Automated machine tending uses a CNC robotic arm to automate the loading and unloading of parts in a CNC machine. They can easily pick up raw materials, place them into the CNC machine, and activate a predetermined CNC program. Once the machining process is complete, they can remove the finished part and place it in a designated area.
Read on for more:
- Considerations for choosing a CNC robot arm
- Top 3 CNC robot arms
- Things to consider about programming and integration
- Safety considerations
Let’s go over some considerations when choosing your arm.
What to keep in mind when choosing a CNC tending arm
When it comes to CNC machine tending, selecting the right CNC tending arm is vital. Here's a breakdown of the top factors to consider:
The price
Your budget plays a big role in this decision. While investing in a high-end robotic arm might promise longevity and precision, there are space-saving CNC robot options that are cost-effective and more efficient for smaller setups. Remember, bigger isn't always better.
Some examples:
End-effector
The end-effector is pretty much the robotic arm's hand. It's responsible for gripping and manipulating objects. Depending on your CNC machining tasks, you might need specialized grippers, like suction cups or even magnetic tools. Make sure that the end-effector is a good fit for the materials you're handling.
Payload capacity
This refers to the maximum weight the robot can handle. It's essential to choose an arm with a payload capacity that aligns with the weight of the materials you'll be processing.
Remember that the weight of the end-effector attached to the robot arm also counts towards this capacity.
Integration with CNC machines
Not all robotic arms can easily integrate with every CNC machine. Make doubly sure the robotic arm you choose can seamlessly communicate by relay or, preferably, by direct interaction with your CNC machine for smooth operations.
Flexibility and reach
A robotic arm's range and flexibility can impact how efficient it will be. Go for arms that can easily access the entire workspace of your CNC machining operations and load/unload parts wherever your production line requires.
Our top 3 CNC arm picks
1. RO1 by Standard Bots
If you're looking for a robot to tend CNC machines in your operations, RO1 by Standard Bots is the best choice.
Despite being the most affordable option on the market, starting from just $5/hour, it has the highest payload in its class, 18kg.
What's more, RO1 comes with no-code-required programming software and high-level AI, meaning your operators can easily program the robot with new sequences –- perfect for high-mix machine shops that need efficiency.
Bonus: It even integrates well with Haas CNC mills. Not many robot arms can tend to CNC machines and measure up to the simplicity of this CNC robotic arm.
2. UR10e by Universal Robots
UR10e by Universal Robots is another solid pick.
Universal Robots aims to maximize efficiency in your operations with this CNC robot. This collaborative robot combines a decently long reach and a high payload, which is why it's one of the top medium-duty Industrial robots on the market.
Additionally, the UR10e's patented technology limits the forces at contact. This makes it a great choice for handling delicate parts since you won’t need to purchase an additional force sensor.
3. FANUC's CRX-10iA/L
Stepping into the world of robotics can elevate your manufacturing process, and the FANUC CRX-10iA/L is here to guide you.
The FANUC robot is lightweight, fairly easy to program, sturdy, and comes in a sleek white design.
Another huge highlight of this CNC robotic arm is that its sensors are highly sensitive and immediately trigger a safety stop at the touch of a human hand.
This CNC robot is also incredibly easy to connect via relays and can learn from you through its built-in teaching function, which makes it simple and swift to set up and begin tending operations.
Programming and integration: Things to keep in mind
You can’t overlook these two factors when introducing CNC robotics into your CNC operations.
Let’s take a look:
Integration
If you want them to run well, robots need to be integrated with existing systems, allowing the robot to start, stop, and otherwise control the CNC equipment.
This integration often requires direct wiring relays between both machines, but some robots have direct “plug and play” integrations with specific CNC machine models.
Robot programming
Modern bots can handle nearly any manual task, but to achieve this, their programming has to be on point.
Luckily, with CNC robotics nowadays, there's a shift towards user-friendly, drag-and-drop, and no-code interfaces, allowing operators to program tasks without needing deep coding knowledge.
While robots can now do a lot of the heavy lifting, their efficiency and accuracy still depend heavily on the quality of their programming – which may also require training.
Safety considerations
In the machining environment, "safety first" is more than just an expression. It's a necessity. With the rise of robots in CNC operations, understanding their safety features is very important.
Collaborative robots, or "cobots," are designed to work alongside humans without posing risks.
Here are some key safety considerations:
- Nature of cobots: Unlike traditional industrial robots, which often need barriers or cages, cobots are designed to share a workspace with human operators safely.
- Built-in safety sensors: A cobot sensor can detect a nearby person. If a human gets too close during machining operations, the robot will either slow down or stop entirely, preventing potential accidents.
- Reduced force and speed: Collaborative robots are usually made to operate at reduced force and speed, which ensures that the risk of injury is low in the event of contact.
- Safety in dangerous tasks: For tasks that are generally too risky for humans, like handling sharp parts or heavy blanks, cobot arms can take over safely.
- Training: Although cobots are designed for safety, appropriate training for human operators or employees working around the robot is still required to ensure they understand the robot's functions and limits.
FAQs
Are articulated robots the best?
When it comes to robotics, the "best" choice depends on the specific applications. Articulated robots have multiple axes, providing great flexibility and reach. While they excel in complex tasks, for some tasks, simpler robots like a SCARA or Cartesian (gantry) robot might be enough. Robot routers typically have articulated arms.
How much does a robotic arm CNC cost?
Like most tools in CNC machining, robotic arm prices vary based on capabilities, brand, and features. While high-end models can be pricey, there are cost-effective options suitable for various applications.
Why is a CNC machine not considered a robot?
A CNC machine follows precise paths for machining operations, whereas a robot arm offers greater flexibility and movement. CNC machines specialize in material removal; robots can handle a variety of tasks beyond just machining, from picking to welding to painting.
Summing up
There's a lot to think about when it comes to getting a solid CNC robot arm. Lucky for you, we’ve already done the legwork for you.
While many CNC robots offer impressive features, RO1 by Standard Bots stands out as the leader of the pack.
While Universal Robots maximizes efficiency well, and FANUC's CRX-10iA/L gives you very advanced CNC robotic automation, they simply don't offer the same deal as RO1.
With its unbeatable price point, superior payload, intuitive no-code programming, and seamless integration abilities, it's clear that RO1 isn't just a contender — it's the future of efficient CNC machine tending.
Next steps
Are you interested in getting the #1 CNC robot arm on the market? RO1 by Standard Bots is the #1 for small-scale startups and established industrial giants.
- Cost-effective: RO1 is the leading robotic arm in its class, delivering even more value at half the price of the competition, and with a $5/hr lease model, it also beats out practically any other CNC milling solution out there.
- Fast & strong: RO1 beats out the competition in speed and accuracy despite having the highest payload capacity in its class at 18 kg. Its unbeatable repeatability also ensures your CNC machines will always have fresh blanks when they need to.
- No-code and AI-driven: You can get RO1 going with zero programming knowledge — plus, with an AI that rivals GPT-4, it learns right along with you.
- Truly collaborative: RO1 has built-in safety sensors and collision detection for safe, reliable operation on your shop floor.
Talk to our solutions team now to set up a free, 30-day, risk-free onsite trial and receive specialized advice on everything you need to deploy RO1.
