In high speed, high productivity machining, machine tools are cycling faster and faster. But an often limiting factor in overall cycle time is the loading and unloading of parts.
In the video above, we talk to David Ward, product marketing manager at MAKINO, about how automation can speed up cycle times to increase throughput, but it’s more complicated than just installing a robot.
“Customers are increasingly turning to automation and there’s a lot more to that than simply knowing who to call to put a robot in front of your machine,” Ward said. “Just putting a robot in front of your machine does not necessarily fix the problem. You need to step back, assess the challenges and what you are trying to accomplish.”
Ward stresses that there are other types of automation not involving robotics, which could be better suited for certain applications.
“For high variety, low volume applications you may not need a robot, but instead something like a flexible manufacturing system, like our MAKINO Machining Complex (MMC),” Ward explained. “You can even consider tool holders, like our V-flange type of automation where parts are loaded on top of the V-flange, loaded into the work pallet magazine of the machine and delivered into the machine from there.”
To hear more of Ward’s advice and to learn about MAKINO’s turnkey solutions, watch the video above and visit www.makino.com.