OPERATIONS PERFORMED BY AN INDUSTRIAL ROBOT
Rigid automation and flexible automation
Object manipulation, laser cutting, assembly, painting, and welding are just some of the many processes carried out by an industrial robot. They are extremely versatile and flexible tools that can be programmed according to the type of work. Since their introduction in the 1960s, robots have marked a turning point in automatic precision machining, standing out from their predecessors, such as NC machine tools.
The application of this technology in automated production systems has ushered in the era of Industry 4.0 and the Smart Factory. Its use has been decisive for many factors: reduction of labour costs, optimisation of production flows, increase in production rates, improvement of the quality of the finished product. The versatility, adaptability and precision of industrial robots have relieved human operators of the need to perform dangerous and repetitive tasks. Today they are used to carry out different types of operations, in both rigid and flexible automation systems. Here are some of the most important:
- Object handling and transport
From palletising to loading and unloading, through to the packaging of goods. These are among the most common tasks performed by an industrial robot and do not relate to a specific sector. These operations exploit the robot's ability to pick up an object and move it in three-dimensional space, along paths and movements predefined by software.
- Manufacturing
In manufacturing lines, robots are typically used to perform tasks such as assembly, painting, laser cutting, welding, and deburring. These operations are made possible by the robot's ability to manipulate objects and tools, changing their characteristics and delivering a finished product.
- Quality control
Robots are efficient tools, capable of measuring and verifying the quality of industrial products, and identifying any manufacturing defects. This ensures higher throughput and shorter inspection times.
- Servicing of CNC machine tools
Industrial robots can also be integrated with CNC machines to handle and load/unload objects of various sizes, thereby optimising the production process.
Assistec's innovative and automated integration
With the advent of Industry 4.0, the production cycle is constantly evolving and requires innovative and automated technologies. The Assistec robotic islands adapt to the new requirements without the need to rebuild the entire system, thanks to the robot and CNC communication software.
With our highly specialised know-how, acquired over more than 25 years working as a technical support service and system integrator, we design and build automation systems for CNC machines. We are specialists in machine tool servicing and in workpiece or equipment manipulation Contact us for advice.
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Technical support for Mazak machines: on-site electronic and mechanical repairs
Mazak machine tools are found in numerous workshops and production departments and, particularly in the case of machines that have been in operation for several years, may require electronic and mechanical repairs to resolve faults, malfunctions or issues related to component wear.
However, a machine stoppage does not always allow the root cause of the problem to be identified immediately.
A fault may affect the control system, a drive or an electronic component, but it may also be due to mechanical elements, the tool changer, the pallet changer system or the machine’s geometric conditions.
For this reason, the ability to carry out an analysis directly at the customer’s premises allows us to assess the machine’s actual behaviour and identify the necessary intervention.
Assistec provides on-site electronic and mechanical support services, including for Mazak machines fitted with Mazatrol 640 and Mitsubishi M64 control systems, drawing on the expertise it has developed in servicing multi-brand CNC machine tools.
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PLC logic for machine safety is one of the areas that may require attention when an existing machine tool has outdated or inadequate safety functions, or when these functions are no longer suitable for the machine’s current configuration.
However, improving machine safety is not simply a matter of modifying a few lines of PLC code. The process must begin with a risk assessment, followed by identifying the required safety functions, checking the devices already installed and determining how they should interact with the PLC, drives, sensors, interlocks and machine components.
On CNC machine tools, changes to PLC logic may be required, for example, to correctly manage automatic doors, permissive signals, stopping functions, protective devices or newly integrated automation systems.
For this reason, modifying PLC logic should be considered part of a broader machine safety and functional verification process, rather than an isolated software task.
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The CNC spindle is one of the most important elements of a machine tool: it is the component that transmits motion to the tool and, together with the machine’s other systems, determines precision, machining quality and production reliability.
When a spindle begins to show signs of wear, the problem is not limited to the component itself. Abnormal vibrations, loss of precision or increased noise levels can, in fact, compromise the entire production process, leading to scrap, premature tool wear and unscheduled machine downtime.
For this reason, the overhaul of CNC spindles should not be regarded as a simple repair job, but as a technical operation aimed at restoring the spindle to its original operating condition and ensuring stability and precision once again.
Relying on a professional service allows the real causes of the problem to be identified, worn components to be replaced and more serious faults that could halt production to be prevented.
