Automated machining, deburring and packing

We have delivered a robot cell that automates the handling of parts in and out of a CNC machine, the deburring process and packing of the finished part.

The robot cell is fed raw parts by an operator, placing the raw parts in two pull-out drawers. To optimize operation, the robot can retrieve raw parts from one of the drawers even if the other is out of the cell and is in the process of being filled. The robot cell can handle 8 different types of raw parts as well as 12 different part types, and is automatically converted using associated grippers.

The robot picks up the raw part, loads the CNC machine, and removes it again when the part is machined. The machined part is then laid out so that the robot at the deburring station can pick it up and lead it into a specially developed deburring station.

The deburring station is equipped with rotating steel brushes that deburrs the part. However, the steel wire in the steel brushes is gradually worn down, so the effect of the brushes are monitored. Additionally the steel brushes are placed on a guide that partly regulates itself according to the type of part that are to be deburred and partly compensates for wear and tear detected through the effect measurement. If the steel wires have become so worn out that the guide is no longer able to compensate for this, an operator will be called using a light boiler so that he or she can change the brushes.

Once the part is deburred, the robot retrieves it again from the deburring station and places it in a box on a conveyor. When the box is filled, it is transported out of the cell and an empty box is pushed from the infield conveyor to the outfield conveyor, leaving room to pack additional finished parts.