VersaBuilt and Universal Robots recently teamed up to create a new solution that allows CNC machines to directly communicate with collaborative robots (also known as cobots). The CNC Communication URCap is a powerful and improved interface designed for machine tending applications. It allows a UR cobot to execute any machining program stored in the CNC with ease, directly through its own teach pendant.
The URCap will first be available for Haas CNC machines, with VersaBuilt already developing UR interfaces for more popular CNC makes to be released throughout the year. The Haas CNC Communication URCap will be available through their new showroom, the UR+ platform. Products under the UR+ platform are all certified to seamlessly integrate with UR cobots.
The UR+ platform will also feature VersaBuilt’s patented MultiGrip workinghold system, which will soon be available. The MultiGrip was developed to replace traditional robot grippers and CNC vises. According to VersaBuilt Robotics CEO, Albert Youngwerth, they envisioned the robot and the CNC to instead use the same jaws.
These machinable jaws allows a robot and the CNC to share a set for infeed, outfeed, and CNC machining. The new technology aims to reduce engineering costs, enable simpler robot programming, optimize setup time, and enhance processing capabilites. It will reportedly include an automatic vise, machinable jaws, and an end-of-arm tool for UR robots.
According to the companies, the URCap will maintain all Haas safety interlock features and will continue to work with Haas, VersaBuilt, and other third-party automatic door openers.
“VersaBuilt is excited to partner with Universal Robots to provide machine shops with automation solutions designed for high mix CNC manufacturers,” said Youngwerth.
“CNC machine tending is one of the most popular tasks to automate with collaborative robots,” said Regional Sales Director for Universal Robots’ Americas Division, Stuart Shepherd. “But there’s still hurdles to overcome in achieving seamless integration. VersaBuilt’s two new products are important tools in addressing this. We’re excited to welcome them to the UR ecosystem and share their solutions with the ATX audience.”
For more on CNC machines, check out this engineer’s guide to CNC turning centers.