Robotic Cell maximizes wire EDM machinery productivity.
Press Release Summary:
Fanuc robotic EDM cell increases production capacity through automated loading and unloading. Cell features 6-axis Fanuc M-710iB/70 robot and can be configured to serve single or multiple Fanuc iC Series wire EDM machines. Robot has no dead spots and offers precise positioning anywhere within 360° envelope. Its motion is controlled by CellMaster(TM) cell control software. Robotic loading and unloading of Fanuc iC Series Wire EDM machines enables lights out manufacturing.
Original Press Release:
Robotic Cell Maximizes Productivity of Wire EDM Machines
SUDBURY, MA - A new Fanuc robotic EDM cell from Methods EDM dramatically increases production capacity through automated loading and unloading. The cell features a high-speed Fanuc 6-axis robot and can be configured to serve either a single or multiple Fanuc iC Series wire EDM machines. Robotic loading and unloading of Fanuc iC Series Wire EDM machines makes "lights out" manufacturing a reality, maximizing productivity and profitability.
The innovative design of the Fanuc M-710iB/70 robot provides a large work envelope in a minimum of floor space. With a standard Joint 1 rotation of 360°, the smallest Joint 2 interference zone in the industry, and the ability of Joint 3 to flip over and work behind itself, the robot can reach anywhere (no "dead spots") and offers precise positioning and unparalleled performance. This ability to reach anywhere within a 360° envelope permits optimal floorspace utilization by allowing the placement of storage racks for workpieces, tooling, and robot grippers where they would be inaccessible to 3-axis robots. Directly coupled drives on all axes ensure repeatability of ± 0.15 mm.
Robot motion is controlled by exclusive CellMaster(TM) cell control software. After it picks up a workpiece from a designated loading zone, the robot places it on a storage rack, logging its location. The cell control software, which includes presetting functions, then matches the CNC program, cutting technology, robot gripper, and any tooling or fixturing with the part. The software then allows the user to schedule jobs, reprioritize them if necessary, and monitor individual job progress and/or machine status. It also allows a user to monitor the status of cell machines and jobs for multiple cells.
The superior performance and reliability of Fanuc iC Series Wire EDMs make them ideal for robotic automation. An exceptionally reliable auto wire feed system and large 35-pound spool capacity allow extended unattended operation. (An optional 100-pound wire spooler is available for larger, longer running, or more complicated jobs.) With an extremely powerful, lightning-fast CNC, Fanuc iC Series machines offer the fastest cutting speeds of any wire EDM using economical brass wire - 31.0 inches2/hour with uncoated wire and 33.6 inches2/hour with coated wire.
A division of Methods Machine Tools, Inc., Methods EDM is the exclusive North American source for sales, services, and training support for Fanuc Wire EDM machines, exeron® Die Sinker EDM machines, and Methods HoleMaster High-Speed Hole Driller EDMs.
For more information, contact: Stephen L. Bond, National Sales Manager, Methods EDM, 64 Union Avenue, Sudbury, MA 01776, TEL: (978) 443-5388, FAX: (978) 440-9405, www.methodsmachine.com.
