The first thing you need to do is gather data on the types of materials you will be handling, the volume and loading frequency, and the specs of your CNC machine. You’ll want to compile all this information into a single document. This will be your reference when selecting a robot and setting up the loading process.
Here is a comprehensive checklist of things to note when gathering your data:
Note: For more info on choosing the perfect robot for your CNC tending needs, check out our buyer's guide.
Now that you have your robot, the next step is to set it up and connect it with your CNC machine. Not all robot manufacturers provide free set up and assembling, some will require an additional set-up fee.
If you have to do the setup yourself, follow these steps:
After assembling your robot, you need to connect it to its control system. Identify the robot's control interface, which may be built-in or a separate unit. Then, connect the robot's arm and EOAT to the controller using the appropriate cables. Plug in the controller and the robot to your power source. Turn them on and make sure there are no error messages on startup.
There is usually a pre-programmed initial test routine in the manufacturer’s guide that you can perform to ensure the arm and EOAT are functioning as expected. Place a test material into the working zone where the robot will pick it up.
Manually control the robot to pick up the test material and move it to the CNC machine's loading area. This ensures the mechanical setup is sound. If the robot has difficulty reaching or picking up the test material, make necessary adjustments to the robot's position or EOAT.
Once your robot is set up, it's time to turn your attention to the CNC machine. This will involve clearing the workspace and aligning the machine with the robot's area of operation. Here's how to go about it:
Getting your robot to pickup material and place it into a CNC machine isn't as simple as pressing a "go" button. It requires a sequence of specific movements and actions, all of which need to be programmed. If you are not familiar with the programming, get an expert to set it up.
Programming the robot typically involves scripting the robot’s movements and defining key points in the loading sequence. Here are the basic steps involved:
Note: There can be additional steps in between depending on the specific robot or setup.
After you are done programming the robot, run a dry test with the robot to ensure it moves according to the programmed sequences. Observe the robot's movement speeds during pickup and drop-off. Adjust as needed to find the optimal balance between speed and safety.
Make any necessary adjustments to the coordinates, angles, or tooling settings to ensure precise movement and operation. Run another series of dry tests to confirm that your adjustments have been effective. If satisfied, save the programmed sequence.
It's not enough for a robot and CNC machine to just operate near each other; they need to 'talk' to one another to coordinate actions. This involves a mix of hardware connections and software configurations. Here is how you can approach the synchronization:
For your hardware connections:
For your software configuration:
When you have the hardware and software set up, send a test signal from the robot controller to the CNC machine to confirm that the connection is operational. The CNC machine should acknowledge the signal. This confirms that the hardware and software are both set up correctly.
Run a brief sequence where the robot picks up material, the CNC machine acknowledges receipt, and the robot returns to the home position. If any part of the sync test fails, check error logs on both the robot controller and the CNC machine for clues. Refer to the manuals for both systems to troubleshoot common issues related to syncing and communication.
Note: It’s best to have the robot manufacturers handle the setup and synchronization with your CNC machine.
Finally, everything is ready and it’s time to see how everything works together. The purpose of live testing is to validate that your entire setup — the robot, CNC machine, and their coordinated actions — operates as expected under real-world conditions. It also allows you to make any last-minute adjustments before full-scale operation.
When preparing for a live test, ensure all safety measures are in place. This includes barricades or safety cages around the operational area, as well as ensuring all staff are aware that testing is about to begin.
Place the material to be machined in the robot's pickup zone and make sure the CNC machine is in standby mode, and ready to receive the material.
To conduct the live test, initiate the robot's programmed sequence. It should pick up the material, move it to the CNC machine, and place it in the specified location. Watch to see if the CNC machine acknowledges the loaded material and begins its machining process.
After the CNC machine has finished, the robot should remove the material and return to its home position. Check the data logs on both the robot controller and CNC machine for any errors or delays in the process. Note any issues during the live test, such as missed pickups, alignment problems, or communication delays.
Based on the issues identified, make necessary adjustments to the robot's program, CNC machine settings, or physical alignment. Conduct another live test to validate that the adjustments have solved the issues.
At this point, you've meticulously planned, installed, programmed, and safety-proofed your robotic CNC loading system. But the work doesn't stop here; keeping this system running smoothly requires ongoing attention and occasional tweaks.
Regularly update the software for both the robot and CNC machine to benefit from new features or security patches. Evaluate key performance indicators to assess the efficiency and productivity of your automated system. Perform a quarterly safety audit to reassess and update safety measures as needed.\
If you need a robot that is affordable, easy to set up, and not unnecessarily complicated, then you should consider RO1 by Standard Bots to help you load your CNC machine:
Speak to the team today for a free, custom-engineered analysis.