SW North America, a supplier of horizontal multi- and single-spindle CNC machining centers, automation, and complete system solutions, announced that its manufacturing automation capabilities will be on display at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) at McCormick Place in Chicago, from September 9-14, 2024.
For the entirety of the show, manufacturers who need high-production, high-precision machining can witness live machine and automation demonstrations of the following SW North America CNC machines:
- BA 322i, designed to function as an independent manufacturing cell that can store enough workpieces for an entire shift. This twin-spindle horizontal machining center produces twice the output while using less floor space and less energy.
- BA W02-22, a multi-spindle machining center that produces high quality parts, due to its linear drive technology and patented monoblock design.
- TopRob7 automation module, a gantry axis at a height of 2 meters that loads and unloads machines and systems process-oriented from above, removing the need for protective fences and trip hazards and providing an unobstructed view into the work areas and the components of the machine tools are directly accessible.
The live machining demonstration will produce an industry-agnostic workpiece using 5-axis machining with a fine finish. The BA 322i will use a 6-axis robot integrated within the machine to load the raw stock for OP10 and the 7-axis overhead gantry robot will transfer the part to the BA W02-22 for OP20. The finished workpiece concept will not be revealed until the event, which showcases the creativity and capabilities of SW’s Apprenticeship Program.
The second live demonstratio highlights the capabilities of manufacturing automation with the FloorRob6, a 6-axis robot simulating the loading of a 6ft electric vehicle battery housing into the BA space3 – SW’s largest machining center. The battery tray’s impressive size, combined with the articulation of the robot, will illustrate the effortless nature of using automation to load large components for machining. The BA space3 is ideal for the precise machining of large structural components such as battery housings and structural components up to 3,000 mm with high precision, speed, and economy.
“The future of manufacturing is automated, and the solutions that SW North America is bringing to IMTS this year is bringing that future to today,” said Andrew Rowley, General Sales Manager, SW North America. “As with every manufacturer we work with, our goal is to ensure maximum productivity and flexibility in our machines, automation, and systems. This ultimately helps manufacturers perform at their highest level.”
SW North America will be exhibiting at booth number 338250 in the South Building on Level 3. For further event details and where to find SW North America, visit.
Related Glossary Terms
- centers
centers
Cone-shaped pins that support a workpiece by one or two ends during machining. The centers fit into holes drilled in the workpiece ends. Centers that turn with the workpiece are called “live” centers; those that do not are called “dead” centers.
- computer numerical control ( CNC)
computer numerical control ( CNC)
Microprocessor-based controller dedicated to a machine tool that permits the creation or modification of parts. Programmed numerical control activates the machine’s servos and spindle drives and controls the various machining operations. See DNC, direct numerical control; NC, numerical control.
- gantry robot
gantry robot
Robot positioned by means of an overhead supporting structure such as a crane or bridge-type support.
- machining center
machining center
CNC machine tool capable of drilling, reaming, tapping, milling and boring. Normally comes with an automatic toolchanger. See automatic toolchanger.
