Automated CNC production with the Gildemeister CTX beta 800
Automated handling solutions make a significant contribution to increasing efficiency in CNC production. They enable stable processes, reproducible results and economical use of the available machine time. On the Gildemeister CTX beta 800, the SherpaLoader® T50 takes over central handling tasks within the production process. The integration of the robot reduces manual intervention, increases process reliability and supports standardized series production.
Robot-guided component handling on the Gildemeister CTX beta 800
Material is supplied for the machining process via a Pallet. The SherpaLoader®T50 starts the work cycle with a camera-supported position detection of the parts on the Raw Material Staging. The camera-based detection system compensates for positional deviations of the raw parts and enables reliable removal with consistent repeat accuracy. The robot is equipped with two three-jaw centric grippers, allowing combined handling of raw and finished parts in a smooth transition. After detecting the position of the raw part, the robot grips the first part and positions it on a defined alignment station. The alignment ensures a repeatable position in the clamping and reduces the risk of misalignment errors in the subsequent machining process. Once alignment is complete, the robot arm transfers the Part to the work area of the Gildemeister CTX beta 800. Before clamping, the MAIN SPINDLE is automatically cleaned with compressed air to remove chips and cooling lubricant residues. The cleaned clamping ensures a constant clamping force and minimizes position deviations. The Part is then transferred and clamped in the MAIN SPINDLE. The first step of the machining process begins.
Continuous machining flow on the Gildemeister CTX beta 800 thanks to cutting on both sides
After the first machining step, the robot cleans the edited raw part. The SherpaLoader®T50 then removes the finished part from the counter spindle, which was previously machined in the previous cycle in the Gildemeister CTX beta 800. The removed finished part is placed on the Pallet. At the same time, a new raw part is removed from the Raw Material Staging and aligned on the alignment station. Part transfer from the main spindle to the counter spindle takes place during these parallel processes. The robot synchronizes with the machine cycle so that preparatory steps such as Gripper and alignment can be carried out during machining. This implementation of synchronized processes reduces non-productive times and increases the effective spindle running time, as the material flow can continue without interruption. In the second machining step, the new raw part is machined in the MAIN SPINDLE, while the semi-finished part is finally machined in the counter spindle.
Standardized production and high process stability with the Gildemeister CTX beta 800
Automated Machining with the SherpaLoader® T50 on the Gildemeister CTX beta 800 leads to a constant manufacturing process with high repeat accuracy. Camera-supported detection, defined alignment, automatic cleaning and synchronized transfers ensure stable clamping conditions and minimize position-related quality deviations. The elimination of manual intervention reduces the potential for errors and shortens cycle times at the same time. The economic utilization of the machine running time is specifically increased by parallel process control. The combination of these measures contributes to economically standardized production, especially in series with recurring component geometries. The safety of the operating personnel is guaranteed by a large number of safety measures. The entire work area is equipped with safety devices to protect against crawling under and reaching over. A light curtain with a resolution of 30 mm is also implemented. This enables safe monitoring with hand detection. In addition, a safely monitored inspection door at the rear and permanent monitoring of the Robot Positions and speed ensure safe operation in an automated environment at all times.
