Www American Machinist Com Content Site304 Articles 08 01 2008 82081 Robotandla 00000054082

Robot and Lathe

Sept. 8, 2008
An optional Fanuc robot combined with SNK America Inc.’s (www.snkamerica.com) fast, Prodigy GT-27 gang-tool lathe increases productivity. The full 6-axis robot achieves 5-sec door open-to-door close times, depending on the part ...

An optional Fanuc robot combined with SNK America Inc.’s (www.snkamerica.com) fast, Prodigy GT-27 gang-tool lathe increases productivity. The full 6-axis robot achieves 5-sec door open-to-door close times, depending on the part being machined.

For fast and accurate small parts turning, the Prodigy features a C-axis spindle as standard, a super polymer composite mineral base and precision components. As a gangtool lathe, the machine is turret-less and requires no tool changes for shorter cycle times.

The Prodigy uses three axes of motion commanded in absolute or incremental modes. Its C-axis spindle allows for indexing and positioning in 0.001-degree increments, as well as more advanced functions including interpolation and polar coordinate milling. The Fanuc robot optional kit includes an LR Mate 200iC robot with 6-axis brakes, a single-phase R30-iA Mate controller and LR Handling Tool software. A double-gripper assembly is mounted to the robot, and there are two storage racks — each with pockets for 36 parts — protective caging and access doors.

Also, as an option, a parts conveyor transports finished parts from the machining area without interrupting production. A basket, configured to accommodate the geometry of the finished product, keeps machined parts separated from chips and cutting fluids.

Latest from Machining / Cutting