Multi-function Lathe With New Internal Robotic Load / Unload System

MULTI-FUNCTION LATHE WITH NEW INTERNAL ROBOTIC LOAD / UNLOAD SYSTEM

The Okuma Spaceturn LB3000 EX II turn-milling centre will make its first appearance in the UK equipped with the Japanese manufacturer’s Armroid robotic arm, the first in the world to be integrated inside a CNC machine tool. It will be configured for automated handling of shaft-type parts. All Okuma machines are sold and serviced exclusively in the UK and Ireland by NCMT (www.ncmt.co.uk).

Three different end-of-arm effector options are available for the robot, capable of performing different tasks. One is for blasting the cutting zone with a mixture of air and coolant to improve chip management. Another provides additional support during the cutting process to prevent chatter. In combination with a workpiece stocker, the third effector is a two-finger gripper for holding shaft-type workpieces weighing up to 5 kg and then automatically loading and unloading them. All three end-of-arm effectors are stored within the machine and are changed automatically by the robot.

While most conventional robotic systems require complex integration and special training for staff, Armroid needs neither. As the robot is part of the machine tool, separate system integration is unnecessary. Using Okuma’s own OSP-P300A control, an operator enters the coordinates for the start and finish points and the robot moves through its motions, the cycle being automatically generated to avoid collisions. Roid Navi software simplifies programming using images and on-screen guides.

There exists a longer, more powerful Armroid that can be integrated into a larger Okuma multi-tasking lathes. The robot arm handles workpieces up to 10 kg and possesses a fourth type of end effector with a 3-jaw gripper for holding billets around their end faces. Armroid systems are ideal for high mix, small batch work. The extended periods of unattended running free the operator to carry out duties in other parts of the factory.

As the machine and robot operate seamlessly and always know where each other are, by enabling the control’s built-in collision avoidance system each cycle is automatically generated while avoiding unwanted interference between the moving elements. In addition to automated running under program control, manual operation is possible via a pulse handle for precise positioning of the arm.