FANUC success story Grip GmbH Handhabungstechnik

A good grip on machining: ROBODRILL provides six-fold increase in capacity

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Task:
With worldwide demand for robots currently booming, leading robot accessory manufacturer Grip GmbH required more machining centre capacity, not only to keep pace with orders, but to enhance productivity and drive down costs. Alongside speed, precision and reliability, the new machining centres had to offer batch size flexibility: down to single component lots if necessary.

Solution:
After careful consideration and market assessment, Grip GmbH opted for FANUC and its high-capability ROBODRILL α-D21MiB5ADV machining centre, an advanced version of the latest D-series ROBODRILL. The high-specification machines acquired by Grip GmbH include an innovative tool and workpiece handling system (provided by a FANUC system partner) that features a FANUC robot.

Result:
The complete package of FANUC machine with tool and workpiece handling system in a compact cell impresses with its speed, flexibility and price-performance ratio, allowing Grip GmbH to perform the unmanned production of small series and individual parts. The company calculates that its machining capacity has seen an almost six-fold increase

About Grip GmbH Handhabungstechnik

Established in 1989, Dortmund-based Grip GmbH manufactures innovative and solution-driven tool-changer technologies for robots. Production takes place at the company’s extensively equipped workshops which house flexible, modern CAM-supported CNC machines and 40 highly qualified personnel. As standard, Grip GmbH tests every product on its proprietary test benches, representing a functional guarantee for customers.

“We develop components for the robot periphery,” states Hasan Canti, CEO of Grip GmbH. “Our primary focus is manual and pneumatic gripper changing systems, which we manufacture for almost all robot manufacturers.”

The company also produces automatic changing systems and electric couplers, and has a separate area at its advanced production facility called ‘complete robot solutions’. With such an expansive offer, Grip GmbH has seen demand for its products grow dramatically.

“The robot market is booming and, since we develop robot accessories, our company is seeing greater numbers of requests for ever-faster and more flexible deliveries,” says Canti. “In response, we knew we had to increase our production capacities, with particular regard to machining. Following comprehensive research and comparison of major market players we chose FANUC and the ROBODRILL α-D21MiB5ADV Plus. With the add-ons from Häberle it was simply the perfect machine.”

Häberle is a special machine manufacturer and system partner of FANUC Germany. The Häberle RobodrillPlus-K sees the ROBODRILL α-D21MiB5ADV Plus embellished with tool and workpiece handling in a compact cell, delivering modern unmanned production. The unique storage unit expands the machine to 65 tools and 60 workpiece pallets, thus accommodating any manufacturing demand, including small series and individual part production. Automatic order-related changeover of clamping devices and tools arrives courtesy of a LANG zero-point clamping system complemented by a FANUC LR Mate 200iD industrial robot.

“My initial plan was to use the first year for testing our new FANUC ROBODRILL machines,” explains Canti. “However, after three months we were using them to their full extent. Today, 10 months after installation, we can say that the machines are operating at optimal performance. FANUC has more than fulfilled our expectations, supported by outstanding staff creativity. The results are truly perfect and we’ve been able to increase capacity almost six-fold.” He concludes: “If I was faced with this decision again, I would make the same choice without hesitation.”

FANUC products used

ROBODRILL α-D21MiB5ADV Plus

ROBODRILL α-DiBADV Plus CNC machining centres set the performance benchmark in their class by facilitating cutting-edge high-speed production. Providing the ultimate in precision and repeatability, the machines are perfect for fully automated production runs and represent a versatile alternative to larger models. In addition to standard features, advanced versions come with: 0.7 second tool change for super-fast cycle times; 4 kg tool-handling capability for multi-step tools; and 400 mm Z-axis latitude for larger parts and less interference between tools and workpieces.

LR Mate 200iD

This versatile and compact six-axis robot features the approximate size and reach (717 mm) of a human arm. The FANUC LR Mate 200iD combines best-in-class robot weight-load capacity with standard IP67 protection and outstanding FANUC quality. This makes the 7 kg payload LR Mate 200iD the best and most reliable mini robot for process automation in many industries.