The availability of automation aids, such as the Lang Robo-Trex system from Thame Workholding, are allowing forward-thinking businesses to operate milling machines unmanned for extended periods. One such company is Hertford-based subcontractor Qualiturn Products, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, with only daytime staffing.

The recently installed Lang Robo-Trex robot system at Qualiturn (the first in the UK) feeds a Doosan DNM500 machining centre from two trollies. Each trolley serves as a mobile storage medium for multiple vices that hold workpieces ready to be loaded into the machine. Depending on the part sizes involved, the trollies are able to store up to 42 loaded vices. The Lang Robo-Trex system uses an articulated robot with a handling gripper that is capable of loading and unloading workpieces of up to 12 kg.
“Having previously enjoyed the benefits of other Lang workholding systems supplied by Thame Workholding, we already had great confidence in the quality the products,” says managing director Nick Groom. “After viewing a video of the Lang Robo-Trex automation system in action and recognising the lights-out advantages it would deliver, we calculated our anticipated ROI and decided that the system would be more cost effective than purchasing another CNC machine tool. In fact, the success of the Robo-Trex, which has released the latent productive potential of the machine tool it serves, means that we already have plans to install a second system.”
For further information www.thame-eng.com