VMC/robot package makes automation an easy decision

The skills shortage has not gone away, if anything it will have worsened, making the availability of machine automation more pressing. To help meet these challenges, XYZ Machine Tools has created an automation and machine package that will provide a cost-effective route to maximising productivity.

The package revolves around the three machine LR series of XYZ vertical machining centres, the XYZ 500 LR, XYZ 750 LR and XYZ 1000 LR, with prices starting at £99,870 for a combination of the 500 LR and the XYZ Robo-Tend fully automated production cell.

The Robo-Tend system features a KUKA Cybertech robot with 10kg lifting capacity (larger versions available) with vision system, along with an automated drawer system for storage of raw material and finished components. A major advantage of Robo-Tend is the ability for it to be quickly disconnected and repositioned, either to another compatible XYZ machining centre or, to allow conventional operation of the machine with an operator, if required.

To encourage greater use of automation XYZ has made this package more attractive with the addition of several features that would normally be classed as cost options. These include automated vice, swarf conveyor and automated door system.

In addition, the package comes with complete training and warranty to ensure optimum performance from day one and complete reassurance. XYZ Robo-Tend is a UK designed and built system that was developed to provide cost-effective automation to small and medium sized companies, those that would not normally consider automation of this type as ‘being for them’.

Robo-Tend addresses this perception, making automation viable for lower volume production. “The availability of skilled labour is an issue that will not disappear and small to medium sized businesses must automate lower skilled jobs such as machine loading/unloading, freeing up valuable skilled employees to add value further down the line,” explains XYZ’s managing director Nigel Atherton.

“We believe Robo-Tend will open up automation to a much wider audience at an extremely competitive price. Whether purchased with finance with very low hourly costs or, bought outright where payback can be a matter of months, these packages are a powerful argument to automate the manufacturing process, whatever your production needs.”

Robo-Tend/XYZ machine packages provide a versatile, user-friendly, modular approach to automation, and subject to component size are capable of operating unattended for a full shift, or even 24/7 with the only manual intervention being to restock the raw material in the part storage system if required.

This makes it ideal for those companies that need to improve productivity but may be struggling to find the personnel or skills to operate machines.

XYZ Machine Tools www.xyzmachinetools.com