Automation that works

Increasing production with automatic machine loading

The range of automation options is vast, from simple entry-level solutions to high-end solutions. "We have an extensive portfolio of components needed in the machine for automated production," begins Ingrid Heeren, marketing associate at SCHUNK. However, efficient and successful automation in the long run requires a considerable amount of planning and investment, which small and medium-sized companies in particular often cannot afford. "For them, simple entry-level solutions can make the difference and quickly create real added value," says Heeren, adding, "With automation components from SCHUNK, which can easily be retrofitted to existing machines, production becomes significantly more flexible."

Five options for the right automation

To offer the right solution to all customers, SCHUNK has clearly divided its range of automation options into five expansion stages. Lean Automation is perfect for a cost-effective introduction to automation. In the next step, automated and robot-assisted setup processes will make production even faster. They free up workers for other value-added tasks and enable extended production cycles on evenings and weekends. Pallet automation is the solution for clamping and loading complex and heavy parts. The clever combination of workpiece and pallet automation offers a high degree of flexibility and enables six-sided machining of parts without manual intervention. SCHUNK provides the right clamping technology for the efficient operation of Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS) for customers who want to map their entire production. 

Lean Automation: leveraging existing resources

SCHUNK Lean Automation allows customers to get started easily and cost-effectively by using the existing resources of their machines for automated loading. The storage of raw and machined workpieces is within the motion range of the system, and workpiece handling is done within the machine, using a gripper with spindle interface. Intelligent and flexible tools such as the GSW-B gripper, the TENDO Silver, which is compatible with all machine tool spindles, or a clamp from the TANDEM series require no special operating knowledge, no additional space requirements and no high investment costs.

Workpiece automation: automatic loading and unloading

Unmanned machine run times can be realized with workpiece automation. Even in difficult environmental conditions, it is possible to use a robot to load the machine with raw parts from an external storage unit and to return the parts to the storage unit after machining. This is possible, for example, with the MTB application kit from SCHUNK. This allows faster loading and unloading of the machine up to 50% and ensures better utilization. The BSWS-R quick-change system allows robots to flexibly and automatically change fingers on the gripper independently during the running process, depending on the product variation.

Pallet automation: flexible, precise and advanced tensioning

In pallet automation, workpieces are placed on pallets outside the machine and then loaded into the system as a complete package. The workpieces can be loaded and unloaded manually or automatically into the fixture system. With pallet automation, different fixturing concepts can be realized, for example, for small series. However, the automation concept is also the right choice for clamping heavy and complex workpieces and for high demands on clamping accuracy. With the modular zero-point clamping system VERO-S from SCHUNK, for example, workpieces or fixtures can be quickly and accurately repositioned. 

Smart combination saves time and money

With the R-C2, SCHUNK offers an automation concept that combines the advantages of workpiece and pallet automation. The robot grasps the workpiece in the magazine fully automatically with an R-C2 centering clamp. The clamp with the workpiece inside is then loaded as a pallet into the zero-point clamping system. With the R-C2, significantly more workpieces can be processed without manual intervention and setup times are significantly reduced. The R-C2 is the only system of its kind in the world that allows complete production of a workpiece on all six sides very precisely and unmanned.

Everything under control with high-end automation

In the final expansion phase of automation, Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS) can be used to map the entire automated manufacturing process. All machine tools are interconnected through linked transport and storage systems. Transfer stations for feeding raw parts, storing finished parts and loading and unloading fixtures ensure perfect machine utilization. SCHUNK offers clamping towers that can be combined with the extensive range of clamping technology. In close cooperation with system integrators, SCHUNK specialists implement high-end automation that optimizes material flows and makes production steps more flexible. 

"Customers who decide to automate their production have already taken the most important step," Heeren explains. "As their productivity partner, we advise them extensively and beyond our own horizons on their options and support them during and after implementation."