Automated CNC Machine Tending

In conventional CNC manufacturing, loading and unloading workpieces often requires continuous operator involvement.

For a milling process involving disc-shaped components, the workpieces previously had to be manually loaded into the machine, removed after machining, cleaned, and stored.

This limited production to staffed operating hours and required operators to perform repetitive handling tasks.

The objective was to automate the complete process, enabling manufacturing without continuous manual intervention.

RAWDEV developed and implemented a fully automated manufacturing workflow using a Universal Robots UR10e collaborative robot.

The robot retrieves unprocessed discs from a storage system, centers them, and loads them into the CNC milling machine.

Once machining is complete, the robot removes the finished component and transfers it through two ultrasonic cleaning baths.

After cleaning, the finished workpieces are automatically palletized and stored.

All handling and processing steps are integrated into a coordinated workflow, connecting CNC machining, cleaning, and storage.

RAWDEV was responsible for developing and implementing the complete automation process.

The automated system has been operating in industrial production since 2022.

It replaces the previously manual loading, unloading, and cleaning workflow, reducing operator involvement and enabling machine operation beyond regular staffed shifts.