Production automation of machining processes through robot integration
Automated CNC production requires precisely coordinated sequences, repeatable clamping processes and reliable and safe handling of parts. Robot-supported machining with a Mazak VCN-530C and the SherpaLoader®M20 meet these requirements. End-to-end automation increases process reliability and enables consistently high machining quality across all production steps.
Front and back machining on a Mazak VCN-530C using robot-assisted automation
In the manufacturing process shown, material is supplied via a SpaceBox. The SherpaLoader®M20 opens the drawers of the Raw Material Staging automatically and records the position of the workpieces with the integrated camera system. This reduces the need for manual loading of the Raw Material Staging. Furthermore, the production process can be adapted to changing part geometries and production conditions as quickly as possible thanks to the camera detection of the parts. The robot arm is equipped with two two-jaw parallel grippers. During the first gripping process, the robot removes the first raw part from the Raw Material Staging with the raw part gripper and transfers it to the work area of the Mazak VCN-530C. Before insertion, the first pneumatic vice is automatically cleaned to remove chip and coolant residues from the clamping surfaces and to ensure consistent clamping quality. The robot then inserts the workpiece and the pneumatic clamping device is closed. Milling of the front of the component begins. The robot picks up the next blank from the SpaceBox while machining is still in progress. By implementing synchronous processes, non-productive times are reduced and the spindle run time is increased. Once the first Machining step has been completed, the machined Part is automatically cleaned with compressed air to remove chips and prepare it for subsequent processing. The SherpaLoader®M20 removes the Part from the first vice and cleans the machine vice again before inserting and clamping the next raw part, which is already carried along. The previously machined semi-finished part is placed by the robot on a gripping station, clamped on the unmachined side and placed upside down on the alignment station, where it is referenced via mechanical stops. Mechanical referencing via stops at the alignment station ensures repeatable positioning of the workpiece before clamping. As a result, the machining position is reliably established regardless of possible position deviations after turning or repositioning the part. This reduces the need for corrections, increases the dimensional accuracy of the second processing side and supports stable series production with consistent quality. The robot then transfers the aligned part to the second vice of the Mazak VCN-530C. This is also cleaned automatically before clamping. Machining the second side directly within the same process increases dimensional accuracy and process reliability and ensures the alignment of the part across both machining stages. Once the back side processing is complete, the SherpaLoader®M20 places the finished part back on the Raw Material Staging.
Repeat-accurate CNC production with automated component return on the Mazak VCN-530C
The structured sequence of all steps ensures a continuous material flow without manual intervention. The automated cleaning of both vises and the precise positioning via camera detection and alignment station ensure stable clamping conditions with consistent machining results. Automated CNC machining on the Mazak VCN-530C thus enables reproducible milling with maximum repeat accuracy, minimal waste and high cost-effectiveness. In addition to the consistent component quality, personnel resources are also used more efficiently, as manual effort is reduced and machine running times are optimized. The automated return of the finished parts to the SpaceBox also ensures reliable further processing without additional repositioning steps. The entire process is secured by a light curtain, a monitored access door and access protection, so that the robot’s work area is reliably separated from the production environment. This ensures the permanent protection of personnel and the system.
