ABB Robotics' FlexMT is a flexible, pre-engineered system designed to load and unload machine tools using vision guided robotics. Designed for both small batch and high volume production, the FlexMT increases spindle utilization by up to 60% over manual machine tending, according to the company. The system can handle most any size and type of part, and is compatible with a wide range of machine tools, including horizontal and vertical lathes, machining centers, 5-axis machines and grinders.
The FlexMT comes equipped with a choice between a two- or three-finger gripper, and both an infeed and outfeed conveyor. With six standard plug & play options, including two separate deburring tools, a re-grip table, a needle marking unit, a turn station and an air cleaning box, the modular system is capable of handling a variety of additional manufacturing operations.
FlexMT is available in two variants: the FlexMT 20, which features an ABB IRB 2600 robot, with a 20 kg payload and a 1.65 m reach; and the FlexMT 60, which features an ABB IRB 4600 robot, with a 60 kg payload and a 2.05 m reach. The turnkey automation system comes complete with a robot controller inside its fully integrated control cabinet, providing precise control of the robot, vision, conveyors and machine tool.
"By facilitating a steady and predictable machine tool utilization of up to 90%, the FlexMT increases the approximate 50% spindle utilization of manual machine tending by as much as 60%," said a company spokesperson. "This provides a sustainable competitive advantage and a ROI in many cases of less than a year."
According to the company, additional system benefits include:
- Reduced operational cost and complexity: The vision guidance component reduces operational cost and complexity by allowing the FlexMT to recognize variations in part size and geometrical shape, and enabling it to pick and place parts that are presented on the conveyor in differing positions. The FlexMT can be used with existing machine tools and can run free from operator supervision for up to eight hours.
- Easy system set-up and programming: Control and communications with the robot are tightly integrated into the software, providing a simple and intuitive set-up and teach-in. Teaching of a new part is possible in less than 10 minutes.
- Improved health and safety: The self-contained nature of the FlexMT improves working conditions by reducing workplace injury related to heavy lifting, exposure to hazardous conditions including the presence of coolants, sharp edges, burrs, tooling and other dangers.
For more information contact:
ABB Robotics, Inc.
1250 Brown Road
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
248-391-8622
www.abb.com/robotics