Automated Cell Enables Easier Operator Access

Methods Machine Tools offers the Lathe JobShop Cell, featuring its Nakamura-Tome AS-200 high-performance multitasking turning center with a single spindle and single turret in a compact, heavy duty machine. The cell is designed to be cost-effective for job shops who want to incorporate automation in their turning operations. The turning center is equipped with a powerful milling drive, a high-speed C-axis and 82-mm stroke Y-axis for quick setups and accurate, finished parts.

The automated cell loads through the door rather than through the spindle, enabling automatic loading of stock larger than the bar capacity of the lathe. Additionally, the large door opening in the guard work enables the operator full access to the machine and machining area for setups and tool changes.

The turning center features a FANUC LR Mate 200iD-7L robot with a 911-mm reach. The robot is controlled by a R-30iB controller with RIA-compliant material handling iPendant, with a rewritten robot load/unload sequences designed to make the cell easy to use. A two-gripper end-of-arm tooling package enables the robot to take one trip to the machine to load and unload. The end-of-arm tooling system includes two sets of pneumatic, parallel close, grippers, gripper close position sensors and blank gripper fingers all with mounting extension, flanges and hoses. It is said to decrease time usage and increase productivity. The robot support structure, constructed of aluminum extrusion frame and polycarbonate panels, guards two safety-interlocked access doors for added safety.

The cell’s integrated 12" × 60" infeed and 12" × 60" outfeed conveyors can be separated into two adjustable lanes for easy operator access and to quickly accommodate workpieces of different sizes. The conveyors are configured with over and under limits to minimize space when placed in front of the system.