Six-axis robots improve CNC lathe manufacturing

CNC multi-spindle lathe manufacturer installs six-axis robots into its latest models to improve performance and flexibility, especially for complex chucked components.

Index-Werke of Esslingen, Germany, makes CNC multi-spindle lathes.

Installation of Staubli six-axis robots into its latest models is improving performance and flexibility, especially for complex chucked components.

Index multi-spindle lathes can machine increasingly complex components by using several tools on each of the spindles; bar feedstock can be machined much more economically than on single spindle lathes.

These benefits are becoming available for chucked components through the integration of the robots into the operating sequence of the machine.

Index's open-fronted MS52C compact lathe can be converted into an automatic chucking lathe by adding a Staubli RX60 robot to load the blanks for machining and remove the finished components.

A robot can also be added to the larger MS52C lathe.

For this model, an RX90 was selected providing a high workload capacity and longer reach.

The open front design of both machines allows the robot to be flange mounted on the workspace cover.

Standard spray proof IP65 robots are used.

The robot is located between the two remaining coolant supply spars at the front face and can use a dual gripper assembly fitted to the robot arm to remove blanks from storage in front of the machine.

The blanks are brought to the working spindle and exchanged for finished parts which are then correctly oriented and placed in the exit storage also at the front of the machine.

To allow fully automatic loading and unloading, the lathe shield has been extended forwards and made secure and lockable.

This addition provides the potential for increases in productivity.

The Index lathe and Staubli robot operate as a single entity and add to the flexibility of these machine tools.

Many machine tool users are evaluating the benefits that can be achieved by incorporating six-axis robots into the machining cycle.

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