September 2021

n TECHNOLOGY September 2021 www.drivesncontrols.com 22 A DANISH START-UP claims to have solved a “previously unsolvable” challenge by developing the world’s first completely automated door-opening system for CNC machine tools, thus removing the last barrier to the automated feeding of components into machines. The company, Made4CNC, says that its system can be fitted to any CNC machine tool in less than an hour. Currently only a small proportion of CNC machines are fed components automatically. Most rely either on an operator or a robot to open and close the heavy doors every few minutes. When CNC machines need to be automated, integrators often build bespoke door-opening systems that risks errors, stoppages, and hazardous situations because they typically use compressed air, and are neither standardised nor tested. Investing in a fully automated CNC machine or upgrading an older model can be costly and difficult. Odense-based Made4CNC says that its electrically operated Safedoor SD100 overcomes these challenges. It can open CNC doors that are up to 1m wide and weigh up to 400kg, at speeds of up to 500mm/s. The door opener can connect to any robot and CNC machine via galvanically- isolated digital inputs and outputs. Built-in safety functions allow integrators to adjust the speed of the CNC door, making risk assessments easier to conduct. “Around the world the need for faster and greater automation is a major trend, and for it to succeed, less time must be spent on each installation,”explains Made4CNC CEO, Peter Nadolny Madsen.“With the SD100, we have integrated safety and robustness in a user- friendly solution, which we believe is the key to optimal productivity. Integration of cobots together with existing CNC machines makes a lot of sense, since the automation of existing machines generate low risk and a short payback period for the customer.” Madsen established Made4CNC in January 2021, with investors Thomas Visti and Lasse Kieffer. They have worked for other Danish robot companies including Universal Robots, OnRobot, Purple Robotics and Mobile Industrial Robots. Several end-users have already started to use the door-opening technology. For example, the Danish integrator Nordelektro has installed two of the systems at the gear manufacturer, Randers Tandhjulsfabrik. “It took less than an hour for each CNC machine and they are good and stable door- openers,” reports Randers’ factory manager, Lars Bo Nielsen. The door-opener makes life easier for integrators by allowing them to offer customers a standardised out-of-the-box system. “It is a huge advantage for us as an integrator,” says Nordelektro’s sales manager, Jesper Storm Simonsen. “We don’t need to invent something complicated and expensive, we have minimum project risk.” https://made4cnc.com Automated CNC door-opening system solves an ‘unsolvable’ challenge Made4CNC’s Safedoor SD100 system can automate the opening and closing of any CNC machine door DANISH-BASED Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR), which claims to be the global market leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), has launched a pair of AMRs which are its most powerful to date and can be used to move pallets and other heavy loads around manufacturing facilities, warehouses and logistics centres. The 600kg-capacity MiR600 and the 1,350kg-capacity MiR1350 robots are said to be the first AMRs with an IP52 protection rating, which means they can tolerate dust and water drops. “Many companies now integrate our mobile robots as an alternative to manned forklifts, which can be expensive to staff and dangerous to operate,” says MiR president, Søren Nielsen. “The streamlined transport provided by AMRs frees employees to carry out more value-creating activities and support processes in production while they increase shop floor safety.” The AMRs are designed to navigate smoothly and safely among people and other equipment in dynamic surroundings. Sensors, 3D cameras and laser scanners provide a 360-degree view for precise, safe navigation. The new AMRs comply with the latest safety standards, including ISO 3691-4 and ANSI/RIA R15.08-1-2020. There is a choice of lift top modules available, allowing the robots to pick up and drop off different pallets and carts. “Customers testing AMRs within their facilities have learned that they want to transport heavier loads, and that successfully investing in large fleets for core production demands ever greater levels of reliability, safety and quality,” Nielsen reports. ”Our new industrial and robust robots meet these requirements, making them an easy choice to integrate directly into companies’ workflows. www.mobile-industrial-robots.com 1,350kg-capacity AMRs are first to offer IP52 protection