Automation & Controls

With robotic machine tending solutions on a CNC machine shop floor, workers have a better opportunity to contribute to the overall manufacturing process.

The sBot Stop – URCap and sBot Speed – URCap are easy-to-use safety systems based on the smart combination of the nanoScan3 safety laser scanner and UR Robot safety features. These solutions work well in handling operations using robot applications with free access and enable manufacturers to achieve safety without sacrificing productivity.n

Five trends have helped triple the number of annual installations of industrial robots within ten years (2010-2019) reaching 381 thousand units in factories around the world.n

Derived from the Marposs BLÚ single cable machine networking system, BLÚ LT provides the networkability of BLÚ, but at a more reasonable price point for less complex machine tool requirements. This completes the company's range of offerings for every type of installation, from the P1dME measuring system for the simplest grinding applications through BLÚ, capable of the most complex integrated production and control and created in line with the Internet of Things.

Building upon the redesigned V7 architecture, first introduced in 2018, Robotmaster uses integrated CAD/CAM functionality to make robotic programming easy and intuitive for everyone, even first-time users. The software is used by a wide range of industries to program robots for tasks that include surfacing, 3D milling, additive manufacturing, welding, painting, and more.

The innovative MG10 comes with built-in grip and sensors for part detection. For applications that involve handling sheet metal --such as machine tending tasks that require robots to lift sheet metal from a stack, place it into a press brake/press bending machine, and remove it when the machine has completed its work-- this functionality ensures smooth, consistent and safe operation. And if the robot loses power or has to make an e-stop while performing a task, these features ensure that there is no risk of dropping the part being handled. n

Watch a Cobotics Corner demonstration that helped increase productivity by 32% using a Universal Robots UR5e arm with a Robotiq dual parallel servogripper on a 2018 Haas Automation VF-2SS CNC machine, according to Fusion OEM.

In addition to speed, the new robots handle an increased number of workpieces/tools, are more compact and consume less energy. They also support the latest WALTER HELITRONIC Tool Studio and Robot Manager software that allows users to load multiple trays with various workpiece diameters for lights out unattended production.n

Despite the challenges of a global pandemic, CNC Software Inc. reported strong financial results, and its Mastercam product continued to be the world's most widely used CAM software.

Halter CNC Robotics in Cascade, Iowa, established a $2,500 scholarship earmarked for a U.S. veteran or active service member who wants to study manufacturing automation, engineering or robotics.nn

Hurco North America announced that Reynolds Machinery, the exclusive distributor for Hurco CNC machine sales and service in Ohio, won the 2020 Top Unit Sales Award for North America.

The APC measures just 82.68" by 82.68"/2,100 millimeters (mm) by 2,100 mm. The compact APC gives the MB 650U AMP the ability to complete multiple workpieces without the need for additional automation. The work envelope spans 19.7"/500 mm in diameter and 19.7 "/500 mm in height, with a weight of 425 pounds/192 kilograms, allowing users to handle workpieces of various sizes and weights with ease. The confluence of the APC and the 48-tool automatic tool changer (ATC) reduces setup and changeover times.n