User-friendly mobile cobot automates loading and unloading machine tools

After all, an investment should provide the necessary return in the long run. The advice of a specialist certainly comes in handy there. Bendertechniek has specialized for many years in the sale of machining machines and the necessary accessories, but also helps companies to take the step to the automation of their production lines. The Hamont-Achel-based company recently introduced a self-developed mobile solution with a cobot for automatic loaded and unloading lathes and milling machines: the Bender BT-TM12.

Bendertechniek is known for its wide range of machining machines. For example, the company supplies large turning, milling, boring and grinding machines with controls from Fanuc, Heidenhain, Fagor and Siemens, but increasingly also fully automated machining centers. For example, there is the Matsuura machining center with pallet loading, on which multiple operations can be performed. Marutec lathes with three turrets and gantry loading and unloading are also part of the range. There are also turning and milling systems on which grinding can be performed. Those are just a few more options. "We have built up a network of manufacturers over the years. In fact, we have been working with some of them for more than fifty years. We therefore have a lot of experience and can offer a customized machine for each application based on a customer's needs," explains Managing Director Belgium Patrick Vaessen. "Apart from the sale of machines, we notice that customers increasingly want to be relieved of their concerns and therefore opt for total solutions. In recent years, we have also increasingly received requests for automation systems to improve production and make it run as efficiently as possible. An increase of 30 to 40% spindle hours per machine is no exception."

Proprietary loading and unloading system

Automation next to digitization, is one of the most important topics in our current society. More and more companies are taking the step towards sometimes far-reaching automation of their production processes. It helps them in busy times to keep everything on track and to be able to deliver orders on time and at any time - calm or hectic - to keep costs as low as possible and to increase efficiency and productivity significantly. For many, investing in a robot is the easy first step to automation. After all, that robot can do all the simple and repetitive work, while technically skilled machine operators can be brought in for other more complex tasks. Machines can also be left running unmanned, such as during the night. Recently, Bendertechniek developed the Bender BT-TM12, a proprietary solution for the automation of the loaded and unloading of mainly lathes and milling machines, but, if required, also for other similar applications. The company wanted to bring to the market a system that was as simple as possible, that could also be easily integrated into production facilities, as well as being easy for operators to operate. "The result is a low-cost, mobile solution with a Techman cobot on a base station and separate carts. This system can be used very flexibly and moved from one machine to another on the shop floor without any problems. The loaded and unloading machines is done from a mobile grid," Vaessen explained. "The Bender BT-TM12 is equipped with a cobot with an arm of 1,300 mm stroke that can lift workpieces weighing as much as 12 kg. The integrated vision system controls the position of the workpieces. The unit is also equipped with control valves and relays, allowing easy control of product grippers, machine clamps or automatic doors. The operator easily enters the commands either with the help of the cobot by previewing the movement or on a 12" touch screen with moisture-resistant keyboard."  

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