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Reduce lead times and load tools on the fly with radio-frequency identification

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Radio-frequency identification (RFID) increases the flexibility of tool programming, automating the tool loading process and removing the need for an operator to program individual loader pallet pockets to a specific tool. This product is ideal for regrinding or manufacturing a varied range of tools in small to medium sized batches and is available with the TXcell and MX tool grinders. This product is ideal for regrinding or manufacturing a varied range of tools for small to medium sized batches.
 


RFID uses a chip (or tag) stored in the base of a tool carrier. The information in the chip is then captured by a reader located inside the loader which is forwarded to the machine's CNC.

Having a chip ensures a tool type and grinding cycle can be associated with a specific tool. This means a mix of tool types can be loaded into the pallet/machine and information can be identified from the chip on the fly.

During a loading schedule, the robot will pick up tool carriers with tools inside them from the pallet, then place the tool carrier in the load docking station. The robot then removes the tool from the tool carrier and loads it into the machine.

Once grinding has commenced, the robot will transfer the empty carrier to the unload docking station, then pick up the next tool carrier from the pallet and put it in the load docking station. This procedure allows for optimised tool change cycle time.

 

RFID uses a chip (or tag) stored in the base of a tool carrier. The information in the chip is then captured by a reader located inside the loader which is forwarded to the machine's CNC.

Having a chip ensures a tool type and grinding cycle can be associated with a specific tool. This means a mix of tool types can be loaded into the pallet/machine and information can be identified from the chip on the fly.

During a loading schedule, the robot will pick up tool carriers with tools inside them from the pallet, then place the tool carrier in the load docking station. The robot then removes the tool from the tool carrier and loads it into the machine.

Once grinding has commenced, the robot will transfer the empty carrier to the unload docking station, then pick up the next tool carrier from the pallet and put it in the load docking station. This procedure allows for optimised tool change cycle time.
 

RFID works with Collet Changing on ANCA TXcell and MX tool grinders. The loading process is done autonomously by the machine so that a whole pallet of mixed tool types can be ground without any operator interaction.

The RFID RoboMate technology saves money and reduces setup time for customers grinding mixed batches of tools.



Practical application for small to medium sized batches of:

  • Drills
  • Endmills
  • Profile tools
  • Tool regrinding
  • Tool manufacture
  • and many more

 Specifications

  • Pallet capacity: Approximately 96 tools
  • Collet capacity: One collet rack containing 12 off 20 mm (0.78") diameter collets
  • Tool size diameter of min-max 3-20 mm (1/8" - 0.78")
  • Overall tool length min-max of 50-160 mm (2" - 6 1/4")

 Key benefits

  • Loading is done autonomously without any operator interaction
  • RFID eliminates the need for the user to program individual pallet holes to a specific tool
  • Saves money and reduces setup time  for any customer grinding mixed batches of tools
  • Enables customers to increase output and maximise productivity
  • RFID can be used/linked with job cards with ERP systems
  • Reduces tool handling by the operator
  • Urgent tools can be easily added to a pallet to bring them to the front of the queue without needing to re-program the loader pallet pockets
  • Complete tool database management

24 April 2019