Increased efficiency of a Gildemeister CTX 400 through CNC automation
Modern CNC production requires precise coordination between the machining process, workpiece handling and material flow. The combination of the Gildemeister CTX 400 with the SherpaLoader® T25 enables standardized processes, reduces non-productive times and supports consistently high component quality. At the same time, manual routine activities are minimized and the machine running time is kept consistently high.
Robot-assisted plastics machining on a Gildemeister CTX 400
The material supply is pallet-based, which ensures an orderly and easily accessible component feed. The SherpaLoader® T25 is equipped with a two-jaw gripper and a three-jaw gripper. The two-jaw gripper is used to remove the first plastic raw part from the Raw Material Staging, which enables safe and gentle handling. The robot then transfers the workpiece to the MAIN SPINDLE of the Gildemeister CTX 400, where it is clamped with a vacuum suction device. This clamping method ensures precise positioning without deforming the plastic material. Subsequent machining takes place under constant clamping conditions, which ensures the dimensional accuracy of the workpiece.
Automated multi-sided machining on the Gildemeister CTX 400
Once the first Machining is complete, the robot arm removes the Part using the three-jaw gripper, which is designed for the safe transport of even complex geometries. The robot positions the semi-finished part on a turning station to make the second processing side accessible. Defined turning ensures a repeatable position for the second processing step. The two-jaw gripper is used again to insert the part into the MAIN SPINDLE. This supports the exact positioning and protection of the surfaces. Clamping and machining conditions also remain constant during the second machining step, ensuring uniform surface quality and dimensional accuracy.
Continuous production process and quality management on the Gildemeister CTX 400
Once the second Machining operation has been completed, the SherpaLoader®T25 removes the finished part with the three-jaw gripper and places it on a second Pallet, which serves as a Raw Material Staging for finished parts. The robot then immediately picks up the next raw part from the Raw Material Staging. This seamless sequence avoids machine downtime and increases the effective spindle running time. The combination of precise workpiece handling, constant clamping conditions and end-to-end automation ensures consistently high component quality, reduces non-productive times and increases productivity while always meeting the highest safety standards. The entire production area is protected by a closed enclosure, which protects against creeping under and reaching over. Furthermore, a light curtain and monitored sliding doors prevent unauthorized access to production operations.
