Robotic Automation News

Adding robotic automation to John Hart’s Mazak VCN-460 machining cell

Part two of John Hart’s Mazak VCN-460 turnkey machining cell story involves the addition of robotic loading systems for extended lights out manufacturing.

The turnkey machining cell will have three Agile Modular robotic loading systems featuring Fanuc’s CRX-10iA/L collaborative robots, each tending a single Mazak VCN-460 machining centre.

The Fanuc cobot is mounted on a dock that accepts custom made product trolleys holding over 400 components to allow the machining cell to run unmanned for more than a shift.

The fenceless collaborative system presents an open architecture which provides operators safe, unhindered access to the robots and machines at any time during production.

Along with the programmable and collaborative OnRobot 2FG7 electric gripper and program work number search on the Mazak CNC, multiple product types can be assigned to a single trolley which creates a very flexible automation system.

Multi-operation machine tool fixtures are also supplied as part of the project, completely designed and assembled in-house by Agile Robotic Systems.

Agile Robotic Systems robotic loading systems for CNC machine tools

Part of the John Hart group of companies, Agile Robotic Systems is a leading supplier of innovative machine loading systems to manufacturers globally

Founded on the principle of providing manufacturers with market leading technologies and first class support, Agile Robotic Systems draws upon a heritage of over 70 years in machine tools and over 40 years in automation and robotics, to help manufacturers transform their productivity. 

Fanuc CRX-10iA/L collaborative robot

Weighing only 39 kilograms, the arm of the smoothly designed shiny white Fanuc CRX-10iA/L cobot can perform a highly functional under-flip motion to pick a part from a table in front it and put the part on the table behind it in one single, smooth motion.

The Fanuc CRX-10iA/L is highly protected against dust or oil leakages common in industrial environments and fully complies with ISO 10218-1 safety standards. 

The 6-axis cobot features a reach of 1,418 mm and a 10 kg payload.

OnRobot 2FG7 parallel gripper

OnRobot's 2FG7 parallel gripper is a complete, low-cost, off-the-shelf electric parallel gripper that can be deployed within minutes and requires no custom engineering for installation, programming, or maintenance.

Smaller and more powerful than other 2 finger grippers, the OnRobot 2FG7 is perfect for use in applications with limited manoeuvring space. Boasting a maximum payload of 11 kg, an external grip range of up to 73 mm, and a gripping force of 20 N to 140 N, the versatile 2FG7 can easily handle heavy or bulky payloads.