TL;DR
Machine shop without machinist that could deliver tight tolerance parts 10x faster and half the cost.
What
A fully automated machine shop designed to accept only a CAD file and deliver a UPS package ready for pickup. This system is engineered to maintain a tight tolerance of 0.03 mm for parts smaller than 150 mm in three dimensions, with the potential for even tighter tolerances in future iterations. The total time from the completion of the file upload to the package being ready for pickup is aimed to be less than 10 minutes, in addition to the machining time. Moreover, this system aims to make small volume, or even one-off, parts available at prices comparable to those of large volume orders, achieving high precision and short lead times that were previously unimaginable.
Input
- A STEP file.
- Tolerance requirements collected with an online interfacr built with Onshape. [optional]
Output
A UPS package ready to be picked up.
Why
- Reduce lead time from weeks to days
- Reduce the cost by at least half
- Provide aerospace grade tolerance for both large volume parts and small volume parts
How
Automation for a regular machining cycle:
| Step | How to Automate | Example |
|---|---|---|
| CAM | MagicNC | This is the only step that haven’t been automated. |
| Tool Setup | Central Tool Storage System | https://youtu.be/jCDVY8oiET8?t=29 or https://youtu.be/qr6JGWlnUYs |
| Stock Preparation | Bar Feeder + Circular Saw | https://youtu.be/yzhZM9i2iYk |
| Stock Loading | Robot Arm + Hydraulic Vise + Aluminum Soft Jaws | https://youtu.be/qr6JGWlnUYs |
| Machining | Mill Turn Machining Center | https://youtu.be/tzqGWH-Vifo |
| In-process Inspection | Wireless Probing System | https://youtu.be/JxbTCQgMKjo?t=52 |
| Part Unloading | Robot Arm + Hydraulic Vise + Aluminum Soft Jaws | https://youtu.be/yFzGVypNV6k |
| Inspection | Robot Arm + CMM | https://youtu.be/6cbayQAuvvw?t=285 |
| Packaging | Robotic Packaging System + Liquid Packaging Foam | https://youtu.be/zM_8pHBvYm0, https://youtu.be/SrsIoAi9ohg, https://youtu.be/k151jdCaMU8 |
Automation for periodic maintainanace job:
| Task | How to Automate | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Callibraiton | Machine Callibration System | https://youtu.be/nJ5KmGPD5Iw?t=116 |
| Tool Callibration and Breakage Detection | Laser Measuring System | https://youtu.be/6lPKI4eWwkA |
| Coolant Refill | Automatic Coolant Refill | https://youtu.be/rNV11GLYkp4 |