Projects
Milling and drilling system for high-performance components
Automated production for demanding fiber composite components
- Industry
- Composite
- Solution
- Milling / Processing
AGS developed a highly flexible milling and drilling system for processing fibre composite materials. Two processing stations allow for parallel setup and machining. Automatic tool and fixture changes, extraction systems and digital order connection create a seamless process for large and complex lightweight components.
Project highlights
- Robot milling cell with two machining stations
- Rotary positioner for precise alignment and good accessibility
- Hybrid spindle with air supply and cooling
- 30-position tool changer with barcode identification
- Suction cabin with funnel system
- Automatic fixture change with cleaning function
- Waste belt for removing chips and residues
Application & machining processes
- Drilling, milling, grinding, sawing and cutting in one cell
- Vacuum clamping on rotating processing stations
- Automatic component identification and programme selection
- Order-based tool change without manual intervention
Operating & control concept
- Control panel outside the cell
- Live process monitoring with actual data
- Feedback to the higher-level production system
- Order management as well as evaluation of cycle and shift data
Safety concept
- Closed cell for noise and dust protection
- Access-secured hazardous areas with acknowledgement logic
- Automatic cleaning and tool change within the protected area
Result
- High flexibility in component size and shape
- Reduced setup and cycle times
- Improved ergonomics and occupational safety
- Traceability and process documentation
- Modularly expandable system concept
Insights | Process
Conclusion
The milling and drilling system bundles complex composite machining, automated auxiliary processes and digital process data in a flexible manufacturing cell.