Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic loading and unloading system and method for double spindle CNC machines. The system makes use of cross slide component of the CNC machine itself and its sliding movements to perform loading and unloading a finished job from the machine, and eliminating need of external robots/gantry. The system comprises two sets of twin grippers placed at the two cross slides across the two spindles. Each set of grippers perform pickup, unload, load and ejection of jobs. A transfer arm travels between the two spindles to transfer semi-finished jobs between the spindles, in order to finish the jobs and collect them in an out-feed bin. The present system provides simpler and faster way of loading and unloading jobs automatically.

Abstract: The automatic loading and unloading system for CNC machines of the present invention makes use of cross slide component of the CNC machine itself and its sliding movements to perform loading and unloading a finished job from machine, and eliminating need of external robots/gantry. The system comprises a set of twin grippers placed at the cross slide, first gripper and second gripper. The twin grippers perform the load, unload and eject operations in two actions: firstly, the first gripper picks up new job from pickup zone, while the second gripper unloads finished job from chuck simultaneously; and secondly, the first gripper loads the new job into chuck, while the second gripper drops the finished job into an ejector chute from where the finished job comes out of the machine simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for tool life management and monitoring in a CNC environment. The invention employs an indirect method that measures tool wear effect on size change of jobs. After every measurement of the job, the tool wear is calculated by a set of advanced algorithms and this value is sent to a file where it adds to a previous value. When the sum of all these tool wear values equals that of the maximum allowable wear for that type of tool insert, a signal is generated to indicate that tool insert life is over and it should be replaced. Advantageously, the invention ensures that life of each edge of the insert is fully utilized and also identifies when an edge is worn out (its useful life is over).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an automatic monitoring method and apparatus that automatically detects occurrence of an accident or a situation that may lead to an accident in a CNC machine and environment; and signals to take an appropriate action for rectifying the accidental situation. The method and apparatus may include a plurality of sensors that are mounted on various parts of the CNC machine, wherever required. The method, in execution, detects collisions and other failures/injuries in the CNC machine that lead to severe accidents and damage to the operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus for performing a health checkup of a CNC turning center. The present invention relies on a plurality of inputs to measure the health of the CNC turning center. These inputs include a) Vibration b) Currents drawn by Servo motors & machine spindle. Whenever the CNC turning center is powered up, a health check-up mechanism is performed and appropriate corrective measures are taken if required.

Abstract: A system and method for gauging and auto correcting geometric tolerances in respect of a work piece is disclosed. The method includes receiving and storing one or more desired in respect of a first work piece from a user. The method further includes measuring one or more desired in respect of a second work piece; comparing the measured one or more desired in respect of the second work piece with the corresponding stored one or more desired and assessing, existence of a deviation within a predetermined tolerance range in one or more desired measured in respect of the second work piece based on comparison. Thereafter, the method involves auto-correcting one or more desired in respect of the second work piece based on identified deviation, such that the corrected one or more geometric tolerance values in respect of the second work piece is equivalent to stored one or more desired.