FANUC CNC and Robots Provide the Key to Success

Giuliani from Faenza, Italy, manufactures key processing machines with stand-alone process or multi station in-line process (full processing from rough-cut to finished product). Of particular interest is the new MCL machine - a high-productivity multi-station in-line transfer machine for the full key production. 

In fact, MCL is capable of combining in a single line the procedures for: coining of the bow, laser marking, milling of the profile, backrounding and slotting of the blade, broaching of the plugs, chamfering of the tip, notch bitting, plug bitting, wave bitting, deburring, code marking, brushing, 100% quality control and ringing. 

Equipped with CNC FANUC 31𝑖-B, which enables control of up to 72 axes, the machine consists of 18 stations. Production of up to 700 keys per hour can be achieved and ringing of up to 6 keys. 

All machines manufactured by Giuliani are designed for interfacing with business software in line with the latest Industry 4.0 requirements. “The system receives orders directly from the client company’s network and translates it into a processing program dedicated to every single code in the process, routing it throughout its entire production process,” stated Malavolti. 

Machine automation is enhanced by the presence of a FANUC M-10 robot for feeding the line inlet. “One of the strengths of in-line transfers is the switching of product and equipment without any operator being present,” explained Malavolti. 

“This is all made possible by a multi-feed of the rough-cut product by an automatic and robotic change of equipment: in fact, our vices automatically adapt to the product’s profile, thanks to the CNC system incorporated in these transfers”. 

Even for rotary transfers dedicated to high-volume production with reduced cycle times, automation plays a key part in optimising production efficiency. The compact transfer machine TDRILL, for example, is supported by a SCARA FANUC SR robot, which operates in the section at the end of the line. 

Giuliani and FANUC have been collaborating for 20 years. “This has enabled us to remain constantly at the forefront of the technology market,” emphasised Cusumano.  

The two companies also share a global vision when it comes to customer service, since both can rely on a worldwide service ready to respond swiftly to any request for support.