Milling machining line

Overview
A turnkey automation solution for central automation of multiple MILLTURN machines. Enables set-up-free operation through automatic changeover of 3-part jaw sets, tailstock tips and long prismatic tools, combined with servo motor grippers and a fully automatic gripper quick-change system with gripper warehouse. Designed for high flexibility and long unattended production runs.

Key features

• Fully automatic simultaneous replacement of 3-part jaw sets
• Automatic tailstock tip change using a dedicated gripper
• Automatic handling of long prismatic tools up to 2,500 mm and 250 kg
• Servo parallel grippers for workpieces up to 250 kg
• 6-axis robot with 480 kg payload mounted on a 7th axis for extended reach
• Fully automatic gripper quick-change system and gripper warehouse
• Integrated drip tray for coolant and chips
• Two set-up stations for parallel preparation of tools and loading/unloading during machining

Operation details
The system uses servo parallel grippers with an absolute position measuring system to detect the two diameters where the gripper contacts the workpiece; measured values are compared to nominal diameters stored in the process recipe. Two stationary laser light barriers verify workpiece length and enable calculation of the workpiece offset from robot zero. A dedicated gripper handles long prismatic tools: before handover the robot moves the exposed guide to a cleaning/oiling station (blow-off and oiling) to ensure reliable transfer. Additional grippers can be added or removed from the production flow fully automatically.

Advantages

• Set-up free operation reduces downtime between batches
• Consistent, cost-efficient unit production
• Host computer functions as the central "brain" for recipe and process control
• Fast changeover between workpieces and processes, increasing flexibility

Technical specifications

• Servo grippers capacity: up to 250 kg
• Long prismatic tool handling: up to 2,500 mm length, up to 250 kg
• Robot: 6-axis, 480 kg payload, mounted on 7th axis
• Automatic jaw change: special chuck for fully automatic simultaneous replacement of 3-part jaw sets
• Automatic tailstock tip change via special gripper
• Fully automatic gripper quick-change system and gripper warehouse
• Two set-up stations for parallel tool and workpiece preparation
• Two servo parallel grippers with absolute position measurement for diameter control
• Two stationary laser light barriers for length verification
• Integrated drip tray for coolant and chips
• Robot-guided cleaning and oiling station for tool/guide handover