels of 27.75″ in X and 16.14″ in Y and Z (705 mm-x-410 mm-x-410 mm), with a rapid traverse rate of 1,654 ipm (42,011.6 mm/m) on all three axes. The machine accommodates workpieces up to 18.11″ in diameter (460 mm) and 19.09″ (485 mm) tall, and parts weighing up to 507 lbs. (230 kg). A powerful 40-taper 12,000 rpm 25 hp (18.5 kW) spindle and 30-tool magazine are standard equipment.
The 5-axis rotary/tilt trunnion table with roller gear cam technology increases part-production capabilities with 360° of C-axis rotation and -40° to +110° of B-axis tilting capacity. To ensure rigidity, speed and accuracy, the machine also uses dual lagged ball screws on each linear axis and incorporates the Mazak MX Hybrid Roller Guide System.
Robot Packages are Seamless, Efficient and Overcome Hurdles
Okuma America Corp. (Charlotte, NC) offers the ARMROID and STANDROID robotic automation products as part of its ROID series. The ARMROID is a built-in robot packaged within the machine tool. It’s currently available on the LB3000 EX II lathe and the MULTUS B250II multitasking lathe. ARMROID functionality includes part loading and unloading, chatter suppression, chip removal, and in-machine cleaning, ensuring a machine is consistently operating at its highest efficiency.
With one operation panel to control both the machine and robot, operating the ARMROID is seamless and efficient, with easy-to-use controls. And with the option to switch between automated and manual operations, operators have the flexibility to continually improve operations.
The STANDROID is a standalone robot package that provides automation in high-mix, low to medium-volume production. Its easy robot operation and compact space solve some of the major hurdles robot automation has faced before, along with the ease of operation that comes with a single operation panel. It is currently available on the following Okuma vertical machining centers: MB-46V, MB-56V, GENOS M460-VE, GENOS M560-V, MU-4000V (5-axis) and the MU-S600V (5-axis).
The STANDROID is also simple and cost-efficient to set up. Additional package variations are also available to give users the flexibility needed for the workpiece, lot size, scope of automation and any other product requirements. Bringing multifunctional automation to your manufacturing operations through the STANDROID allows you to continue to further innovate at whatever level of control works best for you.
Cobots Enhance Capabilities and Learn Jobs in Minutes
Cobots are bridging the labor shortage with the capability to perform myriad tasks. To help job shops access the technology, OEMs are working to develop models that are more cost competitive and easier to program. Productive Robotics (Carpinteria, CA) designed its budget friendly Made in the USA cobots to eliminate the need for programming and complex integration.
Welding, gluing, deburring, material handling, packing, palletizing, and part marking are just some of the activities Productive Robotics’ cobots can perform for industries that include medical devices, food and beverage, miscellaneous metals and machinery. Unlike traditional 6-axis cobots, OB7 has been engineered with 7-axis maneuverability providing a new level of flexibility and accessibility. It needs no cage and is able to work alongside human operators because it can sense collisions at every joint, a function that triggers a safe stop.
Productive Robotics’ OB7, OB7 Stretch model, MAX 8 and MAX 12 feature a “no programming” user interface allows fabricators and job shops to teach the cobot by simply showing it each step of a task or job. The plug-and-play machines are engineered to work with new or legacy equipment and have the flexibility to perform both simple and complex activities. Productive Robotics’ cloud analytics system streamlines connectivity requirements for nimble data collection and reporting. Installation for the kitted OB7 cobots is simple and quick.
Cutting-Edge Mill Automation System Revolutionizes Manufacturing
VersaBuilt Robotics’ (Boise, Idaho) Mill Automation System represents a paradigm shift in CNC machine tending, integrating the innovative MultiGrip automation workholding system technology with VersaBuilt’s proprietary VSC software. This fusion delivers a compelling solution tailored for high-mix manufacturing environments, empowering metalworkers with enhanced efficiency, flexibility and productivity.
Visitors to ATX West 2024, being held in February, will witness firsthand the transformative capabilities of the VersaBuilt Mill Automation System and its ability to streamline operations and optimize production processes. The company will be part of the Universal Robots booth.
