Loading and Unloading Manipulator Controlled by Built-in PLC in CNC System

An increasing number of industrial robotic devices are appended to the computerized numerical control machine tools for higher efficiency and lower labor cost. At this point the most crucial technology is to create communications between the robot and the numerical control controller. The presentation would contribute to retrofitting numerical control machine tools into highly flexible and intelligent manufacturing systems. Firstly, the miscellaneous function handling mechanism was investigated in the case of Mitsubishi E60 numerical control system. Secondly, the control system of an experimental pneumatic manipulator was designed using the programmable logic controller built-in the numerical control system. Finally, an experiment was conducted to verify that the pneumatic manipulator and the numerical control machine could work cooperatively. Obviously, the presented method can be used to develop various process equipments to enhance the intelligence and flexibility of numerical control machine tools. Copyright © 2013 IFSA.