Simple operation, small footprint

With the roboLoad, STUDER presents a new type of loading system for CNC radius internal cylindrical grinding machines.

Loading systems for CNC radius internal cylindrical grinding machines - that was not so easy until now. The special characteristics of these machines, such as the height of the workhead and the associated geometric restrictions, made the development of a handling solution a major challenge. STUDER has now developed a system that not only meets the geometrical requirements but also has a comparatively small footprint and an unbeatable price-performance ratio. For the user, the STUDER roboLoad can be operated without any programming knowledge; it enables great flexibility in production and a high degree of operating comfort.

In the STUDER S121, S131, and S141 radius internal cylindrical grinding machines — which, as an example, are used in the packaging industry for the production of dies — the automatic B axis has a swivel range of -60° to +91°. "That's why the automation has to get out of the machine to give it the freedom to swivel," explains Daniel Schafroth, Systems Division Manager at STUDER.

Large storage capacity

That is why STUDER has now developed the roboLoad, an external loader that with a width of 1.50 meters (59,06") is only half as wide as the machine itself. "This is not insignificant," emphasises Schafroth, "Because the floor space in modern production halls has to be used efficiently." In this comparatively small space, the roboLoad offers plenty of room for workpieces on six trays, each measuring 1080 x 320 millimetres (42,52 x 12,6").

The trays are loaded manually. "We are not talking about large-scale production here, but about unmanned production during the night shift, for example, or making good use of breaks in other production processes," Schafroth emphasises. Any grinding program can be called up for the workpieces. The STUDER roboLoad processes these and places each workpiece back in the same place after machining.

The unique selling point: simple operation

The decisive factor in the development of the STUDER roboLoad was the simplicity of operation. The setup wizard developed by the automation specialist WENGER from Winterthur does not require any programming knowledge from the setter or machine operator. "The steps are graphically supported on the 19'' large, intuitive display", explains Managing Director Michael Wenger.

"We have had a successful development partnership with WENGER for 25 years now," explains Daniel Schafroth. The requirement for the partner this time was: an operator should be able to set up a new workpiece, including the changeover of the gripper jaws, within 15 minutes. "And we succeeded," Wenger is pleased to say.

STUDER presented the roboLoad at the EMO metalworking trade fair in Milan in October 2021. The loading system can then be ordered.

roboLoad in Detail:

• Robot: Fanuc M10-iD 10L

• Siemens Simotion Control

• Grippers with quick-change jaws, convertible to:

1. Single gripper for parts up to 7 kg (15.4 lbs) weight or

2. Dual gripper for parts up to 2,8 kg (6.2 lbs) weight

• Maximal workpiece size:

1. Diameter 260 mm (10.24”)

2. Length 10 - 100 mm (0.39 – 3.93”)

• Workpiece storage: 6 trays, each 1080 x 320 mm (42,52 x 12,6”)

• Intuitive 19’’ touch control panel