10 options to automate a CNC mill

People often ask what is necessary to implement automation. Before adding it to a CNC mill, machine shops should consider the following 10 options regarding the investment. For more on cnc milling for power plant components, see this related guide.

1. An automatic door opener. Whether applying a CNC robot to a new or used machine, you will need a door opener to increase efficiency and minimize operator intervention during production.

2. Spare M codes. Some machines have available M codes depending on the age of the control and originally purchased options. You should assess if you have these M codes or if spare M functions must be purchased.

3. Automated vise control. Newer CNC mills have choices for pneumatic, hydraulic and electric vises. For older machines, ask your CNC automation integrator for guidance on the required vise control.

4. Probing. Although not necessary, it is highly recommended to add probing to a machine. Probing will allow you to quickly set up parts, reset work coordinates during production, use more universal workholding that doesn’t require part stops, check parts, apply tool break detection to sensitive tools and more.

5. Proper workholding. How you hold parts should be considered when purchasing a robot. Pneumatic, hydraulic and electric options are available for integration during the automation process.

Equipment make: RoboJob-USA
Equipment model: Mill-Assist Essential
CNC machine make: Haas Automation Inc.
CNC machine model: VF-2SS
CNC machine model year: 2008
Shifts per day: one
Shifts per week: five
Productivity increase: 54%
Uninterrupted production time: 13 hours
Total parts produced: 130″ data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”079877bc-1887-4beb-8d9c-ea2399ae1754″ height=”334″ src=”/wp-content/uploads/legacy/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-03-10%20at%204.34.58%20PM%20copy.jpg” width=”593″ />