The automated machining cell will see components loaded into a FANUC RoboDrill machining centre from a racking system via a FANUC robot, and subsequently removed from the machining centre and loaded to a Renishaw Equator gauging system. The machine bed of the FANUC RoboDrill will also be equipped with Schunk’s Vero-S zero-point clamping technology, which will clamp components for the machining process.
The base table of the Renishaw Equator will be fitted with a Schunk NSL Mini 100-2 clamping station. Schunk’s NSL Mini is a compact stationary clamping system that has a compact area of 199 by 99 by 30 mm. This configuration provides sufficient space for the robot to load parts into the working area of the Renishaw Equator. Such a design also enables larger workpieces to be loaded into the spacious workspace of the Equator, while giving the gauging system plentiful space to measure all sides of the loaded workpieces.
Despite the compact design of the Schunk NSL Mini, it offers a clamping force of 1,000 N. This pull-down force is extended to 3,000 N with the Schunk NSL Mini Turbo variant. The spring-loaded location system with cylindrical clamping offers precise short-taper centring that is combined with form-fit and self-retaining locking.
The multiple components in the automation cell at MACH 2020 will be clamped in pallets that are all to be fitted with Schunk NSR robot modules. NSR is a maintenance-free robot coupling system for pallet handling that provides easy adaption to robot arms of all kinds. The compact, quick and easy-to-integrate pallet-handling system allows automated machine loading extremely close to the machine table, robot module and loading station. NSR robot modules can be operated with a system pressure of 6 bar, which ensures that additional pressure intensifiers are not required. From a positional and repeatability perspective, the NSR has been designed with an easy joining process that ensures a repeat accuracy of 0.005 mm.
Schunk NSR robot modules feature a patented dual-stroke system that guarantees high pull-down forces to ensure that robust and rigid clamping minimises vibration. This is enforced by a form-fit self-retained locking system that maintains full pull-down forces in the event of a pressure drop. NSR robot modules are manufactured from stainless steel and are completely sealed.
Beyond the automation cell, Schunk will also be demonstrating its range of clamping technologies, including: lathe chucks; jaws and steady rests; tool holders; quick-change pallet systems; pneumatic, hydraulic, vacuum and manual clamping systems; digital technology; and much more.
