CNC machines are a staple in lots of factories and workshops. They’re a core know-how for creating precision elements and merchandise.

Automating a CNC machine might help you enhance its productiveness and machine utilization, whereas releasing up your operators for extra advanced, rewarding duties. It reduces the necessity for human operators to be standing over the machine for a lot of hours merely to load and unload the machine.

There are numerous kinds of CNC machines. You would possibly use a number of of them in your personal manufacturing processes. Every machine has its personal distinctive operate and objective. Some are simpler to automate than others, however all can profit from added automation in the precise circumstances.

On this article, you’ll study how one can automate numerous CNC machines utilizing robotic automation.

The similarities between most CNC machines

At their core, most CNC machines comprise the identical fundamental elements. Because of this, automating virtually any kind of CNC machines includes an identical course of.

These widespread elements are:

• The enclosure — This homes the remainder of the CNC machine elements, other than the controller, which is normally mounted on the surface. A guide or semi-automatic door is used to entry the within of the machine.

• The machine mattress — That is the inspiration of the machine on which all different elements are mounted. It helps the burden of the opposite elements and the workpiece being machined.

• The work head — This holds and strikes the instrument. Relying on the kind of CNC machine, it will probably transfer in numerous instructions.

• The instrument — That is the “enterprise finish” of the CNC machine — it performs the reducing, shaping, or different course of job on the workpiece. It’s mounted to the top of the work head and may be modified to go well with the duty.

• The controller — This homes the electronics and software program that controls the machine. You may program it utilizing a pc or straight by means of the controller display screen.

Any automation answer might want to interface indirectly with these elements. Often, the robotic’s controller will interface with the controller electronically. The robotic will place workpieces onto the machine mattress.

automate virtually any CNC machine with a robotic

You may automate virtually any CNC machine with a robotic, although some are simpler to combine with an automation answer than others.

The best technique to automate a CNC machine is with a robotic software package for machine tending. It will embody all of the {hardware} and software program components that you will want to automate your machine with a robotic.

Robotiq Machine Tending Answer makes use of an ingenious methodology of machine communication to permit it to simply combine with virtually any CNC lathe or milling machine — it makes use of the identical buttons, lights, and switches {that a} human operator makes use of to work together with the machine. This considerably reduces the mixing work required in comparison with extra typical options. 

The steps to combine virtually any CNC machine with a robotic are:

1. Select the kind of CNC machine you wish to automate.

2. Use the Robotiq Machine Tending Configurator to configure your particular software package (or get in contact in case your machine kind is not listed within the configurator).

3. Set up the package and configure the software program utilizing the straightforward Machine Tending Wizard on the display screen.

4. Deploy the robotic in your manufacturing line.

5. Monitor the outcomes and use your learnings to deploy your subsequent CNC machine tending robotic.

15 kinds of CNC machines you’ll be able to automate with a robotic

There are numerous CNC machines accessible. Some, like lathes and milling machines, will work out of the field with an software package. Others would possibly require extra customized automation.

Listed here are 15 widespread kinds of CNC machine:

1. Lathe — That is used to create exact, symmetrical elements and merchandise from a wide range of supplies together with metals, plastics, and wooden.

2. Milling machine — This cuts and shapes supplies utilizing a rotating reducing instrument. It’s generally used to create intricate designs and shapes for a wide range of purposes.

3. Router — A router is sort of a milling machine but it surely’s usually smaller. It’s used to chop and form wooden, plastic, and steel. It’s used for purposes like engraving or carving indicators.

4. Plasma cutter — This makes use of a high-velocity stream of sizzling plasma to chop by means of steel, for purposes like industrial building, restoration, and salvage operations.

5. Laser cutter — A laser cutter makes use of a concentrated beam of sunshine to chop by means of materials. Frequent purposes embody the creation of indicators and ornamental engraving.

6. Waterjet cutter — This makes use of a high-pressure stream of water to chop by means of supplies. Purposes embody reducing of stones, tiles, glass, and steel.

7. Oxy-fuel cutter — This makes use of a mix of oxygen and gas to chop by means of steel. One widespread software is the creation of plate edges for groove and bevel welding.

8. Punch press — This makes use of a die to chop or form materials. Frequent makes use of embody the creation of countersinks, embossments, extrusions, and louvres.

9. Bending machine — That is used to bend or fold sheet steel. Purposes embody bending of brackets, clamps, and product covers.

10. Shearing machine — This cuts sheet steel utilizing blades. Software areas embody the automotive and aerospace industries.

11. Press brake — This bends or folds sheet steel utilizing a die. Such machines are sometimes used in marine engineering, steel art work manufacturing, and furnishings manufacture.

12. Turret press — This can be a kind of punch press that has a rotating turret that holds the dies. Frequent makes use of embody the creation of stamped options akin to louvers, card guides, lances, electrical knockouts, and dimples.

13. Hydraulic press — This makes use of hydraulic fluid to use pressure to an object. Generally utilized in a number of software areas, together with transportation, vitality, and transportation.

14. Electrical discharge machine — This makes use of electrical pulses to chop by means of steel. Frequent makes use of embody mildew and die making, small gap drilling, and medical part manufacture.

15. Grinding machine — This grinds or polishes surfaces. Generally used for normal machining duties and automotive half manufacturing.

These are simply among the commonest kinds of CNC machines. There are numerous others which can be used for particular duties and industries.

Automate Your Particular CNC Machine

It does not matter what kind of CNC you could have, you’ll be able to virtually actually automate it indirectly.

If you’re utilizing a typical CNC machine, like a lathe or milling machine, you should utilize an answer just like the Robotiq Machine Tending Answer straight out of the field.

For different kinds of machine, get in contact and we might help you out.

What kind of machine would you prefer to automate? Inform us within the feedback under or be part of the dialogue on LinkedIn, Twitter, Fb, or the DoF skilled robotics neighborhood.