15 Kinds of CNC Machines and Easy methods to Automate Them

CNC machines are a staple in lots of factories and workshops. They’re a core know-how for creating precision elements and merchandise.

Automating a CNC machine will help you enhance its productiveness and machine utilization, whereas releasing up your operators for extra complicated, rewarding duties. It reduces the necessity for human operators to be standing over the machine for a lot of hours merely to load and unload the machine.

There are numerous varieties of CNC machines. You would possibly use a number of of them in your personal manufacturing processes. Every machine has its personal distinctive perform and function. Some are simpler to automate than others, however all can profit from added automation in the appropriate circumstances.

On this article, you’ll study how one can automate varied CNC machines utilizing robotic automation.

The similarities between most CNC machines

At their core, most CNC machines comprise the identical fundamental elements. For that reason, automating virtually any kind of CNC machines includes the same course of.

These frequent elements are:

• The enclosure — This homes the remainder of the CNC machine elements, aside from the controller, which is normally mounted on the surface. A guide or semi-automatic door is used to entry the within of the machine.

• The machine mattress — That is the muse of the machine on which all different elements are mounted. It helps the load of the opposite elements and the workpiece being machined.

• The work head — This holds and strikes the device. Relying on the kind of CNC machine, it may possibly transfer in varied instructions.

• The device — That is the “enterprise finish” of the CNC machine — it performs the slicing, shaping, or different course of process on the workpiece. It’s mounted to the top of the work head and might be modified to go well with the duty.

• The controller — This homes the electronics and software program that controls the machine. You’ll be able to program it utilizing a pc or immediately by way of the controller display screen.

Any automation answer might want to interface not directly with these elements. Normally, the robotic’s controller will interface with the controller electronically. The robotic will place workpieces onto the machine mattress.

Easy methods to automate virtually any CNC machine with a robotic

You’ll be able to automate virtually any CNC machine with a robotic, although some are simpler to combine with an automation answer than others.

The simplest approach to automate a CNC machine is with a robotic utility equipment for machine tending. It will embrace all of the {hardware} and software program parts that you’ll want to automate your machine with a robotic.

Robotiq Machine Tending Resolution makes use of an ingenious methodology of machine communication to permit it to simply combine with virtually any CNC lathe or milling machine — it makes use of the identical buttons, lights, and switches {that a} human operator makes use of to work together with the machine. This considerably reduces the mixing work required in comparison with extra standard options. 

The steps to combine virtually any CNC machine with a robotic are:

1. Select the kind of CNC machine you wish to automate.

2. Use the Robotiq Machine Tending Configurator to configure your particular utility equipment (or get in contact in case your machine kind is not listed within the configurator).

3. Set up the equipment and configure the software program utilizing the straightforward Machine Tending Wizard on the display screen.

4. Deploy the robotic in your manufacturing line.

5. Monitor the outcomes and use your learnings to deploy your subsequent CNC machine tending robotic.

15 varieties of CNC machines you may automate with a robotic

There are numerous CNC machines accessible. Some, like lathes and milling machines, will work out of the field with an utility equipment. Others would possibly require extra customized automation.

Listed here are 15 frequent varieties of CNC machine:

1. Lathe — That is used to create exact, symmetrical elements and merchandise from a wide range of supplies together with metals, plastics, and wooden.

2. Milling machine — This cuts and shapes supplies utilizing a rotating slicing device. It’s generally used to create intricate designs and shapes for a wide range of purposes.

3. Router — A router is sort of a milling machine nevertheless it’s sometimes smaller. It’s used to chop and form wooden, plastic, and steel. It’s used for purposes like engraving or carving indicators.

4. Plasma cutter — This makes use of a high-velocity stream of scorching plasma to chop by way of steel, for purposes like industrial development, restoration, and salvage operations.

5. Laser cutter — A laser cutter makes use of a concentrated beam of sunshine to chop by way of materials. Widespread purposes embrace the creation of indicators and ornamental engraving.

6. Waterjet cutter — This makes use of a high-pressure stream of water to chop by way of supplies. Functions embrace slicing of stones, tiles, glass, and steel.

7. Oxy-fuel cutter — This makes use of a mix of oxygen and gasoline to chop by way of steel. One frequent utility is the creation of plate edges for groove and bevel welding.

8. Punch press — This makes use of a die to chop or form materials. Widespread makes use of embrace the creation of countersinks, embossments, extrusions, and louvres.

9. Bending machine — That is used to bend or fold sheet steel. Functions embrace bending of brackets, clamps, and product covers.

10. Shearing machine — This cuts sheet steel utilizing blades. Software areas embrace the automotive and aerospace industries.

11. Press brake — This bends or folds sheet steel utilizing a die. Such machines are sometimes used in marine engineering, steel art work manufacturing, and furnishings manufacture.

12. Turret press — It is a kind of punch press that has a rotating turret that holds the dies. Widespread makes use of embrace the creation of stamped options resembling louvers, card guides, lances, electrical knockouts, and dimples.

13. Hydraulic press — This makes use of hydraulic fluid to use drive to an object. Generally utilized in a number of utility areas, together with transportation, power, and transportation.

14. Electrical discharge machine — This makes use of electrical pulses to chop by way of steel. Widespread makes use of embrace mould and die making, small gap drilling, and medical element manufacture.

15. Grinding machine — This grinds or polishes surfaces. Generally used for normal machining duties and automotive half manufacturing.

These are simply a few of the most typical varieties of CNC machines. There are numerous others which are used for particular duties and industries.

Easy methods to Automate Your Particular CNC Machine

It would not matter what kind of CNC you’ve, you may virtually actually automate it not directly.

If you’re utilizing a typical CNC machine, like a lathe or milling machine, you need to use an answer just like the Robotiq Machine Tending Resolution straight out of the field.

For different varieties of machine, get in contact and we will help you out.

What kind of machine would you wish to automate? Inform us within the feedback beneath or be a part of the dialogue on LinkedIn, Twitter, Fb, or the DoF skilled robotics group.