At MACH 2022 last month, the Okuma Spaceturn LB3000 EX II turn-milling centre made its first appearance in the UK equipped with the Japanese manufacturer’s Armroid robotic arm, the first in the world to be integrated inside a CNC machine tool. All Okuma machines are sold and serviced exclusively in the UK and Ireland by NCMT.

Three different end-of-arm effector options are available for the robot, capable of performing different tasks. One is for blasting the cutting zone with a mixture of air and coolant to improve chip management. Another provides additional support during the cutting process to prevent chatter. In combination with a workpiece stocker, the third effector is a two-finger gripper for holding shaft-type workpieces weighing up to 5 kg and then automatically loading and unloading them. All three end-of-arm effectors are stored within the machine and are changed automatically by the robot.

While most conventional robotic systems require complex integration and special training for staff, Armroid needs neither. As the robot is part of the machine tool, separate system integration is unnecessary. Using Okuma’s own OSP-P300A control, an operator enters the co-ordinates for the start and finish points before the robot moves through its motions, the cycle generating automatically to avoid collisions. Roid Navi software simplifies programming using images and on-screen guides.

There exists a longer, more powerful Armroid that can be integrated into larger Okuma multi-tasking lathes. The robot arm handles workpieces up to 10 kg and possesses a fourth type of end effector with a three-jaw gripper for holding billets around their end faces. Armroid systems are suitable for high mix, small batch work. The extended periods of unattended running free the operator to carry out duties in other parts of the factory.

For further information
www.ncmt.co.uk

As a precision component manufacturer to the oil and gas, nuclear, defence, hydraulic, off-highway, automotive, and aerospace industries, Mollart Cox has invested in its first robotic machining cell to enhance flexibility and productivity. Turning to the Engineering Technology Group (ETG) and its Nakamura-Tome range of turning centres, the flexibility of the manufacturer has flourished since installing the automated cell.

Referring to why the Chesterfield-based company invested in the cell from ETG, Christopher Cox, managing director of Mollart Cox, says: “We needed an automated cell like this because we have various set-ups. Many of the parts are similar in shape but different to produce. So, the set-up was key to us, as was the ability to use a machine with or without the robot.

“We selected the Nakamura-Tome WT-150II because of the build quality,” he continues. “Additionally, ETG has a very good back-up and support service. The speed and low-noise levels are impressive, while our tooling packages work very well with the machine.”

Steve Brown, sales director at ETG, adds: “We have a fully operational automated cell that incorporates the Nakamura WT-150II turning centre and the Robojob turn assist. So, what we’re doing here is loading billets and unloading finished parts. The Robojob stores the raw material, and it has a pallet system where the finished parts collect. The beauty of the cell is that it’s a completely flexible unit, so you can produce anything from a very small component up to a larger billet, light-out. This enables anybody with a nucleus or a range of parts to move into full production.”

The Nakamura WT-150II is a twin-spindle, twin-turret machine with a Y axis on the upper turret and a 65 mm through-bore capacity.

For further information
www.engtechgroup.com