Robotize CNC machine 1

[hasan0191]

Hi

We want to fully automate our CNC machine with the help of a robot. The robot will pick the part and place inside CNC for machining. Now we are stuck with how to integrate robot with CNC. Robot model is Fanuc S 420 iW, and CNC model is AWEA AF 650. (

http://www.awea.com/awea_en/milling/vertical/af/specifications.htm)

Would like to appreciate your valuable recommencation/suggestion.

Thanks
Hasan

 

[MintJulep]

CNC and Robot need to have a dialog. Necessary elements of the conversation are:

CNC: I'm finished with what I'm doing. Please take it away.
Robot: Ok, let go of it.
CNC: Please give me raw stock for part nnnnn. Or Robot: I'm going to give you stock for part nnnnn. Tell me when you have the necessary chuck ready.
Robot: Stock is in place. Close your chuck on it.
CNC: I've got it, leave me alone while I work.
Robot: Ok, I'm getting coffee.

 

[BrianPetersen]

Link them with DeviceNet and communicate all the signals needed.

 

[hasan0191]

Hi Mint and Brian

Thanks for your writtings. Particularly Brian Petersen, i never thought of DeviceNet. I will read about it.
What if i use PLC/PMC to communicate with each other? Will there be any problem?

 

[BrianPetersen]

As long as everything involved is DeviceNet capable, and you don't go overboard with network traffic (you are far from that point, unless there is a lot more going on) - No problem. 'Course, this requires someone to configure the network, and that person is not me.

 

[MikeHalloran]

You don't need anything as complex as a PLC interposed between the two machines.

... but you do need a defined standard comm link that electrically isolates them from one another, so you don't have troubles with 'ground' being something other than zero volts, and related issues.

I think DeviceNet qualifies.

Running wires direct from one machine's control to the other machine's control does not qualify, and can get very expensive very quickly.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[hasan0191]

Thanks a lot Brian and Mike for more clarification.

Besides, CNC machine and Robot, i have some other variables as well, like Auto door of CNC machine, signal from safety doors, signal from pallet table to tell robot that pallet is ready, work piece is ready.
Can DeviceNet support these extra I/Os ?
If yes then
How can i install DeviceNet here in my company, Thailand ? (I mean licence software).
Do i need to purchase any hardaware ?

Looking forward your generous reply

 

[MikeHalloran]

You need some of the thicker books that should have come with the CNC, that describe stuff like how to connect accessories like power indexers, and how to make the CNC control talk to them and listen to them. Maybe the books are on DVDs now; I couldn't find a link to download anything. I'd bet that somewhere, the manufacturer has already documented at least an outline of how to interface with a robot.

Your CNC dealer should be able to help; don't expect him to do it for free, beyond recommending a local expert to help you figure out exactly what to buy and how to modify your programs.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[hasan0191]

Yes i have some books like ciricuit diagram. The problem is that our CNC supplier not replying properly.
And how can i install devicenet network system ?

thanks

 

[MikeHalloran]

Okay, your CNC dealer takes forever to call back, and doesn't know anything when he does. Perhaps it's true everywhere.

So what do you do? Here in The Colonies, everyone who runs a CNC has the number of an independent third party CNC guy who will show and fix your machine before the dealer has called back to schedule your appointment to make arrangements for a service call. These guys often also machine soft fixtures and write CNC programs.

I.e., you need local help.


Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[hasan0191]

okay thanks mike

 

[BrianPetersen]

DeviceNet will handle all of the signals that you describe. But as Mike says, you really need someone local who specializes in this work to look at your actual equipment and programs, and get them to do what needs to be done. The specialist might charge a big number per hour, but they've seen all this before, and a good one will get more done in that hour than you would be able to struggle through in a week.

 

[hasan0191]

Brian, thank you so much.

Can you tell me please, how can i get "ROBOGUIDE-PalletPRO and PalletTool". I want to make a simulation.

thanks in advance

 

[FeX32]

There are several ways to do this. Depending on how involved you want to be in the control of the robot.
You can look into dSpace control desk. It is highly customizable and can be used for any robotic system and could be integrated with your CNC machine.

There is this company also:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJlmmPVrBmw

Cheers,


Fe (IronX32)