Flexible Automation with Smooth Operator
Imagine a future where your CNC machines run continuously, around-the-clock, producing high-quality parts with minimal human intervention. With Smooth Operator, that future is here.
By automating mundane tasks and enhancing overall efficiency, Smooth Operator can help you:
Smooth Operator is more than just a robot arm; it’s a collaborative partner (cobot) designed to optimise your CNC machining process. By combining advanced technology with user-friendly operation, we’ve created a solution that delivers real, tangible results.
How Smooth Operator Works for You
At Iscar Plus, we bring over 40 years of experience in the New Zealand manufacturing industry. We understand that adaptability and flexibility are key. Smooth Operator can be configured with multiple end-effectors, ensuring your machine shop’s dynamic needs are always met.
Here’s how:
Robotiq Grippers:
Robotiq offers a variety of adaptive grippers, including both two-finger and 3-finger models, as well as vacuum grippers for handling delicate or porous materials. Robotiq grippers facilitate the handling of parts with varying geometries, offering massive flexibility and reusability across different applications. Paired with a computer vision system, they allow Smooth Operator to pick parts reliably even in unstructured environments, like those laid out randomly on a workbench.
Computer Vision System
This innovative add-on transforms Smooth Operator from a static machine into an adaptive, visually aware partner. What’s the difference? In static programming, Smooth Operator moves to pre-defined positions to perform pick-and-place operations—useful in some applications. In contrast, an adaptive program responds to its environment.
Lang Grippers
Lang Grippers are specifically designed to work seamlessly with the Lang 0-point system, creating a powerful and efficient duo for CNC machining applications. The Lang 0-point system is the ultimate in accuracy in repeatability, ensuring that the parts your machines produce are of the highest quality, consistently.
How does it work?
Parts to be machined are clamped in Lang vices by the machine operator and placed in dedicated slots on the work bench. The Smooth Operator then picks the vice up using the Lang gripper, and places it in the 0-point clamping system which is attached, at a pre-determined location, to the machine bed. The vices and clamping system interact using a series of pins that ensure a repeat accuracy of <0.005 mm, guaranteeing the accuracy of your setup. This system is the ultimate for around-the-clock, high precision milling operations.
The flexibility offered by the range of end effector configurations allows the Smooth Operator to continually meet your requirements, regardless of part and process changes.
This integration optimises production processes, improves product quality, and drives overall business efficiency.
