Automation Cell Maximizes Job Shop Flexibility

Methods Machine Tools’ JobShop Cell is designed for job shops with small to medium lot sizes. The fully integrated production cell combines the drilling, tapping and milling capability of a RoboDrill VMC with a fully interfaced Fanuc six-axis robot for automated loading and unloading.

Designed for simple installation, fast setups, quick change-overs, operator safety and production flexibility, the cell can be configured to handle virtually any part that will fit in its 6" vise or chuck. It is equipped with inbound and outbound conveyors and guarding. The standardized work-handling interface accommodates a variety of hydraulic or pneumatic workholding options, with an optional fourth axis and workholding fixture further increaseing the production cell’s utility.

Continuously available robotic loading and unloading of the cell can increase productivity and eliminate personnel problems while reducing scrap, labor costs and dependence on skilled labor, the company says.

The Fanuc RoboDrill VMC offers a 14-tool (optional 21-tool) tool changer; torque to 56 foot-pounds; rigid tapping ranging to 5,000 rpm (8,000 rpm optional); accelerations in X, Y and Z axes ranging to 1.5G; rapid traverses to 2,125 ipm; feed rates ranging to 1,181 ipm (2,362 ipm optional); high-speed reverse tapping; thread milling; 1,000 registerable programs; and 54 work offsets. The Fanuc LR Mate 200iC robot is equipped with grippers, a teaching pendant and several other customized programs.