Modern machine tools run at such a speed during machining that the auxiliary times, e.g., loading and unloading, are becoming increasingly important for total performance. Robots are providing the needed acceleration here. Various robot manufacturers are presenting such solutions and can record substantial growth in this segment. In addition to speeding up work, the link between robot systems and machine tools can also enable completely automatic operation without the involvement of people. Two concepts are above all being pursued for automating tool machines: on one hand, the integration of a robot into the machine tool, and on the other hand the complete automation module including robot on the machine. Robust robots work in machine tools New robot concepts are available for integration of robots in machine tools that can cope with the adverse ambient operating conditions of shavings, grinding dust, coolants and other corrosive media. Teams of robots and machine vision systems also contribute to the efficiency of automation “behind” machine tools.For example, they handle tasks of quality control, but also take care of further processing and finishing of workpieces. CNC machining is also more widespread, in which inexpensive robot solutions take the place of expensive 5-axis CNC machines. To this end, manufacturers have developed the stability in robots required for machining the hardest materials. Servo stabilisers are mounted on individual robot axes in part to accomplish this. They promise reproducible machining, during which the required dimensional tolerances are maintained. In addition, improved control technologies are provided, which are based on CNC-controlled movement planning. Machine vision monitors aluminium weld seams Together, robots and industrial machine vision are providing increasingly more optimised positioning solutions, for example for welding operations. Quality inspections of weld seams are becoming increasingly more precise and faster, thanks to machine vision. This task has already […]