Robotic job shop cell suitable for low-mix, high-volume applications

Methods Machine Tools Inc. has introduced the Twin RoboDrill JobShop Cell, featuring two FANUC D21 RoboDrill vertical machining centers serviced by a single, articulating FANUC LR Mate 200iD robot. It can load and unload multiple parts at one time to amortize typically longer load/unload times compared to parts that are handled one at a time.

The robot enters from the side of each machine to give operators full, open access to the front of the machining centers for tool changes, offsets, and maintenance. The cell also combines FANUC Robotics' IR Vision System with a flex vibratory infeed system to bring the parts into the cell. The flex feeder conveys a group of parts into the vision camera's field of view for inspection, selecting the good parts for the robot to load into the machine.