How to Quickly Change Chuck Faces Without Operator Assistance

A collaboration between Gosiger Automation, Okuma, Fanuc and Kitagawa work holding produced this robotically automated machining cell that significantly reduces the time and labor associated with part-to-part changeovers.

Typically, changing chuck jaws between lot runs of different parts is a manual process. However, as the VIDEO demonstrates, this robotically automated work cell enables an Okuma Multus CNC milling/turning center to machine a series of parts requiring three different 3-jaw chuck faces without operator intervention.

A Fanuc M-20 iA industrial robot loads part blanks, unloads the finished parts and exchanges the chuck faces as required. The Fanuc robot is equipped with an automatic Schunk end-of-arm-tool changer that allows it to access any one of three sets of unique end-of-arm-tools for part handling. Using the same tool changer, another set of end-of-arm-tools enables the robot to handle and change the three different chuck faces needed to accommodate the various parts.

Gosiger Automation’s GOCell Drawer Cell stores blanks and finished parts in three separate drawers and a fourth drawer holds the three chuck faces, all of which are automatically accessed by the robot, using the various end-of-arm-tools.

Gosiger Automation specializes in applying robotics to streamline workpiece flow. The results are improved throughput, reduced direct labor costs, consistent part quality and faster deliveries. To learn more, contact Gosiger Automation or visit www.gosiger.com.