Gosiger News

In another example of Gosiger Automation designed robot-based factory automation, this video, demonstrates how a Fanuc M-16iB robot services two Okuma Vertical Machining Centers (VMC). Each machining center is equipped with 4-position, 4th axis indexers. Four workpieces at a time are loaded into precision workholding fixtures, and returned to precision pallets for further automated processing. Note how the conveyor system moves the workpieces into position for the robot arm to pick and load them into the machine tool, then flips the fixture around to deposit the machined parts into the pallets. The machined parts are then moved along the conveyor to the next step in the process.

Two Okuma CNC machines used to make pipe couplings are tended by a FANUC R2000 iB robot in this 2-minute video. The robot uses two sets of grippers to load and unload the parts from each machine tool which greatly reduces mind-numbing, repetitive labor to free the machine operator for other tasks, reduce cost-per-part and keep the process running smoothly.

This video shows a grinding cell incorporating an Okuma GA-47 grinder with a FANUC robot equipped with a vision system and manually adjustable grippers. The Okuma grinder has a flexible, 2-axis configuration for greater versatility and handles parts up to 60” long, weighing as much as 660 lbs.

The cycle time for the operation is reduced by 62%, from the original time of 45 minutes to just 16.8 minutes. In addition to dramatically improving cycle time, one operator can now manage multiple cells, which greatly reduces labor costs-per-part. The new cell also eliminates the need for workers to physically manage extremely heavy parts.

Some manufacturing people think robotic-assisted CNC machining is strictly for high-volume production. In fact, even small production runs can benefit from automating repetitive processes and freeing machine operators to manage multiple workstations.

Milling this complex part from pre-hardened 4140 steel (36 Rc) required a combination of a machine tool capable of both high speeds and the ability to precisely control machine movements, an assortment of high-performance cutting tools, and the right CAM software. In this video, the cast of characters includes an Okuma Genos M560V vertical machining center, Sandvik-Coromant tooling and Esprit ProfitMilling CAM software.

Thanks to a new programming option called Turn-Cut, users of Okuma Horizontal Machining Centers (HMC) can now avoid buying expensive special purpose machines, tooling, fixtures and other add-ons to perform turning operations on large, unbalanced parts. With it you can create bores and diameters including circular and angular features. The system is especially useful for working on valves and manifold-type parts.

In this Gosiger produced video, a Fanuc M-16iB robot unloads and stacks precision aluminum parts. The work cell is designed for long periods of unattended operation of the Okuma sub-spindle lathe that is fed 12’ bar stock by an automatic, magazine bar feeder. The Fanuc robot gripper carefully unloads the parts because the robot is programmed to apply the optimum amount of pressure. This ensures that the highly precise aluminum parts will not be damaged or distorted when removed and placed in the outgoing conveyor.

The science of ergonomics involves designing and arranging things so that people can use them as efficiently and easily as possible. When ergonomics is applied to CNC machining the primary focus is on improving productivity and safeguarding the machine operators.