MAKA had an interesting demonstration on its stand at HolzHnadwerk in Germany recently – not only loading and unloading by robot, this set-up was said to be unique insofar as the robot is controlled, and programmed, via the MAKA-Siemens controller: the programmer only needs to know one programming system – Siemens CNC.
MAKA are Kuka developers and while the main robot hardware is Kuka, the application and programming, and moreover the interface, is pure MAKA.
The MAKA-Kuka Robot was demonstrated fully-integrated with the popular MK7s five-axis machining centre, featuring a useful 1700 x 1000 x 600 mm usable 3D working area.
Furthermore, the MK7s was featured with the new 16kW POWER-MAKA spindle and 50-degree head, providing greater speed and rigidity to produce the best surface quality at high speed.
The spindle can change any of the 12 tools in the magazine automatically within 10 seconds – tools can be up to 300 mm long. Moreover, the MAKA-Kuka changed-over fixtures within 30 seconds. Instant jig and fixture changes, all handle by the robot, has been made a reality by MAKA.
Fixtures are clamped accurately every time, so parts sit precisely in the right place, which ensures your five-axis program works 100% correctly first time. This is high speed machining in action, and is ideal for high quality bespoke furniture and joinery production.
The robot attaches itself to the fixtures using similar zero-point fixings used for the fixtures. They will work reliably for years, require little maintenance, and are designed to be fail-safe. The robot even stores the jigs.
In between loading and setting operations, the robot can also be programmed to carry out small machining operations, such as notching, de-tagging, drilling or inserting hardware.
For the recent Holz Handwerk show in Nuremberg, MAKA made an entertaining demonstration illustrating how a sub-operation can be utilised at the push of a button, in between its Normal program: the robot very kindly opened a fridge and took out a cold bottle and ‘handed’ it to me...
MAKA’s CNC robot applications specialist, Alex Hiller, said that with its Run-My-Robot, the robot is easier to program this way and will be perfectly synchronised with the CNC machine. It makes it possible to not only load and unload, but also to do other works during the five-axis CNC machining cycle, saving time and reducing costs.
The robot can pick and position parts, or remove offcuts – even when the table is moving – or drill holes, or add parts.
Effectively being a CNC robot, the new system is also quicker to learn to programme. The learning curve is much shorter, maintenance is almost nothing too. It becomes easier and quicker to set-up any new job, both in terms of programming, as well as loading and changing fixtures – and tools – making this ideal for small batch production.
“If manufacturers have any misgiving about using robots, MAKA’s Run-My-Robot is the solution. You’ll rest easy!” says Alex.
