The Industrial Automation market is expected to reach $𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 annually by 2029. This growth is only possible by making automation more flexible and easier to adopt in to manufacturing [i]. The rise in the need for more automation in U.S. manufacturing is in part driven by two factors: a shrinking skilled workforce and the need for cost-effective processes. As companies bring production back to the U.S. (onshoring), staying competitive requires streamlined workflows, and reduced labor costs.
One approach to achieve this is robotic tending, where robots load and unload parts in CNC machining centers. These robots operate like setup operators, tied directly to the machining center’s controls. Another strategy involves automatically transferring parts between dedicated machining centers. Overhead gantry systems, conveyor belts, or a combination of these can be used to automate this process between machine tools to omit the need for an operator to transfer parts from one machine tool to the next.
Both robotic tending and part handling are areas that IST can support you in.
IST Precision offers automated part transfer solutions to manufacturers in the southeast.
A Client’s Challenge: Seamless Part Transfer Between Machining Centers and Part Cleaning
A recent client needed an automation cell to automatically transfer parts between two machining centers and to coat the part after the machining processes were complete. They approached us with a prototype design, and IST collaborated to bring the design to reality and to enhance it for additional functionality requested by the customer.
- Part Transfer and Coating Station: An overhead gantry system with pick-and-place functionality seamlessly moves parts between machines. An integrated coating station to protect the part from oxidation.
- Intuitive Control System: An HMI touch panel provides an operator-friendly interface for interacting with the gantry system and monitoring the work cell.
- Safety First: Safety meshing surrounds the work cell to ensure operator safety
- Electrical Control Panel: Updated control panel design and build
Figure 1: IST automation cell handing off parts between two machines
Collaboration for a Turnkey Solution
IST provided a complete turnkey package, including:
- Detailed CAD Drawings: Streamlined the build process and ensured future maintainability.
- Comprehensive Bill of Materials: Provided complete transparency and component information.
- Programming Code: Enabled the work cell’s precise operation.
- In-House Fabrication: Guaranteed a quick turnaround and efficient production.
Figure 2 and 3 show a few more images of the system which was completed in a matter of a few months.
Figure 2: Gantry gripper, coating station, and conveyor system
Figure 3: Electrical panel and touch screen
[i] Jake Hall, The Manufacturing Millennial https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobrhall/