How to Automate CNC Lathe with Robot Loader?

What is a Robot Loader in Auto CNC Lathe?

In CNC machining lathe, the robot loader, sometimes also called machine tending robots,is a device used to load or unload the materials that must be machined. The robot loader is usually a CNC controlled robotic arm that can take over manual operations, such as griping, placing and clamping materials. With a robot loader, manufacturers can achieve a more efficient and precise operation. 

Types of Robot Arms for CNC Machining Automation

GONGTIE offers 4 types of robot arms to help automate your CNC machining projects.

GONGTIE offers 4 types of robot arms to help automate your CNC machining projects.
It is a collaborative robot that can automatically load & unload workpieces for CNC lathes easily for handling small and medium parts.
Our lathe robot loader can quickly improve your flexibility and efficiency, but the same is true even in small-batch production.
The robot is affordable, flexible, and easily moved to another CNC machine. The payback period is less than one year.
Fast to install and easy to learn without robot experience. So you can optimize the performance of your CNC lathe in no time!
Our general models can also be moved to your milling machine!
Due to the flexibility and efficiency of the robot, the investment recovery period of your CNC lathe was also significantly shortened!

How Does Robot Loader Help Achieve CNC Machining Automation?

There are different CNC machining automation solutions with robot loaders in which types of CNC machines, layout of machines and robot loader, and loading accessories can be very different.

Over the years, we, GONGTIE, have customized many parts processing solutions for different customers, including helping customers choose the right CNC machine, the right robot loader, designing the best layout, and matching the most suitable accessories. Next, we will show you how the robot loader operates through our cases.

The robot loader needs to be integrated with the CNC machines and PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). Through software installation, parameter configuration, and functional setup, collaborative operation between the robot and the lathe is achieved. The robot loader and CNC machines can be integrated into different ways as the images below shows.

Robot Loader Work Process

PLC signal: The PLC control system will send a signal to the robot, indicating that it can load and unload the work.

Robot: the robot, after the received signal, the loading action, fetching or placing artifacts to the specified location.

CNC lathe processing: after completion of loading and unloading robot will send signals to the CNC lathe, make it to start or continue processing.

How do Robotic Arms Connect to the Machine?

PLC connection: The PLC connection between the robot hand claws and the CNC machine is usually achieved by a PLC (programmable logic controller). The machine itself is implanted with the loading and unloading processing program, supporting automatic loading and unloading, and PLC is used to control the start, stop, clamping, and loosening of the robot hand.

Case: Robot loader control two lathe double spindle and double turret machine.

GONGTIE’s Case: Robot Loader Controls Two Lathes with Double Spindle and Double Turret Machine.

In the case of a robot claw connected to a lathe, especially a double spindle double turret machine, which automatically loading and unloading different products, the robot needs to have high precision, high load capacity and flexibility. Here’s a concrete analysis:

1. 1Case Background
   
   Some auto parts manufacturing enterprise to improve the production efficiency and machining precision, decided to introduce double CNC lathe spindle double turret robot system, used for machining complex parts.
2. Robot Configuration
   
   (1) CNC lathe: Double spindle, double turret, support synchronous processing.
   (2) System integration: Integrated CNC control system and robot control to achieve automated production.
   (3) Type: Six-axis industrial robots are usually chosen, like ABB IRB 6700, KUKA KR QUANTEC, FANUC M-710iC or Yaskawa Motoman MH series.
   (4) Load: It needs to be selected according to the weight of the workpiece, usually between 20kg and 200kg.
   (5) Robot arm: The arms show needs to cover the work range of two lathes, usually between two and three meters.
   (6) Number of claws: Usually equipped with double-clawed hands to handle two workpieces simultaneously. When one robot controls two machines, four claws will be used to load and unload different products.
3. The Work Procedure
   
   (1) Loading parts: Robots from the stock bin to grab parts, put it in the first lathe.
   (2) Processing: On the first lathe preliminary machining lathe, the robot grasps semi-finished products into the second lathe.
   (3) Unloading parts: The second lathe processing finished, robots will put the finished parts in the discharge area.
4. Advantages
   
   (1) Efficiency: The double-spindle double-turret robot automatically loads and unloads parts to reduce the processing time.
   (2) Accuracy: Robots ensure workpiece positioning accuracy.
   (3) Flexibility: Adapt to many varieties, small batch production.
   (4) Cost reduction: Automation to reduce labor costs, improve equipment utilization.
5. Application
   
   (1) Auto parts: Such as shaft class, gear, flange, etc.
   (2) Aerospace: Engine parts, turbine blades, etc.
   (3) Medical equipment: Such as artificial joint, surgical instrument, etc.
   (4) General machinery: Such as bearings, valves, pumps, etc.
6. Key Point
   
   Double spindle double turret design: synchronization processing, improve efficiency.
   Robot integration: automatic up-down material, reduce human intervention.
   System integration and debugging: make sure that the equipment work together, guarantee the stability of production.
7. To Sum Up
   
   In the application of a double spindle double turret machine, the robot requires high precision, high load and flexibility, often choose six axis industrial robots, equipped with double claw hand, it is suitable for automobile, aerospace, medical apparatus, and instruments in areas such as efficient production. Significantly improved the production efficiency and product quality, reduce the cost and enhance the market competitiveness. This case demonstrates the important role of automation equipment in the manufacturing industry.

How to Choose the Right Robot Loader for CNC Automation?

To choose the right robot loader for your CNC automation projects, you have to consider these factors:

Budget and Cost-Effectiveness

Budget is usually the primary consideration, but we’d better also consider cost-effectiveness.If you think that a suitable and high quality robot loader is beyond your budget, choosing a cost less one with medium quality may not be the fastest way to get your money back. Hence, both factors should be considered jointly.

Load and Robot Hand Reach

The load of a robot loader refers to the maximum weight or load that the robotic hand can safely handle. The robot hand reach refers to the farthest point in any direction the robot hand can extend to perform tasks.
According to the size of the product 5kg/10kg/20kg choose the appropriate robot hand claw, the size of the product is different, the number of robot hand claws is different.

Easy and Effective Integration with CNC Machines

Easy and effective communication and compatibility between the robot arm loader and the CNC machine can save you time and trouble in the operation.

Easy Programming

Choosing a robot loader that is easy to program and operate can significantly improve production efficiency.

Maintenance and After-Sales Service

Opt for a supplier with reliable after-sales service and technical support to ensure the long-term stable operation of the robotic arm.

Why Should You Have a Robot Loader?

Boost Production Efficiency

The robot loader can load and unload the workpiece quickly and continuously without human intervention, and work non-stop for 24 hours, hence, effectively reducing downtime and improving output.

Improve Precision & Consistency

The robot loader can load and unload the workpiece quickly and continuously without human intervention, and work non-stop for 24 hours, hence, effectively reducing downtime and improving output.

Reduce Waste & Costs

Scrap rates caused by quality problems can be reduced through precise positioning, which helps reduce production costs. Moreover, the use of robot loaders reduces dependence on manual labor, hence reduce labor costs.

Reduce management costs, improve profits, consistency and reliability, create value for the company, win orders, and realize automation throughout the factory to reflect competitive advantage and be in a benchmarking position.

If you intend to automate your CNC machines with a robot loader, feel free to contact us! We’ll provide you with CNC machine automation solution that best suits your production.