program, as well as more widely accepted. The skill levels required to maintain robots aren’t that great, so the technology fits nicely into our typical applications as well as meeting our customers’ expectations. When we do an automation job, we do a turnkey, because every job is going to have its own unique set of require- ments–different grippers, some inlet and outlet delivery systems with trays, conveyors and whatnot and usually a lot of engineering on the robot side, and that’s where the system integrator must be very strong,” Marchand said.


Systems May be Simple or Complex “In the last five to 10 years, we’ve seen a steady rise in automation requests, from simple, straight-forward pick-and-place systems to highly sophisticated, full-blown automated flex- ible grinding cells,” said Hans Ueltschi, vice president, UGT’s Cylindrical Divi- sion. “Traditionally, as you might expect, we’ve seen automation in high-volume jobs, such as automotive applications. Lately, however, we’re seeing more and more requests for automation in low-volume jobs—automation demand- ing greater flexibility. This trend for more flexibility is spilling over to higher volume jobs as well. Automotive and Tier suppliers in particular are asking for this flexibility when it comes to changing over from one model year to another, one part to another, or from one version of a part to another. In the past, this wasn’t a high priority for them, because their major concern was the issue of high volumes,” said Ueltschi. Many companies are requesting more than just part loading and unload- ing. “Automating grinding is becoming very complex because it often involves integrating measuring systems, for example, and data management. In ad- dition, automating a grinding machine


CMI_mfg_eng_SMART_half pg island_4clr.indd 1


is far more difficult than automating a turning machine. You have to have great workholding, which requires much more precise part loading than is required in turning applications. This requires a superior loading system and the ability to


The New Grinding Edge


SMART III technology is now available in a multi-functional 2- and 3-axes CNC surface grinder. The SMART’s PC-based control, combined with a user-friendly conversational TaskLink function, makes it easy to learn and operate. The SMART series produces “mirror” surface finishes on highly accurate- ly ground workpieces that result in microfinishes of 5 RMS with a positioning and grinding accuracy of (±) 1 micron. The SMART’s movements are programmable in increments of 0.001mm and include a table size up to 24"W x 80"L. The standard spindle speed is 1200rpm to 3600rpm with a spindle power of up to 25HP (greater HP is available). Call your local dealer to see our comprehensive product line for all your machining needs.


800-243-8253 / 562-903-1929 • www.ChevalierUSA.com SEE US AT WESTEC IN BOOTH 2812


4/23/13 11:13 AM June 2013 | ManufacturingEngineeringMedia.com 61


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