Automate Your Machining Processes with No-code Simplicity
Robots carry out programs with exactness, providing consistent and repeatable cuts. The post Automate Your Machining Processes with No-code Simplicity appeared first on Fabricating & Metalworking.
The convergence of robotics and automation with intuitive no-code programming enables machinists to reduce cycle times and increase productivity, even when machining the hardest to cut materials.
No-code Robot Interface Programming
ABB’s (Auburn Hills, MI) AppStudio
is an intuitive no-code software tool designed to empower users of all experience levels to quickly and easily create customized robotic user interfaces. With intuitive functionality and features including a collaborative cloud-based library enabling users to share application templates, AppStudio will reduce setup times by up to 80%. “A growing shortage of skilled labor requires the further simplification of automation and programming, especially among small- and medium-size enterprises where complexity is seen as a major barrier to implementing robotic automation,” said Marc Segura, president, ABB Robotics Division.
Compatible with all ABB robots on the OmniCore controller platform, AppStudio offers unprecedented flexibility and ease for creating customized robotic user interfaces. After installing the software, users can repurpose a previously used setup or select from a cloud-based library of templates, models, modules, and examples enabling them to select options in 20 languages.
Robotic Milling Application Streamlines Contours
Highlighting material removal, KUKA Robotics (Shelby Township, MI) demonstrated automated milling from Robotics Solutions Inc. at IMTS 2024. The robotic milling application featured a KR QUANTEC nano robot using KUKA.CNC software processing an aluminum cast part. Robotic Solutions’ turnkey solution offers full CNC-type operations including automated tool changers, tool pre-setters, hotwire harps, probes, 3D scanners and more.
With a load capacity up to 300 kg and maximum reach of 3,904 mm, KR QUANTEC robots feature streamlined contours and extremely small footprints as well as the ability to work in varying ambient conditions. All of which ensures flexibility in operation and cell and system planning. The KUKA.CNC software interface links a CNC and robot directly to each other where KUKA robots perform machining tasks like machine tools – and can be programmed like them as well in G-code. Users create programs using a CAD/CAM process chain and, after simulation, execute them on the robot without having to compile them into the robot language. The KUKA.CNC user interface enables machine operators with experience of CNC machine tools to start operating the CNC robot quickly and easily.
SmartBox Improves Connectivity
With its launch of SmartBox 2.0, Mazak Corp. (Florence, KY) takes safe and secure machine connectivity to the next level. Building on the company’s original SmartBox digital integration technology, this latest version includes several new features and enhanced connectivity such as MQTT and OPC communication protocols. Those protocols significantly improve data exchange and interoperability with a broad range of industrial systems. SmartBox 2.0 includes an industrial-grade edge compute PC as standard, advancing its capabilities for machine monitoring and analysis while incorporating advanced cybersecurity protection.
SmartBox 2.0 leverages MTConnect® technology to deliver real-time manufacturing data, allowing shops to optimize operations, boost efficiency and quickly adapt to changing market conditions. For enhanced security, the SmartBox 2.0 features an AES-compliant fully managed switch and an additional lean managed switch, providing top-tier security similar to that found in IT server rooms, but tailored for the demanding factory environment. The device supports up to 10 machines for MTConnect monitoring and includes standard Industrial I/O interfacing, which allows manufacturers to scale connectivity. Designed for universal compatibility, SmartBox 2.0 works with any machine and mounts on the side of machines.
Software Reduces Cycle Time by 20%
The latest version of ANCA CNC Machines’ (Wixom, MI) ToolRoom RN35 software incorporates advanced features designed to boost productivity and ensure consistent tool quality, resulting in superior surface finishes. By enabling faster cycle times and enhancing tool performance, manufacturers can drive up profits.
Highlights include:
- Cycle time reduction of up to 20% with advanced features and functions, optimizing feed rate, improving superior surface finish, and extending wheel life.
- New developments include the integration of material removal rate calculations, allowing manufacturers to automatically set parameters for constant removal rates, plus air-time reduction.
- Statistical Process Control software for statistical analysis and evaluation of part characteristics streamlines processes.
- Profile fluting further enhances the flute from solid feature of the proprietary ANCA software.
ANCA is the only tool and cutter grinder manufacturer in the world that designs and produces the complete machine in-house, including building the CNC, precision motors and spindles and polymer concrete bases.
New Operating System Improves the HMI
The next generation operating system from UNISIG Deep Hole Drilling Systems (Menomonee Falls, WI) further improves the human-robot interface (HMI) and slashes programming times. This system, featured on the UNISIG’s UNE6-2i-750-CR small-diameter gundrilling machine, streamlines the setup of dozens of different part handling combinations to reduce new part setup times by 80% or more. UNISIG’s UNE6 Series of precision gundrilling machines generate holes from 0.8 mm-to-6.0 mm (0.03”-to-0.24”) in the most challenging of materials.
The new system significantly improves the communication between the machine’s HMI and the robotic controller. The coding and data for the gundrilling operation and the program for the part handling are stored together for ease of recall.
The new system automatically adjusts its parameters to any dimensional part changes, without the need to manually calculate and enter in new parameters, which eliminates having to start over and create new and independent programs, while simplifying and shortening programming times for part families.
The UNE6-2i-750-CR gundrilling machine with integrated robot ships with a handheld programming console/teach pendant connected to the machine. Prior to the use of parametric programming, all part handling operations were pre-programmed using the pendant. This greatly reduces the depth of robotic experience required. The machine HMI has built-in parametric selection guides, allowing users to toggle between data entry and the programming guides. Each data value, and its function, are displayed in the on-screen programming guide, which prevents the guide from being misplaced and making it available at all times.
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