Retrofittable self-contained robot system for Heller horizontal machining centres

A simple way to automate, the WRS robot system can be retrofitted to an individual machine to provide maximum production versatility, including operating as a lights-out cell. While pallet automation aims to decouple the operator from the machining cycle and increase up-time, robot-based automation solutions additionally enable direct workpiece handling. The WRS complements existing Heller automation packages, providing automated loading via trollies. Two or four place buffer places are incorporated within the system, which is located within the machine enclosure. Instead of handling pallet and fixtures outside of the machine, the workpiece alone can be placed into the fixture on the pallet changer. Workpiece input pallets are 400 by 600 mm and up to 1,100 mm high. It will accept workpieces up to 15 kg. Due to exchangeable grippers, the system can accommodate workpieces of all shapes and dimensions. It is particularly effective where auxiliary processes such as cleaning, deburring, coating, assembly and measurement, etc. are integrated into the work flow.