Tools for automated operations

Chamfering, deburring, grinding or polishing

Robots have already proven successful in numerous handling tasks. They load and unload, transport and provide support during assembly. With the comprehensive R-EMENDO portfolio for automated machining, you utilize the full potential of your robot. Automation increases your productivity, ensures consistently perfect results, saves costs and relieves workers from heavy, tiring work. 

In no time from manual to automated

In many industrial plants, precision operations are still done by hand, because the sensitivity and adaptability of humans is difficult to imitate. Although manual work often seems unavoidable, it does not always produce the desired results, knows Guido Segers, General Manager at SCHUNK Intec B.V. "Moreover, a cost-effective implementation of mass production is very difficult to carry out. Manual finishing is often monotonous, ergonomically burdensome and carries a risk of injury. To assess and ensure machining quality, the human eye is indispensable. In many applications, however, robots can provide efficient support. This is because the R-EMENDO tools have innovative features to compensate for inaccuracies in force and position, allowing near-perfect results to be achieved."

Robots can do both: load and process

Robot-assisted finishing has great potential, which has remained virtually untapped until now, says Segers. "Especially companies that already use robots for loading and unloading can also use them for post-processing. They can usually be linked automatically and directly to the machining process in the machine tool. While the machine continues the machining process, post-processing is done in parallel. The lead time and production costs of workpieces can be significantly reduced in this way, with a relatively low investment volume and a quick return on investment. With the right tools, nothing stands in the way of switching to an automated process."

Deburring

One of the classics among finishing operations in the metalworking industry is deburring sharp edges and removing burrs. However, manual deburring not only has low added value, it is also very monotonous and often leads to injuries. "The new electric deburring spindle RCE complements the existing SCHUNK portfolio of pneumatic tools and offers even more flexibility," said Segers. "The energy-efficient tool operates particularly quietly and can handle a wide variety of workpieces thanks to its adjustable speed (up to 50,000 rpm) and adjustable feed pressure. Users can adjust these parameters individually and thus achieve optimal results in finishing. The compensation mechanism also compensates for tolerances in the contour of the workpiece. In addition to deburring, the versatile tool can also be used for brushing, grinding and polishing tasks, significantly expanding the system's range of tasks."

Grinding

Grinding workpieces before the surfaces are polished and finished is physically demanding and time-consuming. SCHUNK tools for automated grinding are ideal for coarse material removal, especially for large-area workpieces. Regardless of whether these are made of metal, wood or plastic.

Polishing

Polishing is usually the final machining step. "This is where the workpiece is refined," Segers said. "The contact pressure determines the result. It must be almost constant. With the SCHUNK tools, the workpieces can be machined automatically. The result: even surfaces for a perfect end result. The elimination of manual work steps increases your productivity and at the same time you get consistently perfect results." 

Chamfering, removing burrs or smoothing surfaces: SCHUNK not only offers the right tool for individual machining, but also supports the process. From the selection of the right components to the optimal parameters for a well-functioning overall solution.

Validate

 "In the SCHUNK CoLab, we test your automation solution in a realistic environment," says Segers. "Together with you, our application engineers develop an automation concept that includes everything from the SCHUNK components and matching tools to the robot connection." Every machining situation has its own specific challenges. "In addition to choosing the right tool, there are other factors that are decisive for achieving the perfect machining result. Consider, for example, the machining speed or the selection of the right grinding or cutting tool. In the SCHUNK CoLab, we test the feasibility of your application with the R-EMENDO tools and your individual workpieces under real working conditions. Various industrial robots and cobots are available for this purpose, as well as specially equipped cells for lightweight constructions, industrial robotics and test rigs. In addition, the CoLab team can draw on around 11,000 standard components from the SCHUNK product range. Thus you not only get a solution for your specific machining case including validation, feasibility study and process analysis, but also insight into new application areas and technologies."