Robotic Lathe Machine Loading & Inspection System - Compass Automation HD

Lathe machine tending: http://robot.fanucamerica.com/Products/Robots/machine-tending-robots.aspx FANUC America Authorized System Integrator Compass Automation designed and built these two identical machine tending and inspection systems for Axly Machining, part of the Gemini Group. Before the process was implemented with automation, it was very time consuming and labor intensive, using two operators to run four machines while hand loading and unloading each part. The system now utilizes FANUC’s highly versatile M-710iC/50 robot – An industrial robot popular for a variety of applications including machine tending, packaging, assembly, and more. In addition to the FANUC robotic process for machine load, unload, and part transfer, Compass Automation added a high-level inspection system, effectively increasing value for Axly and their customers by guaranteeing top part quality. Each system tends two lathes, transporting manually-loaded castings through a variety of machining, blow-off, and inspection processes, all through the highly reliable FANUC robot for handling of the parts. The system runs 18 distinct part variants. As part of its development, Compass Automation utilized their “Agile Development” methodology in the system’s mechanical design. The critical dimensions and inspection requirements were very challenging. Compass Automation iterated on multiple inspection designs and tooling as well as different technologies to perform the measurement. Ultimately, after development and implementation, these automation systems have already shown Axly a 30% increase in efficiency while ensuring that their customers receive 100% inspected quality parts. To learn about the Agile Development methodology and more from FANUC America Authorized System Integrator Compass Automation, please visit http://www.compass-automation.com