Efficiency through machining automation
The automation of machining processes with CNC processing machines offers great potential to improve production efficiency while achieving high component quality. In this video, the machining process of small round material on a Mazak QT200 MSY is expanded to include a SherpaLoader® T25. The automation of the process steps, starting with the material supply, through the clamping of the raw parts in the Mazak QT200 MSY to the post-processing of the finished parts, enables high process stability by reducing manual intervention. The implementation of synchronous processes reduces non-productive times and enables maximum utilization of the machine as well as maximum productivity of the process.
Maximum automation of the Mazak QT200 MSY thanks to flexible robot equipment
The material is supplied to the process via a SpaceBox with ten drawers. Equipped with an actuating hook, the SherpaLoader® T25 opens the first drawer of the Raw Material Staging. The position of the Raw Material Staging is determined by a laser integrated into the robot. This enables flexible positioning of the Raw Material Staging. The arrangement of the raw material is detected by the Progress camera-based recognition technology with which the SherpaLoader® T25 is equipped. The robot is also equipped with two three-jaw grippers. Equipping the SherpaLoader® T25 with different tools enables simple and versatile adaptation of the production process to changing workpiece geometries and process sequences.
Maximum machine utilization of the Mazak QT200 MSY through synchronous process control
Using one of the two three-jaw grippers, the SherpaLoader® T25 grips the blanks unerringly and places them on the alignment plate. The aligned blank is then clamped in the MAIN SPINDLE of the Mazak QT200 MSY. The automated Orientation of Blanks increases process reliability and ensures consistent component quality. After the SherpaLoader® T25 has left the machining area of the Mazak QT200 MSY, the door closes automatically and the machining process begins. During the machining process, the SherpaLoader® T25 is already preparing the next raw part in order to clamp it in the Mazak QT200 MSY after positioning it on the alignment plate. The integration of synchronous processes enables a continuous material flow. This minimizes non-productive times and maximizes the spindle time of the Mazak QT200 MSY. As soon as the machining process is complete, the door of the Mazak QT200 MSY opens automatically. During Machining, the workpieces are transferred from the MAIN SPINDLE to the secondary spindle and the SherpaLoader® T25 removes the finished part from the secondary spindle.
Stable machining processes thanks to automated cleaning
The SherpaLoader® T25 cleans the finished part with compressed air before removing it from the secondary spindle with its second three-jaw gripper. In the same way, the MAIN SPINDLE of the processing machine is cleaned with compressed air before the next raw part is inserted. The automated cleaning of the MAIN SPINDLE of the Mazak QT200 MSY ensures that there are no residues of chips or cooling lubricant. This ensures process reliability and the repeat accuracy of the clamping system as well as the dimensional accuracy of the parts. Next, wear of machine parts is reduced if this is caused by contamination. This leads to Lengthwise maintenance intervals and promotes the economic efficiency of production. While the finished part is being removed from the secondary spindle, the robot is already carrying the next raw part to clamp it in the MAIN SPINDLE of the Mazak QT200 MSY. The finished part is placed back on the Raw Material Staging and the SherpaLoader® T25 prepares the next raw part.
Process automation of a Mazak QT200 MSY with the highest safety standards
The process automation of the Mazak QT200 MSY through the integration of the SherpaLoader® T25 makes it possible to optimize machine utilization and process reliability by reducing manual interventions and non-productive times through synchronous process steps. The highest safety standards are always met. To ensure safety during the production process of the Mazak QT200 MSY, the production line is equipped with a light barrier that monitors all accessible areas of the production room.
