"Manufacturers struggling to get CNC machines to communicate directly with their collaborative robot (cobot) now have a solution: VersaBuilt's CNC Communication URCap is a simple yet powerful interface for machine tending applications with Universal Robots," said a Universal Robots spokesperson.
The URCap allows a UR cobot to execute any machining program stored on the CNC directly through the cobot's own teach pendant. Initially launching for Haas CNC machines, VersaBuilt will develop UR interfaces for other CNC makes later this year.
The Haas CNC Communication URCap will soon be available through the UR+ platform, which is made up of products certified to integrate seamlessly with UR cobots. The URCap maintains all Haas safety interlock features and works with Haas, VersaBuilt and other third-party automatic door openers.
"VersaBuilt is excited to partner with Universal Robots to provide machine shops with automation solutions designed for high mix CNC manufacturers," said Albert Youngwerth, CEO of VersaBuilt Robotics.
VersaBuilt's patented MultiGrip workholding system will also soon available through the UR+ platform. MultiGrip includes an automatic vise, machinable jaws and an end-of-arm tool for the UR robot. MultiGrip was developed to address the frustration experienced when working with traditional robot grippers and CNC vises. "We ended up asking ourselves: why can't the robot and CNC use the same jaws?" explained Youngwerth. His team developed the unique workholding system that allows the robot and the CNC to share a set of MultiGrip machinable jaws for infeed, outfeed and CNC machining, resulting in reduced engineering costs, easier robot programming, faster set-up time and enhanced processing capabilities.
"CNC machine tending is one of the most popular tasks to automate with collaborative robots," said Stuart Shepherd, Regional Sales Director for Universal Robots. "But there are still hurdles to overcome in achieving seamless integration. VersaBuilt's two new products are important tools in addressing this."
For more information contact:
Universal Robots USA
5430 Data Court, Suite 300
Ann Arbor, MI
844-462-6268
ur.na@universal-robots.com
www.universal-robots.com