Automating an older CNC machine is possible, here's how.

As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, many manufacturing companies are looking for ways to increase efficiency and productivity - and thereby competitivity. One way to do this is by automating older CNC machines. These machines, which are used to cut, shape, and finish materials, have been a staple in the manufacturing industry for decades. However, older CNC machines can be difficult to automate due to their age and lack of modern features.

In this article, we will discuss the common issues faced when trying to automate older CNC machines and provide solutions to these issues. We will also explore the benefits of automating older CNC machines and how it can help improve efficiency and productivity in the manufacturing industry.

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CNC machine tending is one of the most commonly automated tasks

CNC machine tending is one of the most commonly automated tasks in the manufacturing industry. It involves the loading and unloading of raw materials and finished products from CNC machines, as well as monitoring the progress of the machining process. Automating this task can significantly improve efficiency and productivity, as it frees up human workers to focus on other tasks. For many companies new to robotics, CNC machine tending is often the starting point for automation. By automating this task, companies can gain experience with robotics and see the benefits firsthand before expanding automation to other areas.

Common Problems with older machines

There are several common problems that can arise when trying to automate older CNC machines. These include:

• Lack of automatic door: Older CNC machines often lack an automatic door for loading and unloading materials. This can make automation difficult, as a human worker must be present to open and close the door.
• Manual vice tightening and release: Some older CNC machines require the vice to be manually tightened and released. This can be time-consuming and may slow down the machining process.
• Lack of direct interface with the machine: Many older CNC machines do not have a direct interface with the automation system, which can make it difficult to communicate with the machine and control its operation.
  
  

These issues can all pose challenges when trying to automate older CNC machines, but there are solutions that can help overcome these challenges and make automation possible.

Why not just buy a new machine

You might be thinking: with so many hurdles, I may as well just buy a new machine! Well, maybe that makes sense for you but there are also several reasons why it may not make sense to just buy a new CNC machine:

• Long delivery times: New CNC machines can have long delivery times, which can be disruptive to your production schedule. This can be especially problematic if you are in a rush to get a new machine up and running.
• High cost: New CNC machines can be extremely expensive, especially if you are looking for one with advanced features and capabilities. This can be a significant financial burden for many companies, especially small or medium-sized businesses.
• Existing machine is working well: If you already have an older CNC machine that is working well and meeting your production needs, it may not make sense to replace it. This is especially true if you are happy with the machine and do not see any pressing need to upgrade.
  
  

So, just because the machine is old doesn’t mean you need to replace it. It may be more cost-effective and practical to automate the older CNC machine rather than replacing it with a new one. Automation can help increase efficiency and productivity, while also helping to extend the life of the existing machine.

Solutions to all of the hurdles between you and automating your old machine exist. So, let’s check them out!

No automatic door

Made4CNC is a company specializing in automation solutions for CNC machines. One of their products is Safedoor SD100, a device that can be installed on top of a CNC machine to enable automation. Safedoor is designed to receive commands from the automation system and then open or close the door of the CNC machine as required. This allows the machine to be automated even if it does not have an automatic door.

To use Safedoor, the device is first installed on top of the CNC machine. It is then connected to the automation system, which sends commands to open or close the door as needed. When a command is received, Safedoor activates a motor that moves the door in the desired direction. This allows materials to be loaded and unloaded from the machine automatically, without the need for a human worker to manually open and close the door.

Safedoor is a useful solution for companies looking to automate older CNC machines that lack an automatic door. It can help increase efficiency and productivity, while also allowing these machines to be integrated into a fully automated production line.

☑️ Problem one, solved!

No automatic vise

CLAMPBOOSTER is a solution that enables robots to automate the process of loading and unloading materials from CNC machines. The CLAMPBOOSTER CB-10 system consists of a device that is installed at the end of a robot arm, together with two gripping solutions. The device is attached to a customized quick-change system with three mounting points that allows the robot to carry three tools at once.

Here's how CLAMPBOOSTER works:

• The CNC machine door opens and the robot tool end enters.
• CLAMPBOOSTER attaches to the vice and twists, thereby loosening it.
• The three-part gripper turns and one of the grippers takes the piece out of the vice.
• It then turns and another gripper puts the new workpiece into the vice.
• It turns again and CLAMPBOOSTER tightens the vice.
• The robot then exits the CNC machine, depositing the already machined piece and picking up a new unmachined piece.
  
  

☑️ Problem 2 solved!

No interface with the robot

And what if there is no interface with the machine? No problem, check out VisCheck Opdra.

VisCheck Opdra enables a robot to work with a machine without having a direct interface with it. With VisCheck Opdra, a robot can “read” and interact with screens just like a human. The system is connected to a camera that is either mounted on the arm or in front of the screen. The robot can then read the text and status messages on the screen itself and enter new data or make decisions based on what it sees there.

Even if a machine only has a screen as an interface, it can be fully automated.

☑️ Problem three solved!

Suddenly anything is possible!

In conclusion, automating older CNC machines can be a challenging task due to their age and lack of modern features. However, there are solutions available that can help overcome these challenges and make automation possible. Companies such as Made4CNC offer products like Safedoor, which can be installed on top of a CNC machine to provide an automatic door for loading and unloading materials. CLAMPBOOSTER is another solution that allows robots to automate the process of loading and unloading materials from CNC machines. And VisTech Opdra is a system that enables robots to "read" and interact with screens, allowing for automation even if the CNC machine has no direct interface with the automation system.

While there are challenges involved in automating older CNC machines, the benefits are significant. Automation can help increase efficiency and productivity, while also freeing up human workers to focus on other tasks. By considering these solutions and the potential benefits, manufacturing companies can determine the best approach for automating their older CNC machines and improving their operations.