Projects
Robot cell for CNC loading
Continuous loading and unloading of two machining centres
- Industry
- Metal
- Solution
- CNC loading/unloading
AGS has expanded an existing robot cell for the automatic loading of two CNC machining centres. Raw and finished parts are stored in drawers, automatically centred, fed to the machines and then stored in an orderly fashion again. Different components are processed flexibly via recipes.
Project highlights
- Automated feeding of two CNC machining centres
- Two racks, each with four drawers for raw and finished parts
- Gripper station for various component formats
- Up to seven layers per drawer
- Extension of the existing system within the ongoing production environment
- Seamless control and robot integration
Application & machining processes
- Removal of raw parts from the racking system
- Centring and positioning at transfer stations
- Loading and unloading of both machining centres
- Return of finished parts to defined storage positions
- Recipe-dependent process variants for different workpieces
Operating & control concept
- 19-inch control panel with system visualisation
- Modularly designed PLC control system
- Recipe management in the robot control system
- Status, OEE and shift data
- Offline programming for fast adjustments
Safety concept
- Extended safety fence with safety doors and enabling switches
- Sensor-monitored drawer system
- Release logic for maintenance zones
- Emergency stop and safety control
Result
- High degree of automation for two machines
- Fast changeover to different workpieces
- Fewer manual and tiring tasks
- Stable operation over long production periods
Insights | Process
Conclusion
The expansion combines storage logic, robot handling and CNC feeding into a flexible manufacturing process that can be used around the clock.