Machine Tending

Machine Tending

Responding to ever-increasing labour shortage and supply chain challenges, Robotiq now offer a cobot Machine Tending Application Solution that makes cobot automation more accessible than ever.

Designed to work with collaborative robots from Universal Robots, the Machine Tending Solution can be easily configured to work with a variety of CNC machines, robotic accessories, sensors and setups. The Machine Tending Solution lowers implementation costs by up to 50% and takes 2-3 hours to go from unboxing to machining the first part— with no coding experience required. The Machine Tending Solution’s functionality centres on the URCap for UR robots: the Machine Tending Copilot. Like Robotiq’s previous ‘Copilot’ software solutions, this provides all the functionality that you will need to deploy a machine tending robot.

This application solution can be customised to support different types of machine tool tending:

• Single Hand-E gripper – this is suitable for operations where time isn’t critical
• Dual gripper – Using a dual gripper can reduce the cycle time as the robot can pick up the completed part from the CNC machine and place the next part with a single turn of the arm.
• Copilot setup – This is suitable if you require a custom gripper for your own specific application.

What are the benefits of an automated Machine Tending Solution?

There are many benefits to using a robotic Machine Tending Solution instead of a manual process.

• Increased machining capacity – machine tending with collaborative robots ensures that your machines will always be running and can even run lights-out, increasing your production hours and reducing downtime.
• Quick deployment – No need to open or alter your machine in any way; external modules manage communication with the machine interface as the Cobot Machine Tending Solution will work with any brand of CNC machine. Your application can be set up in three easy steps.
• Reduce changeover programming times – The Machine Tending Copilot allows for quick deployment and changeover for high-mix, low-volume automation as any batch size can be automated.

Start your project

Does the Cobot Machine Tending Solution fit in your factory? 

Configure the right solution to automate the machine tending application in your factory. Our tool will guide you through the process and provide all the details you will need to take the next step towards ensuring your machines will always be running.

EasyDesk

The EasyDesk from EasyRobotics – a robot workstation compatible with cobots from Universal Robots, all CNC machines and many types of conveyor belts.

The EasyDesk is a workstation for robots which has been constructed from solid 6mm steel and has three different tabletops:

• EasyDesk Tray: a spacious stainless steel robot worktable mainly designed for CNC machine tending but can also be applied for polishing, welding, bin picking, assembly and measurement
• EasyDesk Alu: a spacious robot cell with a large tabletop surface of 1200 x 800 mm made of 40 mm aluminium profile, capable of supporting work weighing up to 300 kg. It is best suited to applications such as cutting, finishing and polishing, deburring, grinding, quality control
• EasyDesk Welding: a robot welding workstation with plasma nitrided steel tabletop with laser cut 16mm holes, suitable for clamps and fixtures

ProFeeder

The ProFeeder from EasyRobotics is a flexible and compact automated robot cell made to optimise the cycle time in manufacturing.

Compatible with a Universal Robots collaborative robotic arm, the ProFeeder enables quick changeover times making it ideal for small and medium production runs. The ProFeeder Robot cell series can be used for:

• Machine tending
• Surface finishing including polishing
• Welding
• Bin picking
• Assembly and measurement

There are many different models available within the ProFeeder range depending on the manufacturing task involved. Our sales team are on hand to advise you of the most suitable product for your requirements.