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The RL-2000 robotic load-unload system from Nagel Precision Inc. is capable of performing secondary operations, which the company says could aid manufacturers in achieving lights-out manufacturing. Ethernet and Profinet communications systems inside the FANUC controller eliminate the need for expensive standalone controls, and the system integrates with old and new CNC- and PLC-based machines.

While traditional automatic machine tending and pallet systems are solely dedicated to loading and unloading, with separate systems for deburring, stamping, gauging and otherwise refining parts, the loader can perform these secondary operations. It is compatible with front- and side-loading applications. The operator opens the interlocked safety door, manually unloads as many as four finished trays and loads green trays. Operators can pull out the trays like drawers on heavy-duty-rail mounts, as can the robot during operation. Once each tray is complete, the robot returns the tray and pulls out the next, with sensors preventing crashes and ensuring that trays are in place. The robot can drop a finished part into a SPC chute at regular intervals for offline inspection. It can also use optional automatic gripper changers for rapid changeover.

The heavy-duty system is said to meet stringent automotive OEM specifications. The company offers customization to suit individual requirements and delivers the system turnkey.