Hillary Machinery supplies robotic machine tending systems for automated loading and unloading of CNC lathes, machining centers and other production equipment. Using industrial robots from FANUC and integrated YC RoboTech tending systems, these solutions can automate one or multiple CNC machines, handle heavier parts and increase spindle utilization with less repetitive operator labor.
Robotic machine tending systems automate repetitive loading and unloading tasks on CNC machines and other production equipment. An industrial robot can pick a raw workpiece from a tray, rack, pallet, drawer or other presentation system, load it into the machine, remove the completed part and transfer it to the next required location.
For the right application, robotic tending can increase productive spindle hours, reduce repetitive manual handling and allow skilled employees to focus on setup, inspection, tooling and process management.
Industrial robots are particularly well suited for machine-tending applications requiring higher speed, greater payload capacity, longer reach or the ability to service multiple CNC machines.
A complete robotic tending system can include the robot, end-of-arm tooling, raw-part presentation, finished-part handling, machine communication, automatic doors, workholding interfaces, vision and appropriate safety equipment.
Robotic machine tending does not have to be limited to a single CNC machine. When machine cycle times, robot reach and part-handling requirements permit, one robot can service two or more CNC machines within the same automation cell.
Multi-machine tending can help manufacturers increase total spindle utilization without assigning a separate operator to each machine.
Industrial robots are available in substantially higher payload ranges than most collaborative robots, making them a strong option for heavier workpieces, large fixtures and demanding handling applications.
Robot selection must account for the combined weight of the part and end-of-arm tooling, required reach, part inertia, machine access and the complete handling process.
Hillary Machinery integrates FANUC industrial robots for CNC machine-tending applications. FANUC offers a broad range of robot payloads and reaches that can be matched to part size, machine layout and required cycle time.
As a FANUC Authorized Systems Integrator, Hillary Machinery can evaluate the robot together with the CNC machine, workholding, part presentation, controls and overall manufacturing process.
Hillary Machinery also offers YC RoboTech robotic machine tending systems designed specifically for CNC loading and unloading.
Current YC RoboTech configurations include SD, MD, MT and MTS systems for single-machine, dual-machine and flexible production applications. Certain systems incorporate Smart EZ touchscreen controls to simplify setup and changeover for machine-tending operations.
View YC RoboTech MTS Machine Tending
Industrial robots and collaborative robots can both automate CNC loading and unloading, but the best choice depends on the production requirement.
Industrial robotic systems may provide advantages when higher speed, heavier payload, longer reach or multi-machine tending is required. Cobot systems can be attractive for lighter-duty applications where flexibility, compact deployment and operator interaction are priorities.
Compare Cobot Machine Tending Systems
Manufacturers do not always need to purchase new CNC equipment to add automation. Many existing machines can potentially be integrated with robotic tending after evaluating the controls, doors, workholding, guarding, machine access and production process.
Hillary Machinery can evaluate existing CNC equipment and determine what machine interfaces or supporting automation may be required.
Reliable automation requires a consistent method of presenting raw parts and storing completed components. Depending on the application, part presentation may use:
Vision-guided robotics can provide additional flexibility when workpieces are not always presented in a fixed position. 3D vision can help a robot identify the location and orientation of a part before pickup.
This can be useful for heavier parts, variable part presentation and custom machine-tending applications where dedicated fixtures would reduce flexibility.
The robot is only one component of a successful machine-tending application. Hillary Machinery can help evaluate:
Industrial robotic systems require evaluation of the complete automation cell, including robot motion, payloads, grippers, CNC machines, tooling, part handling and operator access.
Appropriate guarding, interlocks and other protective measures should be determined through an application-specific risk assessment.
Robotic machine tending uses an industrial robot and supporting automation equipment to load raw workpieces into a production machine and remove finished parts after the machining cycle.
Yes. When robot reach, cycle time and machine layout allow it, one industrial robot can potentially service two or more CNC machines.
Yes. Industrial robots are available in a wide range of payload capacities. The required payload must account for both the workpiece and end-of-arm tooling.
In many cases, yes. Existing CNC machines can potentially be automated after evaluating controls, doors, workholding, machine access and the overall production process.
Traditional industrial robots generally provide advantages in speed, payload, reach and multi-machine applications. Cobots can provide advantages for lighter, more flexible applications where closer operator interaction is important.
Yes, when the complete machining process is reliable. Tool life, chip management, workholding, part presentation, inspection and material supply all affect how long a system can operate without operator intervention.
Hillary Machinery can evaluate your CNC machines, workpieces, cycle times, production volume and labor requirements to determine the appropriate robotic machine-tending configuration.
View Available Robotic Machine Tending Systems or contact Hillary Machinery to discuss your CNC automation application.
We use cookies to improve your experience. Privacy Policy.
