Robotic Machine Tending Systems

Modernize Your Machine Tending with Robotic Automation

From simple part loading and unloading to complete automated tending systems, Midwest Engineered Systems is the go-to integrator for robotically tending CNC machine tools, industrial ovens, hot forges, freezers, injection molding machines or other specialized production equipment, we have the experience to make your application a success.

How Robot Machine Tending Works

Working in tandem with the robotic arm, the machine vision system is trained to recognize and identify specific workpieces, their location and attitude. Once the part is acquired by the vision system, the information is sent to the robotic arm. The arm uses that data to grip the part for placement into the machine or forge properly.

After the machining process is complete, the robot retrieves the part. At this stage, the MWES machine tending cell can be outfitted with many off-machine operations including blowing off the part, deburring or inspection. These extra operations can be other stations within reach of the arm or fitted directly to the machine tending systems structure.

The part can also be re-gripped by the arm at this stage and replaced with the machine tool for further operations in areas that would have been impossible to access in the introductory placement. Once complete, the part can be again run through the off-machine processes or simply placed on an outfeed conveyor, destined for other production steps.

The entire tending system is built on a style of machine programming that allows for easier adaptation. This style of machine programming allows for the changing of part features without the need to completely reprogram the machine. Not only does this style make it easier to integrate the machine vision components, but it also allows for the addition of new workpieces by simply copying and modifying machine recipes for sufficiently similar parts. The modifications, most times, can be done by machine operators through the system’s touchscreen. For completely different parts, it may be necessary to retain more specialized services to teach the system.

The MWES Standard Machine Tending System

While there is a complexity of benefits that can be had from the MWES standard machine tending system, how it works is quite simple. At its core is a standard robotic arm coupled to a machine vision system. These two are affixed to a rugged, self-contained structure that features expansion bays that could be filled with off-machine operations.

The advanced MWES standard machine tending cells are designed to bring the true promise of automated machine tending to production facilities, by reducing the need for workers to fill part racks for presentation to the machine. The machine tending cells are also designed to offer value-added operations that can sidestep resetting machines or require operator intervention to do simple, off-machine tasks. Both of these features allow employees to tend to more valuable operations while increasing efficiency.

MWES Standard Machine Tending System

The MWES standalone, drop-in system is ideal for manufacturing settings that see a high mix of components with varying levels of inter-part commonality.

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If your machine tending needs are outside of what’s available in the market, contact Midwest Engineered Systems. As a complete systems integrator with experience in a wide variety of markets and operations, we can develop automation systems that can handle even the most specialized applications.