RoboJob is fully focused on the automation of existing machines
Can you automate the CNC machines you already have?
This has been a noticeable trend for a few years now: small and large CNC machine manufacturers offer their CNC machines in combination with CNC Automation. It allows the CNC machine manufacturers to offer the customer a total package. However, there are thousands of existing CNC machines throughout Europe without automation, and RoboJob wants to do something about that.
Can you add a robot to an existing CNC machine?
For more than 12 years, RoboJob has been working on the most extensive portfolio of standard CNC Automation solutions. The Turn-Assist and Mill-Assist series have become the standard in CNC Automation, and with the Tower in particular, RoboJob now has a solution for every customer. It’s striking that the Belgian CNC specialist not only automates new machines, but existing machines in particular.
Helmut De Roovere - CEO
“It’s a common misunderstanding in our market that a robot can only be placed on a new machine with a robot interface and an automatic door,” says CEO Helmut De Roovere. “Nothing, however, is further from the truth: of course we have to be able to communicate with the machine in order to exchange signals, but it’s not that exciting. Every machine has the necessary signals to make this communication possible. In the meantime, we have built up significant experience with more than 700 installations on dozens of machine brands ‘in the field’. Most of them on existing machines.”
Why automate existing CNC machines?
De Roovere sees it as a positive trend that more and more new machines are being offered with a robot: “It confirms the need to focus on automation. It’s really useful for the customer to buy everything from one source. And there’s a lot of profit and efficiency still to be gained from the automation of existing machines.”
The CEO speaks from experience: at RoboJob's sister company, 7 machines have already been automated, including existing machines. “Those machines are already there, but without automation they’re too often idle. We now sometimes use the robot for as few as 5 pieces. For example, if the cycle time is 20 minutes, this gives the operator almost 2 hours to prepare another machine or to make single pieces. And the machine with a robot gets more spindle hours, and that’s ultimately what it's all about.”
More return from the machines you already have
Thanks to the robot, existing machines also yield more returns: they are paid back faster and generate more revenue. Calculate what automation can deliver for your machines.
Frequently asked questions about automating existing CNC machines
Can I automate an existing CNC machine with a robot?
Yes. A robot does not require a new machine with a robot interface and an automatic door. Every machine has the necessary signals to communicate with the robot, and most of RoboJob’s installations are on existing machines.
Does my CNC machine need a robot interface for automation?
No. RoboJob needs to exchange signals with the machine, and every CNC machine has the necessary signals to make that communication possible.
Which CNC machine brands can RoboJob automate?
RoboJob has automated machines from dozens of CNC brands. See the CNC brand overview for the brands we work with.
What are the benefits of automating an existing CNC machine?
The machine gets more spindle hours, the operator gains time to prepare another machine or make single pieces, and the machine pays for itself faster. With a 20-minute cycle time and 5 pieces, for example, the operator gains almost 2 hours.
How quickly does automating an existing CNC machine pay off?
That depends on your production. Use the RoboJob ROI calculation to see how quickly your investment pays for itself, or request a demo to discuss your machines with our specialists.