All Hands On… Screen

As more work center concepts, automated workpiece handling and feedthrough to other stations on multi-task production machines have emerged in the metalworking industry, the power and adaptability of the CNC has been challenged.

Likewise, long spindle run times requiring a greater degree of automation have combined with available technology in the market to change the way many shops lay out their machines, pallet changers, tool carousels and other auxiliary devices.

Today, robotics are making a big impact on machine shops of all sizes. This fact has resulted in another challenge: namely, the integration of the programming into the CNC, plus the sometimes tricky coordination between the controls for the machine and the robot.

That simply isn’t a problem anymore.

Today, the sophisticated articulation and high-speed movements of a robot arm that once required an external PLC with secondary input to the machine’s CNC can now be managed entirely on a second channel of the more advanced controls on the market.

Rather than requiring redundant controls with their inherent problems, plus the need for a second set of programming skills for that external PLC, a robot can now be integrated onto a mill, lathe, mill/turn or even a multi-function rollform/cut/weld/chamer/tap machine, without any substantial difficulties.

In this way, that “second set of hands” is made available to the machine shop at a lower cost, with a smaller footprint, improved safety and far greater function control, all at the operator’s touch on a single screen of the CNC.

A number of robot builders have incorporated their programming and control software into a package that can easily be read by today’s sophisticated CNC with, for example, all six-axis robot commands easily fed to the control by the interpreting software package onboard.

Changes can be made on the fly and there is no need for special robotic programming language skill for your CNC operator. All of the key commands are displayed on a second channel of the CNC and, what’s really cool, the secondary integration of the robot can be done after the machine tool is up and running.

All robot jogging, gripper articulation and other commands can run on a single Profinet cable between the robot and the CNC, operable from the second channel dedicated keys. Additionally, all the safety functions and the test functions for the robot are available to the machine operator, in the same manner.

In many operations, such as transfer machines and long run materials handling, where the physical distance that the workpiece and operator must travel is substantial, a handheld terminal with both channel controls is now on the market.

This offers users the flexibility and freedom to move all around the machine without losing the ability to take instant actions, whether cycle initiation or safety.

Whether a work center concept with multiple machines being serviced by a single robot, a production line machine with various tasks being performed with a robot’s assistance, or a single lathe being dedicated to a long production run that benefits greatly (and profitably) from the advanced robotic automation in your shop, know that the CNC can help you put all hands on . . . screen!

Call me with any ideas you have for incorporating a robot in your shop and I’ll be happy to talk. I’ve seen some remarkable setups out there!