“The Lean Machine Generation 2” Robotic Machine Tending System - Acieta & Wagner Machine Company

Robotic machine tending: https://www.fanucamerica.com/home/ind... FANUC America Authorized System Integrator, Acieta, has developed the Lean Machine Generation 2 machine tending system. This fully automated system was custom designed for precision machine shop Wagner Machine Company using a FANUC M-10iA/12 robot and an R-30iB controller. To begin, an operator enters which parts numbers to run using a PC running PanelView software. When multiple part numbers are needed for a production run, the system automatically changes to the machine tool program next in the queue, reducing downtime for machine change-over. Parts are inbounded through a Standard Inbound Drawer Unit, and drawers are capable of holding more than one hundred pounds each. Different parts can be housed in the drawers at one time so Wagner has the flexibility to produce multiple part numbers in small or large batches. To begin a cycle, the M-10iA/12 FANUC robot opens the appropriate drawer, picks the first parts out of the tray and loads the machine. When the machining is complete, the robotic arm removes the finished parts, replaces them on the tray and grabs new parts from the tray to load into the machine. This video shows a slowed-down version of the process. While the robot is working, operators can focus on other tasks, or the system can continue working autonomously overnight with the shop lights out. The LM Gen 2 system has interchangeable gripper fingers to produce multiple sized parts with one system. Wagner now has more flexibility to take on new jobs with higher volumes and different parts without burning out its employees. Thanks to the machine’s repeatability, Wagner’s production run times are more consistent and there’s less scrap due to human error. Since installing the new system, Wagner’s production rates are up to one hundred and five percent, but the system has potential to increase production as high as two hundred and thirty two percent. Wagner expects an ROI in less than 12 months at its current capacity and shows no signs of slowing down. For this system and more from FANUC America authorized system integrator Acieta, please visit http://www.acieta.com.