Abstract: Disclosed are vise embodiments designed to lower manufacturing cost and work well in an automated CNC milling production environment. The disclosed embodiments include rigid vises having high clamp force and low internal friction. The embodiments include features for resisting the ingress of metal chips into sensitive moving parts through the use of commonly available seals and the flow of CNC coolant to flush metal chips away from the vise.

Abstract: Disclosed are mechanical interfaces of an end-of-arm-tool (EOAT) and part-gripping devices. The EOAT mechanical interface is for operatively coupling a gripper actuator to the part-gripping device. The part-gripping device mechanical interface is matable to the EOAT mechanical interface for operatively coupling the EOAT to the part-gripping device. Among other improvements, also disclosed are improved gripper fingers.

Abstract: A system and method for using a robotic arm and a part gripping jaw to tend a CNC machine. A robotic arm picks up a part gripping jaw and used the jaw to grip a part, and moves the part into a vise in the CNC machine. The part gripping jaw has features which the vise engages, and secures the part in the part gripping jaw for processing in the CNC machine. The system and method includes a novel racking system, robotic end of arm tool, jaw grippers and vise system. The jaw grippers that hold the part are moved from the rack system, with the part to be processed, by the robot, to the vise where the vise uses the jaw grippers to secure the part for processing. After the part is processed, the robot removes the part from the vise with the jaw grippers and stores the part back into the rack system using the jaw grippers.

Abstract: A system and method for using a robotic arm and a part gripping jaw to tend a CNC machine. A robotic arm picks up a part gripping jaw and used the jaw to grip a part, and moves the part into a vise in the CAN machine. The part gripping jaw has features which the vise engages, and secures the part in the part gripping jaw for processing in the CNC machine. The system and method includes a novel racking system, robotic end of arm tool, jaw grippers and vise system. The jaw grippers that hold the part are moved from the rack system, with the part to be processed, by the robot, to the vise where the vise uses the jaw grippers to secure the part for processing. After the part is processed, the robot removes the part from the vise with the jaw grippers and stores the part back into the rack system using the jaw grippers.