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Task:
TBT, a sector leader in the design and manufacture of deep-hole drilling machines, wanted to create a robot cell that would take this innovative process to a new level of capability. However, with precision, quality and reliability at the heart of all TBT solutions, choosing the optimal robot would prove pivotal to project success.

Solution:
Based on its long experience of using various FANUC technologies for its deep-hole drilling machines - including servo motors, spindle motors and CNC systems - TBT opted for a FANUC M-20iD/25 six-axis industrial robot with 1,831 mm reach and 25 kg payload capacity.

Result:
The FANUC M-20iD/25 now provides automated loading and unloading of parts in the new robot cell, where it serves a TBT two-spindle deep-hole drilling machine. The project marks a successful ‘first’ for TBT in the in-house automation of this technically challenging process.

About TBT Tiefbohrtechnik

Founded in 1966, TBT Tiefbohrtechnik is today the market leader in its industry. Based in Dettingen an der Erms, near Stuttgart, Germany, the company specialises in the manufacture of deep-hole drilling machines and deep-hole drilling tools. TBT also undertakes deep-hole drilling on a contract basis using more than 30 machines. With around 230 employees who help generate annual turnover in the region of €40 million, this family-run business is part of the internationally active Nagel Group. The entire company focuses on the development and manufacture of products made to the highest possible quality. See more here.

TBT has an excellent reputation for precision and reliability, factors that underpin the company’s status as industry leader. The build quality of deep-hole drilling machines produced by TBT is second to none. These advanced machines leverage the benefits of various FANUC technologies, including αi series servo motors, αil series spindle motors and CNC systems such as the 0i-Model F Plus with Panel iH Pro 15.0” display.

With ambitious goals, TBT seeks continuous improvement in its performance, focusing on the use of the best available technology. So, when the company wanted to create an entire TBT automated deep-hole drilling cell, it turned to FANUC for the accompanying robot.

Inside the automated cell, a FANUC M-20iD/25 six-axis industrial robot tends a TBT two-spindle deep-hole drilling machine. Part handling outside the machine take place with individually loadable pallets.

“For the first time we have a robot cell made entirely by TBT,” says Philipp Sigler, Electrical 

Engineering, TBT. “It means that we carry out all of the project planning, programming and commissioning. Importantly, we took advantage of a ‘robot-ready’ solution from FANUC, which means we didn’t have to learn an additional robot programming language. As experienced NC programmers, we are familiar with G-code. Using the FANUC M-20iD/25 we can program everything in G-code on the machine control.”

According to Sigler, the collaboration with FANUC was good, with solutions found quickly in response to any questions. TBT also says it received comprehensive support from the FANUC team on site.

“Basically, the challenge with the automation of machines is to achieve the desired result with little effort,” says Florian Görl, TBT’s Division Manager Sales/Director Global Sales. “It’s therefore important to have a partner with a high level of expertise, especially when it comes to planning and execution. That’s why we chose FANUC.

He adds: “We’ll definitely continue working with FANUC. We’ve completed several successful projects together previously and we see great potential for further development in the future.”

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