Published 1/20/2023

Precision Machining Technology Review January 2023: Automation & Robots

Production Machining’s January 2023 showcase includes some of the latest technology from ABB, Mini-Mover Conveyors, FANUC, OnRobot, ATI Industrial Automation and FOBA Laser Marking+Engraving.

Edited by: Angela Osborne

Managing Editor, Gardner Business Media

Every month, we’re putting together a Technology Showcase, highlighting some of the product information that PM receives from supplier companies. For January, we focused on Automation & Robots, which can pair with precision machining to 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 as enable increased efficiencies in numerous areas.

Our January Automation & Robots showcase includes a cobot that combines speed and accuracy with expanded load handling capability; a modular, compact and portable conveyor that is easy to move around; a Quick and Simple Startup of Robotization (QSSR) feature that enables CNCs to directly program robots through the G code; 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 December Technology Review.

Click on each link below to read the full product post:

Industrial Cobot Offers Speed, Accuracy, Safety

ABB’s Swifti CRB 1300 industrial collaborative robot. Photo Credit: ABB

ABB’s Swifti CRB 1300 industrial collaborative robot (cobot) is said to bridge the gap between industrial and collaborative robots. Combining speed and accuracy with expanded load handling capability of up to 11kg, the Swifti CRB 1300 can be used in a variety of production and product handling applications — from machine tending and palletizing to pick-and-place and screwdriving.

Small Conveyors for a Machine Shop’s 24/7 Needs

Mini-Mover’s Lite Series conveyors offer a rugged construction with integral side guides and a drive package. Photo Credit: Mini-Mover Conveyors

Mini-Mover Conveyors’ small conveyors and accumulation tables are designed for 24/7 parts transfer, scrap removal and parts accumulation in metalworking machine shops that produce small parts. The modularity, compact and portable design of the company’s Lite Series conveyors make them easy to integrate with existing equipment and easy to move around when jobs or processes change frequently.

FANUC’s QSSR Feature Simplifies Robot Integration

FANUC’s QSSR feature enables FANUC CNCs to directly program robots through the G code. Photo Credit: FANUC

FANUC America’s Quick and Simple Startup of Robotization (QSSR) feature enables FANUC CNCs to control connected FANUC robots that are providing machine tending or other assistance. The QSSR G-code feature enables operators and machine tool builders to easily program robots through the FANUC CNC in ISO standard G-code format. This means that those unfamiliar with robotic programming language will no longer require additional training because the programming can be performed more easily.

OnRobot’s Magnetic Gripper for Safe, Precise Material Handling, Assembly

OnRobot’s MG10 has programmable force features and comes with built-in grip and part detection sensors. Photo Credit: OnRobot

OnRobot’s MG10 is designed as a versatile, high-performance, easy-to-use magnetic gripper for material handling, assembly and machine tending applications in manufacturing, automotive and aerospace environments. Fully compatible with all major robot brands through the company’s One System Solution, the MG10 offers unique adjustable force and grip detection features that provide users with unprecedented levels of control.

ATI QC-29 Offers Rugged Toolchanging Option for Small Robots

The QC-29 is the first standard ATI toolchanger designed with a rectangular body that mounts directly to 40-mm and 50-mm robot wrists. Photo Credit: ATI Industrial Automation

ATI Industrial Automation’s QC-29 robotic toolchanger offers a rugged toolchanging option for smaller robots. The company says it brings the technology of ATI’s heavy-duty toolchangers to robots in the 25-35-kg payload class. This toolchanger is the first standard toolchanger the company designed with a rectangular body that mounts directly to 40-mm and 50-mm robot wrists.

Foba’s Automated M Series for Reliable Laser Marking

Foba Laser’s M-series laser marking workstation M2000 is equipped with Foba Mosaic for precise marking. Photo Credit: Foba Laser

Foba Laser’s M series of laser marking systems feature fiber laser to provide reliable, high-throughput automated systems designed to run 24/7. The series consists of advanced, manually loaded laser marking workstations for the precise and economic processing of small, large and geometrically complex workpieces as well as small and large batches of parts.mauris.