Precise, fast, autonomous: CNC machining in luxury goods production

A robot cell with a vision system and vertical machining center automates the CNC machining of intricate components in the luxury goods industry. In addition to high productivity, the system impresses with 8 hours of autonomy and intuitive operation. Tool-free exchangeable grippers and a double clamping device speed up series changes.

Challenges and goals 

A well-known customer from the luxury goods industry wanted to automate the CNC machining of certain components. They were looking for a flexible and precise solution that could machine different parts in medium and large series - and do so completely autonomously: the system needed to be able to produce independently in a complete production shift (8 hours). 

The objectives of the automation solution were to increase productivity, increase production autonomy and speed up series changeovers. As these are parts in the luxury goods segment, production quality was also a key criterion. The components could not be damaged, particularly during gripping and machining processes.

Our solution 

The robotic system consists of two main elements: a vertical CNC machining center (FANUC Robodrill) and a Robotec Solutions robotic cell, which ensures the loading of raw parts and the unloading of finished parts. The machining center has a double clamping device so that it is possible to switch quickly between different component families. 

The robotic cell consists of a drawer magazine that allows up to 8 hours of autonomy. The magazine can hold 10 baskets of raw parts and 10 baskets of machined parts. An automated device removes the baskets with the parts to be machined from the magazine and moves them inside the robot cell. A sliding cylinder system tilts the baskets so that the parts are correctly positioned in their holders and presented to the robot.

A FANUC multi-joint robot with a multifunctional gripper developed by Robotec Solutions now removes a raw part from the basket using a parallel gripper and places it on a backlit table. A vision system with an intelligent Cognex IN-Sight camera checks the alignment of the part. If it is misaligned, it is turned in a special station. The robot adjusts the angular alignment accordingly and grips the part with a special vacuum gripper.

The gripper has a common base for all references and quickly interchangeable grippers with different molded parts. The human-machine interface of the robot cell has a PC touch screen according to Robotec standards, while the HMI of the Robodrill milling machine is based on FANUC standards.

“Thanks to our experience with robot vision grippers, we have developed a system that ensures gripping without marking the parts. This guarantees gentle handling of delicate components.”

The project 

The robot system complements the existing automation solutions that we have already implemented for the customer. The Robotec team involved included Gwenölé Bergeon (sales and project support), Kevin Bossard (design and project support), Simon Rüdiger and Roman Müller (programming, commissioning, validation, training), Andreas Wedlich and Hans-Peter Meyer (assembly and cabling) and Arhur Neeser (on-site installation).