Description
Advent Design developed a collaborative robot machine tending system designed to automate material loading and unloading for a CNC machining center while maintaining operator flexibility and safe manual access.
The system centers around a strategically positioned FANUC CRX-10iA/L that performs loading and unloading during automated cycles, while allowing machinists to perform manual operations as needed.
Throughout the machining process, the robot executes multiple coordinated tasks, including feeding bar stock into the CNC, reorienting parts for secondary machining operations, removing completed components, and placing finished parts into customer specified trays with accurate, pocket by pocket part counts. The robot will also perform a blowoff function between tasks, to clear metal chips and excess coolant from the part and the pneumatic vise. This ensures proper placement and maximum gripping of the vise.
Why Collaborative Automation Makes the Difference
• Flexible Operation: Automatically runs CNC cycles while allowing safe access when required.
• Consistent Part Handling: Reliable loading, reorientation, unloading, and tray placement with accurate part counts.
• Integrated Control: Direct communication between robot and CNC for synchronized operation and pneumatic actuation.
• Improved Efficiency: Reduces operator intervention while maximizing spindle utilization and uptime.
About Advent
Established by MIT alumni in 1984, Advent Design Corporation stands out as an innovative engineering company, enhancing the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers within the global marketplace. Operating the Mid-Atlantic, our company extends its specialized services to manufacturers across the nation. Advent Design's offerings are a testament to our talented team, which encompasses a range of expertise from industrial and electrical engineering to software development and machine safety. Our success is rooted in a holistic strategy that seamlessly integrates our diversified services. By adhering to proven manufacturing tenets, we excel at meeting the needs of numerous industries, delivering cost efficiencies, and elevating the customer service experience for our diverse clientele.
FANUC CRX 10iA/L
The CRX-10iA/L cobot is an ideal industrial robot for manufacturers with little to no robotics experience, fitting applications across many industries. The CRX-10iA/L comes equipped with a 10kg payload and a 1,418mm reach, making it a perfect solution for industrial applications such as machine tending, picking & packing, dispensing and welding. The CRX-10iA/L's slightly longer reach than the CRX-10iA and its unique underflip motion allow for it to perform dynamic movements efficiently, even in relatively confined spaces.
The CRX series of cobots is 8 Years, Zero Maintenance, with the proven industrial reliability FANUC customers expect. For painting and dispensing applications, this model is also offered as the CRX-10iA/L painting cobot.