The system is based on a platform and is modularly adaptable to various configurations. This also allows for the possibility of adapting the system to one, two, or even three identical or different HERMLE machining centers. The enclosure is almost entirely glazed for perfect visibility and offers optimal protection for the operator with up to three double-access doors, especially when the operator performs manual tasks on a machine. Various setup station variants ensure comfortable workpiece integration into the system.
Six rack modules ensure a high and comfortable workpiece storage. Designed for the storage of pallets, workpiece carriers, or matrices, and of course also storage spaces for various grippers. The 6-arm robot is centrally located in the system and is designed to perfectly load all work areas of the machines with a maximum transport weight of 210 kg.
The system is transported as a single piece without disassembly, just like all HERMLE machines, ensuring quick and smooth setup and commissioning.
Thus, the robot system consists of several main components, which will be listed and examined in detail here.
- Basic platform in four expansion stages with fully glazed enclosure
- 6-axis robot with a payload of 210 kg
- Two setup station systems with workpiece height measurement and width control
- Six individual shelf modules with an intelligent storage strategy
- Up to three transfer stations for workpiece handling
- Various gripper, clamping, pallet, and die systems
- Control software for optimal operation and processing strategy
Basic platform in four expansion stages with fully glazed enclosure
The basic platform requires a space requirement of just 13 m2, with main dimensions of 4.25 x 3.00 x 3.25 m (L x W x H). Expansion stage 1 requires a space requirement of just 16 m2, with main dimensions of 5.50 x 3.00 x 3.25 m (L x W x H). It is designed as a welded construction, manufactured in-house, and supports the 6-arm robot, the rack systems, and the enclosure. This is almost entirely glazed to provide the operator with a good view of the system.
6-axis robot with a payload of 210 kg
The 6-axis robot is located at the center of the system and is firmly mounted on the platform. Due to its optimized arrangement, it can reach up to three work areas, up to six rack modules, the setup station, and the two storage positions, all with a transport weight of up to 210 kg.
Two setup station systems with workpiece height measurement and width control
A manual or optionally rotatable setup station can be adapted to the system. This features generous glazing and two rotating doors that, when opened to load the setup station, simultaneously close access to the system.
A highlight hidden behind the setup station is the laser monitoring system. The laser monitoring system checks the workpiece height and controls the maximum width of the pallets/carrier systems before the robot places the pallet or the carrier module with the matrix from the setup station into the rack modules. The control software can quickly and easily recognize free capacity in the rack module and optimally place the pallet/carrier system in the storage system.
Six individual shelf modules with an intelligent storage strategy
The six basic rack modules offer a variety of storage options and variants. Due to the constantly adapting storage in the new, width-flexible and height-optimized racks, manual rack adjustments are significantly reduced. Thus, no rigid rack division as before is necessary. The control software takes over this task and chaotically places the pallets/carrier systems in the rack modules, perfectly optimizing the space requirement.
The usable number of rack modules depends on how many machines are adapted to the robot system.
Up to three transfer stations for workpiece handling
To switch from plate to part handling, there are one, two, or three transfer stations available in the workspace of the robot system depending on how many machines are adapted for the placement of the pallets/carrier modules. After a gripper change, it is possible to switch between handling pallets with workpieces or individual workpieces. For example, in a two-machine solution, one machine can currently produce workpieces on pallet carriers, while the other produces individual workpieces. High flexibility without restrictions.
Various gripper, clamping, pallet, and die systems
One of the most important components of a robot system is the various grippers. Hermle uses standard or hybrid grippers in the robot systems for part handling, each as single or double grippers. The standard grippers as single and double grippers can be manually adjusted from 8 to 319 mm. The transport weight per gripper is 20 kg.
The hybrid grippers as single and double grippers can automatically adjust from 10 to 240 mm. All grippers can be adapted with various gripper fingers. The transport weight of the hybrid grippers is 25 kg, while the double hybrid gripper is 2 x 25 kg.
For handling pallets and matrix carriers, an NSR gripper is adapted to the robot. This allows for the transport of pallets weighing up to 210 kg and matrix carriers up to 600 x 600 mm with up to 180 kg. In addition to the standard matrices, which have a standardized grid for identical components, universal matrices from HERMLE can also be used, which can be individually adjusted for various parts families.
To provide fully automated and process-safe machining and part handling, the RS 2 GEN2 can also automatically change the clamping jaws of the vises. This allows for an even higher workpiece volume and is an optimal complement in the area of 6-sided machining.
Control software
The control software is the heart and brain of the system. It manages, checks, and coordinates the workflow in the system. It communicates with the operator and displays the system states. Intelligent diversion strategies in the order sequence (e.g., broken tools, order cannot be processed further, switch to an alternative order where everything is available). Ideal ToDo preview for operator activities with multi-day foresight. Flexible planning options across multiple machines.
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