Product category:
Flexible machining cells and systems (FMS)
News Release from: Fastems Divisions, Helvar | Subject: RPC-16G retrofittable robotic cell
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 07 September 2005
Retrofit robot produces unmanned turning
centre
Retrofitting a robotic cell transforms practically any make of CNC turning machine into an unmanned production centre, resulting in increased production efficiency and reduced costs.
Virtually any make of CNC turning machine can be transformed into an unmanned production centre by retrofitting a new, robotic cell from Fastems Designated RPC-16G, it automates loading and unloading of workpieces into and out of the machine spindle, resulting in increased production efficiency and reduced staffing costs
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 23 May 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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At the end of October 2000, the first phase of a GBP 600,000 flexible manufacturing system project became operational at the Poole factory of Westwind Air Bearings.
Each cell is purpose-built in Finland for the specific application and is installed and commissioned by Fastems' UK subsidiary in Dartford.
The package comes complete with workpiece grippers and includes a cylinder kit for automating the opening and closing of the lathe door.
Control is based on a Fanuc RJ3iB, which is interfaced with the machine's CNC system.
The gantry-type unit's storage system sits at the end of the lathe, away from the working area, allowing better access for proving-out a new job than is afforded by an articulated-arm robot system sitting in front of the lathe.
Installation time is short, contributing to quick start-up and hence rapid return on investment.
Measuring just (L) 3.3m x (W) 2.0m x (H) 2.6m, the compact cell is equipped with a Fanuc M-16iT industrial robot that can handle workpieces up to 13kg, or 2 x 6kg to allow load and unload in a single visit to the lathe's machining area.
Two material trolleys for Euro pallets and component locators, capable of carrying up to one tonne apiece, are incorporated within the enclosure for stocking raw billets and machined parts.
With its short changeover time, compact design and easy access for lathe maintenance, the cell has been developed with the needs of subcontractors firmly in mind, allowing them to grow into automation as business dictates without having to make an unnecessarily high front-end investment.
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