b'\x1b\x1a\x19 \x1f\x18\x1d\x17\x16Robotics Results2 CNC MACHINES, 1 ROBOT, NO PROFITSBy Craig Zoberis ment makes it difficult for a machin- on an incline to allow the machine ist to have easy, adequate access toopening to stay clear for the ma-O ver the years, many machinethe CNC for setup, programmingchinist to operate manually for first shop owners have asked if it isand adjustments. One other optionarticles and enable tool changing. a good idea to automate two CNCis to use a larger, more expensiveThe angle of the robot is defined machines with a single robot sys- robot with a longer reach, but thisin a specific way to easily access tem. Although at first glance it ap- robot will take up more room insidethe machine clamping device with-pears to make sense, there are sev- the CNC machine and may interfereout mounting directly in front of the eral reasons why it is not a profitablewith the spindle or tools. machine. The consequence is that proposition for small and mediumCycle times. To be efficient, cycleit is not possible for the robot to production runs: times of the CNC machines must bereach a second CNC because it is Flexibility and safety. When youtimed perfectly. Otherwise, thereout of the robots mechanical limits. want to load two machines withis a risk that the robot and a CNCThis means that if the robot wants one robot, you need to crowd thecould wait for one part operation toto reach two machines, it must be machines and robot together sobe completed before loading theplaced right in front of the doors of the robot can reach both CNC ma- other CNC, and at most job shopsthe machinesthus you will lose chines, as well as install a safetythese processes vary significantly. operator access to both machines.fence around the entire cell to meetAccessibility.Ideally,ma- Gripping systems. A typical robot OSHA requirements. This arrange- chine-tending robots are mountedend effector has two pneumatic For maximum safety and efficiency, ideally each CNC machine is governed by a dedicated robot.C. Zoberis16APRIL 2023RoboticsResults.indd 16 3/16/23 11:28 AM'