Automated CNC Machine Tending Robot and Cobot Cells

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines are widely used in manufacturing processes to automate tasks such as cutting, drilling, and shaping materials. Traditionally, these machines require human operators to load and unload materials, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors. However, with the introduction of robotic machine tending, manufacturers can now streamline their operations and achieve higher levels of efficiency.

Benefits of Automated CNC Machine Tending

• 24/7 Production Boost: Maximize output with robots keeping your CNC machines running constantly.
• Reduced Labor Costs: Automate repetitive tasks and see significant labor cost savings.
• Precision & Consistency: Achieve consistent, high-quality parts with robots' precise movements.
• Enhanced Safety: Minimize operator risk by letting robots handle heavy or hazardous materials.
• Optimized Workflow: Free up your workforce for higher-value tasks and streamline your CNC operation.

With over 50 years in the material handling industry, Ergonomic Partners understands the ins and outs of CNC machine operation. We've seen firsthand the challenges manufacturers face in optimizing CNC workflows. These challenges include maximizing uptime, minimizing operator fatigue with repetitive tasks, and ensuring safety around potentially heavy or hazardous materials. This in-depth understanding positions us uniquely to deliver custom machine tending solutions. Whether a fully autonomous machine tending robot or a collaborative robot cell, our automated machine tending robots are designed to address these specific pain points, streamlining your material handling process and optimizing your CNC operation for maximum efficiency.

Custom Gauging for CNC Machine Tending

Ergonomic Partners can add gauging to any existing system allowing the automated cell to check for part tolerance and adapt to machine tool wear. This will prevent the customer from making a bad run of parts and give the customer clear information on how long cutting tooling lasts.

Example of a Machine Tending Robot for Multiple CNC Processes

This robot cell was designed to take a raw casting and load it through three processes. It initially runs through two lathe functions and then runs through the final vertical milling stage. After it has gone through this process, a Marposs gauging system will check to ensure that the part is within tolerance before placing it on the outgoing pallet. This system allowed the customer to run two shifts unmanned shifts per day.

Example of a Press Tending Cobot Utilizing a Dener Press

Ergonomic Partners was tasked with coming up with a solution to handle incoming sheet metal cut on a plasma table. The process required 5 different brake functions. The robot coordinated its movement with the pinch function on the press. Hence, the Cobot was able to let go of the part once it was given the signal the part was supported. There was a rack designed to load up to 10 parts, allowing them to run this part for several hours without an operator.

Example of Automated Machine Tending a Punch Press

Ergonomic Partners was asked to design a system that would allow for an 8-hour run time without an operator. The first step was to design an income rack that could be consistently located with enough parts to accommodate that run time. The Yaskawa robot was on a portable base and had on board area scanners to allow for this unit to be moved to multiple machines. The robot would pick up the initial part and take it through three punch processes to get the desired result. The part was then loaded on an outgoing rack designed by Ergonomic Partners for a complete turnkey solution.

Example of Adapting a Machine Tending Robot for a Romi CNC

This system was designed to take raw blanks and run them through a complete CNC process. The incoming cart was designed by EP to allow for long run times between reloading. The system included a Marposs gauge to ensure the parts were within tolerance after machining. This freed up the operator in the area to do another task while the machine ran during the shift.

Ergonomic Partners designs, builds, and programs Automated CNC Machine Tending Robots and Collaborative Robots; serving clients from coast to coast, Canada, Mexico and especially focused in the states of Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Nebraska, Kentucky, Iowa, and Oklahoma.