Automation & Controls

Here's why it costs less to have a robot covering each CNC machine.

FRAI Robotic Technologies keeps shops on-trend with flexible robotic systems

The two-press production cell uses a centralized control station which sets the operating parameters of both presses and controls the action sequences of both FANUC robots. All equipment in the cell is automatically updated with new process parameters when changing between products. n

With HALCON 23.05, it is now possible to further optimize the underlying deep learning networks, which are already pre-trained on industry-related images, for the user's own application. This allows even more robust recognition rates for Deep OCR applications as well as an even more reliable detection of suitable gripping surfaces for applications using 3D Gripping Point Detection technology. In addition, there are many other helpful improvements, such as the fact that external code can now be integrated into HALCON more easily.

Via the sensor infrastructure and intelligent, as well as integrated and manufacturer-independent communication, the traffic and order management software NAiSE Traffic analyses the flow of traffic and goods in intralogistics applications, in real-time. The software coordinates and controls traffic involving all parties – humans and industrial trucks such as AGV systems or forklifts. As a result, operators have a complete, manufacturer-independent material flow automation solution.

Data from all gauges in the Q-Span System – including thread gauges, robotic calipers, LVDT probes, drop gauges, bore gauges, laser micrometers, vision system, 2D telecentric profilers, and more – is combined into one convenient output for statistical process control (SPC). Data from any or all gauges can be used in real time for in-process decision making and process monitoring.

The cell has a 6-Axis FANUC M-10iD/12 Robot with 4.7' (1,441 mm) reach, capable of handling a maximum load of 26.5 lbs (12 kg). The GRC-R12 features a pneumatic single-or double-gripper system. The drawer feed system can have up to six drawers that can be unloaded and reloaded while the robot cell and machining center are in operation. With GROB's unique machine design, excellent chip control inside the machining center allows for long periods of unmanned operation without faults. Offering high customizability, customers may select from capabilities such as a blowoff box, SPC drawer and an alignment station.

For his Robotics Results column in the April 2023 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering, Fusion | RoboJob-USA President Craig Zoberis writes about the downside of automating two CNC machines with one robot system. The 15th episode in CTE's Robotics Results video series shows an automation setup with a robot system at each CNC machine.

DESTACO has designed its cobot tooling solutions for simplicity and ease of use with off-the-shelf availability via kits that feature all of the end-user selected accessories, along with the hardware and tools needed for installation, reducing the need to consult an application engineer. All of the tooling solutions are compatible with cobots that have an ISO 9409-1-50-4-M6 end-of-arm mounting pattern. Blank robot and tool plates are offered for those who wish to use their own mounting patterns.

The system recorder eliminates the ambiguity in diagnosing issues by recording all changes in their programming code for several minutes before and after an event takes place. Users can review the changes that took place in their code leading up to and after the event. In addition, the system recorder allows users to record the data visually, in video format, directly to the module to note environmental conditions that the code cannot see.

Bharat Gears Ltd., one of India's largest manufacturers of quality gears, has successfully retrofitted a Reishauer RZ361A gear grinding machine with an advanced NUM Flexium+68 CNC system.