What is special about the automation solution shown?
The FANUC Cobot and the STÖCKEL grinding machine work independently and are not connected to each other. The cobot, which weighs approx. 40kg, can be used temporarily or for long periods and is simply positioned on a lightweight console in front of the machine. The electrical connection is made via a 230 V socket.
FANUC and STÖCKEL offer you an efficient and quickly realisable solution for the automation of existing machine solutions, e.g. to implement multi-shift operation in your company.
When does it make sense to install a FANUC Cobot with a STÖCKEL grinding machine?
Due to the low purchase and installation costs, the combination of a FANUC Cobot with one of our sanding machine solutions is almost always profitable. The Cobot makes it possible to absorb order peaks by extending shifts (2nd/3rd shift), to bridge personnel bottlenecks and to process series orders without great effort. The system is easily customisable and very low-maintenance.
What scopes can be realised?
The FANUC CRX-Cobot family can move and safely position weights of up to 30 kg. The cobot can be used to reliably handle small series or series production runs. The complexity and compatibility of the application must be assessed in advance together with our experts.
How does the robot know how it relates to the machine?
After a one-off installation, the Cobot aligns itself with an optical marker, similar to a QR code. Even if the Cobot has been used on a different machine, it can easily be repositioned and restarted at a previous location. Alternatively, it can be programmed via a tablet PC. An on-site technician will provide one-off training for your employees and will also make any necessary adjustments.
Is the robot connected to the machine?
No, there is no connection via a cable or wireless connection. After a one-off installation at its workstation, the FANUC Cobot takes over the operation of the machine based on the existing conditions. It opens the sliding door of the machine as specified, loads the sanding table and starts the sanding process by pressing the buttons. The end of the sanding process is indicated by a visual marker on the control unit. This is recognised by the camera on the cobot. It may be possible to improve the cycle times through hardware coupling.
On which machines can the solution be used?
In principle, every new machine from STÖCKEL can be individually retrofitted with the FANUC Cobot. Many existing machines also offer the possibility of working with the system through programme adaptations. We will be happy to advise you to find the best possible automation solution for you.
Why does the robot move so slowly?
The FANUC Cobot CRX 10iA-L operates within prescribed maximum speed and force ranges to protect its environment. In the event of a collision with an object or person, the FANUC Cobot switches off to prevent damage. This makes the system very safe and universal. Even where automation would otherwise be prevented, for example, because the installation of a barrier or cage is not possible for space reasons. The optimum speed of the system depends on the local conditions.
What happens if the Cobot is interrupted or runs into an obstacle?
The FANUC Cobot/STÖCKEL grinding machine system is designed to maximise safety. If the cobot detects a collision, it stops immediately and waits for a safe restart by an employee.
How do you deal with contamination after sanding in automated solutions?
The solutions to this question are very individual. It is possible to equip the cobot with a ventilation nozzle to clean the work area. It is also possible to clean the sanding table with a rinsing cycle on the machine and a wiper/squeegee on the cobot. Another solution is the use of the "Air Knife". This is a powerful, wide-angle air nozzle that can clean the sanding table very well. It may also be possible to use a device that is easier to clean than a magnetic table.
How long does it take to set up the automation?
The FANUC Cobot is positioned, programmed and adjusted to the machine in simple steps. It can also be guided by hand for certain movements. Teaching is also possible using a tablet PC and in most cases allows set-up in one day.
How does it recognise when the grinding cycle is over?
Nothing escapes the FANUC Cobot CRX 10iA-L. Once the sanding process has started, the Cobot's optics monitor a pictogram on the control panel. If the end of the process is recognised, the Cobot starts the process of removing the workpiece and then loading/machining the next component.
Wouldn't an automatic door on the machine make more sense?
The FANUC Cobot works exactly as specified. It opens and closes existing doors and only then starts the next work step. An automatic door may shorten the cycle time, but it is not absolutely necessary.
Can the sanding cycle be customised by the operator at any time?
Yes, the sanding cycle can be adjusted at any time, regardless of the Cobot's work. After pressing the cycle start button, the cobot only waits for the end of the process. Which sanding cycle runs between the start and end is irrelevant for the automation. The sanding programme can therefore be adapted at any time.
Do you have any further questions or have you already decided in favour of a STÖCKEL grinding machine with the next automation step using a FARUC Cobot?
We look forward to hearing from you to help you find your customised automation solution.
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