Automating the Machining of Large Ring-Shaped Bearings with Robots

Franc Zajec, CEO of Mikron Plus, describes his company's relationship with FANUC.

"We are a system integrator for FANUC Adria, with whom we have been cooperating since the beginning. For robotisation projects we exclusively use FANUC robots, which have proven to be robust, precise, and highly reliable. We also use FANUC's 2D and 3D Vision Sensors, and our CNC machines are mostly equipped with FANUC controls."

Tomaž Peterlin, Sales Manager, describes the system Mikron created for their customer.

"The client contacted us with a request to prepare a robotic cell for the machining of rings for bearings of larger dimensions. We prepared a solution in the center of which is FANUC's R-2000𝑖C/210L robot with a load capacity of 210 kg. It is designed in a way that the operator brings raw materials loaded onto the pallet into the cell. Using FANUC's 3D Vision Sensor, the robot recognises and picks them up with double grippers and positions them on two CNC vertical lathes and one machining center. The cell is equipped with a measuring system that enables 100% control and makes sure that all machined workpieces meet the requirements."

During the process of testing the solution, a problem was encountered. Peterlin relates the story.

"While we were preparing the technology we encountered a challenge with long chips. We solved this challenge using FANUC’s Servo Learning Oscillation function which proved to be very effective."

The Servo Learning Oscillation Function is a feature provided by FANUC’s CNC to address the problem of larger, longer pieces of metal coming off a workpiece during the process of machining. These large chips can cause machine downtime and affect the quality of the finished product. The oscillation function breaks chips into small pieces, preventing such difficulties, and making waste disposal easier, with no sacrifice in the quality of the finished product.

Mr. Peterlin expressed his satisfaction with the results.

"With our solution of the robotic cell, the client increased productivity and reduced production costs. High autonomy of operations is guaranteed and all components are connected as a whole in accordance with Industry 4.0. And with built-in FANUC components, quality and reliability are guaranteed."