Increasing variance, decreasing lot sizes, fluctuating demand, as well as increasing global competitive pressure are in addition to topics such as skills shortage due to demographic change, but also the continuous process optimization with the help of current technologies only a few reasons why entrepreneurs have to think more and more about the automated loading and dispatch of machine tools. SCHUNK is the right partner for increasing the productivity of your machine tool. With our broad product portfolio and process understanding, we enable different ways to automate your machine tool. There are five different automation types to choose from depending on workpiece, batch size, manufacturing process and machine.
We support you right from the beginning, and ensure that you understand the automated machine tending 101 and that you can use it in the best possible wa. What options are there? Which solution suits your manufacturing process? And what are the advantages of each approach? Together, we will find the right type of automation for your process
Lean automation describes a flexible and affordable method of automated machine loading by using already available functions of the machine tool intelligently. The raw and finished parts tray is located within the travel area of the machine. With the help of a gripper with spindle interface, workpiece handling can thus take place within the machine workspace. A clamping station facilitates the manual changeover of raw and finished parts as well as clamping devices.
在虎钳自动化领域，专门设计的虎钳通过存储销存放在存放架中。上下料或重新夹持以加工第六面可以在存放架的外部和内部进行。机器人使用特殊机械手将虎钳放置在机床中专门设计的应用夹持站上。加工完成后，将虎钳和工件从机床中取出并放入存放架中。
在工件自动化中，通过搬运设备从外部存储装置中取出毛坯件，放置于机床夹持装置。加工完成后，可以从夹持装置中取出成品和半成品部件，然后存放在存储装置中。
在托盘自动化中，工件在机床外部进行装夹。装夹于托盘后，整个托盘（包括夹具及工件）会被放入机床的夹持工位中。完成加工后，装有工件的完整托盘将从机床中取出。工件在机床外部的夹持装置中进行装卸，该步骤可以手动或自动完成。
R-C2 is an example of an automation solution that combines features of both workpiece and pallet automation. The workpiece lying in the storage rack is gripped with the R-C2 and is clamped at the same time. The clamping force block with the clamped workpiece is then loaded into the quick-change pallet system of the machine like a pallet. After machining, the R-C2 with the clamped workpiece are removed from the machine. The workpiece can now be set up again, clamped and loaded for processing the second side. After production, the R-C2 with the workpiece is removed again and the finish-machined workpiece is located.
Flexible manufacturing systems are multi-machine systems for machining workpieces. The individual machine tools are connected to each other via a connected transport and storage system to enable an automated material flow. In addition to the machine tools, there are corresponding transfer stations, where the raw parts are prepared, the clamping devices are loaded and unloaded, and the finished parts are deposited.
At SCHUNK, we specialize in gripping technology, automation technology, and workpiece and toolholding technology. High-quality, sophisticated components that are used in your machine tool environment. Thanks to this experience, we know what is important when it comes to automated machine loading. Regardless of robot types and machine tools, we can provide you with neutral advice and jointly select the right type of automation for your application. If you do not implement the planning and commissioning yourself, a system integrator or machine manufacturer can be called in.
Get in touch with your SCHUNK contact person now.
