Precision machining paired with automation and robotics can offer unprecedented levels of speed, accuracy and quality control for manufacturing processes. Automation can also help companies advance to more lights-out production as well develop a continuous-improvement mindset that can enable increased efficiencies in numerous areas.
Every month, we’re putting together a Technology Showcase, highlighting some of the product information that PM receives from supplier companies. For February, we focused on automation and robots, including a machine tending robotic cell featuring portability, easy setup and programming; air rest buttons using pneumatic position control to properly detect workpiece loading in a fixture; an automatic door opening solution for robotic machine tending that can be fitted to any CNC machine in under an hour; and more as described below.
For the latest new products across the broad spectrum of precision machining, check out Production Machining’s New Products online.
If you would like to learn more about the latest news, product technology and operational best practices in the precision machining industry, consider subscribing to Production Machining's free monthly print magazine.
Read PM’s February Technology Review.
Click on each link below to read the full product post:
Mitsubishi LoadMate Robotic Cell Streamlines Parts Loading, Unloading
Photo Credit: Mitsubishi Electric Automation
The LoadMate Plus Machine Tending Robotic Cell from Absolute Machine Tools’ partner Mitsubishi Electric Automation streamlines part loading, unloading and palletizing in low-to-high volume applications. It features portability, easy setup and programming, high performance, and a safety-first design that make it appropriate for both job shops and larger scale production environments, the company says.
Carr Lane Manufacturing Part Loading Solution
Photo Credit: Carr Lane Manufacturing
Carr Lane Manufacturing’s Air Rest Buttons (ARB) use pneumatic position control to properly detect workpiece loading in a fixture, the company says. Consisting of a threaded body installed in a fixture, these units hold a precision floating plunger. Once proper placement of a workpiece on the ARB assembly occurs, the plunger fully retracts into the body, which is designed to seal off airflow and increase the system’s overall pressure. The pressure value can be read using an analog or digital pressure system.
Made4CNC Offers Automatic CNC Door Opening Solution for Robots
Photo Credit: Made4CNC
Made4CNC’s Safedoor SD100 is said to be the world’s first completely automatic door opening solution for robotic machine tending, and can be fitted to any CNC machine in under an hour. The company says the Safedoor SD100 removes barriers to the automation of component feeding at machine shops with its ability to open CNC doors that are up to 1 meter wide and weigh 400 kg, at a speed of 500 mm/sec.
FANUC Compact Robot for Machine Tending
Photo Credit: FANUC
FANUC America’s Robomachines line includes the LR-10iA/10 robot, which is designed for machine tending. Weighing 46 kg, the LR-10iA/10 robot mounts to the floor, upside down or on an angle. The company says it is also simple to mount the robot to an AGV or other mobile platform to accommodate a variety of repetitive tasks or automate machines that are standing idle.
United Grinding’s Studer RoboLoad Offers Seamless Part-Loading Automation
Photo Credit: United Grinding
United Grinding’s Studer RoboLoad system offers manufacturers simple, seamless part-loading automation for CNC radius internal grinding machines such as the Studer S121, S131 and S141. The company says, until now, loader integration could be intrinsically difficult on these types of machines because of the height of their workheads and associated geometric restrictions.
Racer-5 Cobot Operates in Fast, Dual Modes
Photo Credit: Comau
Comau’s Racer-5 Cobot is a collaborative robot designed to function fast and efficiently in restricted spaces and in a variety of applications. The cobot is a 6-axis articulated robot that can work at industrial speeds up to 6 meters per sec. With a 5-kg payload and 809-mm reach, it is said to ensure optimal industrial efficiency while offering safe, barrier-free operations.
Related Content
Pursuit of Parts Collector Spearheads New Enterprise
While searching for a small parts accumulator for Swiss-type lathes, this machine shop CEO not only found what he was looking for but also discovered how to become a distributor for the unique product.
Read More
Tips for Troubleshooting and Repairing Chip Conveyors
A nonfunctioning chip conveyor can cause a high-production machine to be down for an extended period of time. Here is some troubleshooting advice if you’re having issues with your chip conveyors.
Read More
Unattended Production Takes More Than the Most Capable CNC Machine
Process planning and reliable peripherals are key to successful lights-out manufacturing.
Read More
Automation in the Alps: Studer AG Unveils New Grinding Concepts
Studer AG, member company of United Grinding, held its annual press conference at its Swiss Alps location earlier this month to announce its new automatic loaders to accompany its existing grinding machines as well as other offerings and automation features.
Read MoreRead Next
Precision Machining Technology Review January 2022: Toolholding
Production Machining’s toolholding showcase includes Schwanog, Somma Tool, Big Kaiser (Big Daishowa), Allied Machine & Engineering, Kaiser Tool Co. and Exsys Automation.
Read More
Precision Machining Technology Review December 2021: Parts Cleaning
Production Machining’s Parts Cleaning Showcase includes CTG, Kyzen, Ecoclean, Renegade, Cortec and Solvent Kleene.
Read More
Precision Machining Technology Review November 2021: Workholding
Production Machining’s workholding showcase includes SMW Autoblok, Forkhardt, Mate Precision Technologies, Norgren, Jergens and Platinum Tooling.
Read More