What is machine tending?

Machine tending uses a robot to automatically load and unload parts from a machine like a CNC mill or lathe. The robot takes care of the manual labor, freeing humans to focus on high-level tasks (which do not include sipping lattes). 

Picture an Industrial robot arm with a gripper (the “hand” of the robot) attached to its arm. Via smart, personalized programming, the robot grasps parts from a conveyor or stockpile and places them into the machine tool for processing. The robot can also automatically open and close doors, as well as control the operation of the CNC mill or lathe. Once it completes the cycle, the robot removes the finished parts and stacks them for pickup. 

This repetitive loading and unloading answers “What is machine tending?” in a nutshell. The complete robotic system is what we refer to as a machine tending cell.

What makes up a machine tending cell? Glad you asked:

• An Industrial robot: typically an articulated, Six-Axis robot arm designed for repetitive pick-and-place tasks.
• A gripper or end-effector: attached to the robot arm to grasp and manipulate parts. Mechanical grippers with 2 or 3 jaws are common, but vacuum grippers may be necessary instead.
• A machine tool: The CNC mill, lathe, or other equipment the robot is loading and unloading.
• Fencing: to safely separate the robot cell from human workers. This keeps human workers safe during collaborative operations.

The cost of machine tending robots can vary, but they typically range from $2,000 to $100,000. This includes the cost of the robot, the gripper or end-effector, the part feeder, the machine tool, and the fencing. Of course, maintenance is an additional ongoing cost, so keep that in mind as well. 

Common applications 

So, once we got “What is machine tending?” out of the way, we can ask “What can you use it for?” 

Here are the most common applications:

• CNC tending
• Lathe tending
• Laser engraver tending
• Router tending
• Injection molding tending
• 3D printer tending

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How Collaborative robots enable machine tending

Traditionally, machine tending required human operators, but now Collaborative robots (or Cobots) can take over these repetitive tasks.

More specifically, a Cobot has built-in collision avoidance to spot humans and stop before impact - although this is not foolproof. 

This idea is twofold: 

• Cobots can work hand-in-hand with humans; for example, humans could stockpile blanks for the robot arm and then take away finished parts.
• Secondly, Cobots can operate without external safety barriers/area scanners/proximity sensors, or other expensive and large pieces of safety equipment

Of course, this isn’t always the case. If a robot is using dangerous equipment -such as cutting tools, sharp blanks, edged, or heavy blunt parts-you will need some sort of protective measure. If the area of operation is constrained or if the Cobot operates at a very high speed, you don’t want to stake the safety of human workers on collision detection being infallible.

Moreover, Cobots are easy to program and deploy. While some robots have a simple “teach and repeat” process, this is still rudimentary. Most robots need to be programmed, and some have easy-to-use UIs that don’t require you to be a coding whiz.

This allows companies to quickly implement Cobots into their operations without the need for extensive training. Second, it makes Cobots more versatile, as they can be easily reprogrammed and adapted to new tasks or changing production requirements. Finally, it lowers the barrier of entry for Cobots, making them more affordable and accessible to a wider range of businesses.

Here's what machine tending can do for you

Machine tending with Collaborative robots (or Cobots) can be a win/win for you in several ways:

• Speed up production. Cobots can run 24/7, increasing your throughput and productivity. They are also extremely accurate and consistent, with a low error rate.
• Cobots are affordable and easy to program, saving you money. They also don’t take breaks, or holidays, or get Tendonitis from repetitive tasks. This results in fewer people operating the production line, allowing you to assign human staff to more complex tasks.
• Better quality. Cobots produce consistent, high-quality results time after time. They are very precise, minimizing errors, flaws, and imperfections in the final product. Also, they collect data as they go along, providing insights to enhance quality even more.
• Higher workplace safety. Cobots operate safely alongside human workers without cages or barriers. They have rounded edges, and sensors to detect human contact and avoid collisions and injuries. This results in a safer, more productive work environment.
• Flexibility. Cobots are easy to reprogram and redeploy as needed. If your production needs change, you can quickly update your Cobot to match. This allows you to adapt to changes in market demands or operational requirements with near-zero downtime.

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Summing up

Now if someone comes up to ask you, “What is machine tending?” you should be able to answer comprehensively and authoritatively. While the idea of working with robots may seem futuristic, many manufacturers find Cobots to be easy-to-implement, trusted partners on the factory floor.

If you’ve been looking for ways to increase throughput, improve quality, and free up your skilled workers to focus on more complex tasks, machine tending with Collaborative robots may be worth a look. 

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Next steps

Simplify your CNC machine tending with RO1, the affordable and easy-to-use robot from Standard Bots.

• Zero-code programming makes it easy for anyone to use, just like operating your smartphone or tablet.
• On-site setup by the Standard Bots team ensures RO1 works according to your specific needs.
• Budget-friendly, starting at half the price of competing robots in its class.
• Flexible subscription-based pricing lets you cancel anytime with zero hiccups or penalties. 

‍Talk to our team today for a custom-engineered analysis.