New Robotic Machine Tender

Automated Cells & Equipment, Inc. has introduced the latest version of its RoboCart series of robotic machine tenders. Starting with the premise that floor space is at a premium and flexibility is critical to every shop, Automated Cells (ACE) offers RoboCart with the ability to automatically install and remove Ready Tool cam-action series grinder dogs, used in the production grinding of cylindrical parts.

The RoboCart series of machine tenders is constructed on a modular platform measuring 40" wide x 48" long x 80" high and incorporates a high-speed FANUC America LRMate 200iD/7L 6-axis industrial robot. RoboCart features casters for portability and in-floor docking for easy machine to machine relocation. An intuitive frame notch (cut-out), in combination with a sliding door, provide operator access to machine workholding for easy part changeover. Part presentation is accomplished through use of a stationary fixture plate accessed through an interlocked hinged door.

When equipped with the Ready Tool interface, an installation/removal station is provided to stage the Ready Tool grinder dogs.

How it works:

• Select the proper part program on the robot teach pendant and press start
• The robot grips a raw part from the stationary fixture and times the part
• The robot moves the part to the Ready Tool installation/removal station
• The part is lowered into the Ready Tool grinder dog at the appropriate depth and the grinder dog is released, gripping the part
• The robot requests to service the CNC machine, the machine door opens, the robot moves into the machine, cleans the workholding and then places the raw part into the workholding with the grinder dog against the driving pin (on the next cycle, the robot unloads the workholding prior to raw part placement)
• The robot moves out of the machine, the door closes, and the machining cycle starts
• The robot goes back to the Ready Tool installation/removal station, removes the grinder dog and places the finished part back onto the stationary fixture plate
• Cycle repeats.

Additional features:

• A color touchscreen teach pendant provides a simple intuitive operator interface for part selection as well as helpful messaging regarding system status and performance.
• RoboCart runs on common 208 volt / 1 phase / 60 cycle shop power and 80 PSI air.

Available options:

• Other available part presentation methods include: single or dual drawers, single pass through belt conveyor or powered roller conveyor with gravity side wings for handling of pallets or totes of product
• FANUC iRVision for non-fixtured location of incoming raw parts
• Transformer for 120 VAC operation
• Machine auto-door or door opener for faster robot machine access.

For more information contact:

Automated Cells & Equipment, Inc.

9699 Enterprise Drive

Painted Post, NY 14870

607-936-1341

info@autocells.com

www.autocells.com