15 Varieties of CNC Machines and Find out how to Automate Them

CNC machines are a staple in lots of factories and workshops. They’re a core expertise for creating precision components and merchandise.

Automating a CNC machine may help you enhance its productiveness and machine utilization, whereas releasing up your operators for extra advanced, 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 kinds 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 goal. Some are simpler to automate than others, however all can profit from added automation in the best circumstances.

On this article, you’ll be taught how one can automate numerous CNC machines utilizing robotic automation.

The similarities between most CNC machines

At their core, most CNC machines comprise the identical fundamental elements. Because of this, automating nearly any kind of CNC machines entails an analogous course of.

These widespread elements are:

• The enclosure — This homes the remainder of the CNC machine elements, other than the controller, which is often mounted on the skin. 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 could actually transfer in numerous instructions.

• The device — That is the “enterprise finish” of the CNC machine — it performs the reducing, shaping, or different course of activity 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 instantly by the controller display.

Any automation answer might want to interface in a roundabout way with these elements. Normally, the robotic’s controller will interface with the controller electronically. The robotic will place workpieces onto the machine mattress.

Find out how to automate nearly any CNC machine with a robotic

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

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

Robotiq Machine Tending Answer makes use of an ingenious technique of machine communication to permit it to simply combine with nearly 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 typical options. 

The steps to combine nearly 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.

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 kinds of CNC machines you possibly can automate with a robotic

There are numerous CNC machines out there. 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 widespread kinds of CNC machine:

1. Lathe — That is used to create exact, symmetrical components and merchandise from quite a lot of supplies together with metals, plastics, and wooden.

2. Milling machine — This cuts and shapes supplies utilizing a rotating reducing device. It’s generally used to create intricate designs and shapes for quite a lot of functions.

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

4. Plasma cutter — This makes use of a high-velocity stream of sizzling plasma to chop by steel, for functions like industrial building, restoration, and salvage operations.

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

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

7. Oxy-fuel cutter — This makes use of a mixture of oxygen and gas to chop by steel. One widespread 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 utilized in marine engineering, steel paintings 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 corresponding to 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 steel. Widespread makes use of embrace mildew and die making, small gap drilling, and medical element manufacture.

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

These are simply among the commonest kinds of CNC machines. There are numerous others which can be used for particular duties and industries.

Find out how to Automate Your Particular CNC Machine

It does not matter what kind of CNC you may have, you possibly can nearly definitely automate it in a roundabout way.

In case you are utilizing a standard CNC machine, like a lathe or milling machine, you should utilize an answer just like the Robotiq Machine Tending Answer straight out of the field.

For different kinds of machine, get in contact and we may help you out.

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