CNC turning and milling
Loads raw material and removes machined parts in repetitive cycles.
Manufacturing automation
Robots for machine tending
A cobot or industrial robot can load and unload workpieces on a CNC machine, press or other production machine. Compare models on reach, payload, gripper and safety set-up.
The task
What does this robot do?
In machine tending, a robot places a workpiece in a machine and removes it again after the cycle. This can be done with CNC turning, milling, pressing and injection moulding. The robot arm is only one part of the solution: gripper, workpiece supply, machine door, controls and safety determine whether the cell works reliably.
In practice
What is this solution used for?
Pressing
Moves workpieces between infeed, press and outfeed with suitable guarding.
Injection moulding
Takes suitable products out of the machine and places them for inspection or packaging.
Multiple machines
One robot cell can sometimes serve several machines if reach and cycle times allow it.
Business considerations
When does automation become interesting?
Use these signals as a starting point for research, not as a guarantee of a result.
- Many repeated machine cycles
- Workpieces can be grasped reproducibly
- Machine operation needs few exception decisions
- Operators spend much time on loading and unloading
Comparing technologies
Which approach fits the task?
Cobot
Can be interesting for smaller series and changeovers. Working alongside people requires a risk assessment here too.
Industrial robot
Can be suitable for higher speed or heavier loads, often with a clearly guarded work cell.
Models
Robots for this application
Linked on the basis of the recorded application and robot type. Check the suitability for your process per model.
ABB
GoFa
Cobots · Machine tending
Payload: 5 to 12 kg
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DOBOT
CR10
Cobots · Machine tending
Payload: 10 kg
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Doosan Robotics
A-serie
Cobots · Machine tending
Payload: 5 to 9 kg
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Doosan Robotics
M-serie
Cobots · Machine tending
Payload: 6 to 15 kg
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Doosan Robotics
H-serie
Cobots · Machine tending
Payload: 20 to 25 kg
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FANUC
CRX-10iA
Cobots · Machine tending
Payload: 10 kg
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KUKA
LBR iisy
Cobots · Machine tending
Payload: 3 to 15 kg
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NEURA Robotics
LARA
Cobots · Machine tending
View robotSuppliers
Suppliers for this application
These suppliers are linked to the robot models shown. Check delivery area, integration and service directly with the supplier.
What does implementation require?
The robot choice follows from the workplace and the process. Discuss these points before comparing models.
- 01Measure workpiece weight, grip points and required reach.
- 02Check cycle duration, machine interface and door operation.
- 03Design safe infeed, outfeed and error handling.
- 04Decide who changes programs when products change and who maintains the cell.
Explore further
Frequently asked questions
Questions about manufacturing automation
What is machine tending with a robot?
A robot places workpieces in a machine and takes them out again after machining.
Is a cobot always suitable for CNC machine tending?
No. Weight, reach, cycle duration, chips, coolant and safety may call for a different set-up.
Does the CNC machine need to be modified?
An interface for start, stop, status and door operation is often needed. The exact modification differs per machine.
Which gripper is needed?
That depends on the shape, dimensions, surface and weight of the workpiece. An integrator can test this.
Can one robot serve several machines?
Sometimes, if reach, layout and cycle times make it possible. This requires a process design per site.
Compare solutions for your situation
Start with the task and then test model, supplier and implementation.