Precision Machining Technology Review June 2023: Automation & Robots

Every month, we’re putting together a Technology Showcase, highlighting some of the product information that PM received from supplier companies. For June, we are focusing on Automation and Robots which can enable unattended processes while also boosting quality and productivity.

Our June Automation and Robots showcase includes a filtering chip conveyor designed to prolong coolant life, reduce tool wear, protect coolant pumps from damage and reduce coolant tank maintenance; a robot-ready automatic pallet changer package for vertical machining centers that can increase unattended machining time; an unloader that quickly unloads round workpieces to create a continuous flow of material that enables lathes to optimize cycle times; and more as described below.

For the latest new products across the broad spectrum of precision machining, check out Production Machining’s New Products online.

If you would like to learn more about the latest news, product technology and operational best practices in the precision machining industry, consider subscribing to Production Machining's free monthly print magazine.

Read PM’s May’s Eastec Product Preview.

Click on each link below to read the full product post:

Turbo MH140 Chip Conveyor Filters Mixed Chips

Photo Credit: LNS North America Inc.

LNS North America’s Turbo MH140 filtering chip conveyor is well suited for sliding headstock and multitasking machining centers that produce mixed chips of any size and geometry from a variety of materials, including aluminum, brass, cast iron and more. Using the combination of a hinge belt to handle large and stringy chips, and a new dual-layer technology filter box that removes fines while filtering coolant to 140 μm, MH140 is said to prolong coolant life, reduce tool wear, protect coolant pumps from damage and reduce coolant tank maintenance.

Robot-Ready Automatic Pallet Changer for VMCs

Photo Credit: Midaco

Midaco’s Robot-Ready Automatic Pallet Changer package for vertical machining centers (VMCs) can increase unattended machining time. This robot-ready package takes the complexity out of automated part loading and machining by enabling a robot to load a full pallet of parts on an automatic pallet changer while the VMC is cutting. This automation solution is designed to enable manufacturers increase performance with only a skeleton crew, maintaining production during a regular shift or during lights-out manufacturing.

Unload Pro Provides Flexibility in Part Unloading

Photo Credit: Lexair Inc.

The Unload Pro from Lexair Inc. and designed by Breuning IRCO can be configured to unload parts from the subspindle to the front or rear of the machine. This enables more flexibility in the design and layout of facilities to increase efficiency. The Unload Pro can unload parts with a diameter of 3.15″ and length of 48″ that would normally have to be unloaded manually. This feature reduces the overall manpower required for the task and increases the automation of work cells.

Automated Gaging System for Boosting Quality, Productivity

Photo Credit: New Scale Robotics

New Scale Robotics’ Q-Span Workstation is an automated gaging system that incorporates existing manual gages and gaging techniques to automate QC inspection in high-mix, small-batch manufacturing. It is designed to boost quality and productivity in precision machining. The workstation incorporates a collaborative robot (cobot), teach pendant, metrology software and gages on a self-contained mobile workstation table. It is designed for fast, flexible deployment by machine shops with no prior knowledge of robotics.

FluidLynx Offers Intelligent Cooling Lubricant Automation

Photo Credit: Euroline

Euroline’s Motorex FluidLynx automates water-miscible fluid management with a measuring system developed to reliably and automatically monitor and regulate water-miscible coolants. According to the company, lubricant automation is essential for improving machining productivity. The system is said to provide controllable, traceable process reliability, while better protecting workpieces and machines, and optimizing tool life.

Landscape Source: Lexair Inc.