CNC Solutions & Rollon: Robotic Automation for heavy-duty applications

Founded in 2000, CNC Solutions began with a focus on safety enhancements for machine tools, leveraging software and machine interfaces. Over the past two decades, the company has evolved to meet the growing demands of the industrial automation sector, becoming a leader in custom robotic solutions. Today, CNC Solutions is an authorized Fanuc system integrator specializing in robotic automation for a broad range of applications across the U.S. industrial landscape, including machine tending, material removal, welding, drilling, assembly, and palletizing. “We are experts in material handling applications. One thing that sets us apart is our premier programmers. Many on our engineering staff have over 20 years of experience in the automation industry.” notes Jeffrey Wojtkiewicz, Engineering Manager at CNC Solutions.With a focus on efficiency and quality, CNC Solutions manages every stage of a project, from design to on-site setup and validation. Most of CNC’s projects are operational within one week of installation on a customer’s production floor. This dedication to swift, effective delivery underlines CNC Solutions’ mission to be an industry leader in robotic automation. A key part of their success has been partnering with Rollon, a global leader in linear motion solutions.

The challenge

In a recent project, CNC Solutions faced a demanding challenge for a manufacturer in the oil and gas industry. The task? Designing and implementing a system capable of moving and manipulating 500-pound pipe flanges. This application required a Fanuc M-900iB/700 industrial robot, one of the largest robots with the highest payload available. Extending the robot’s ability to tend multiple locations was essential for its required tasks, which needed to be done with precision and robustness, considering the payload and process.

“The heavy payload and large parts meant that we had to ensure structural stability. ‎Furthermore, the solution would need to expand the robot’s operating reach to support the required working area as well,” explained Jeffrey Wojtkiewicz.

To extend the robot’s reach accurately and soundly, CNC Solutions found it imperative to have a reliable Robot Transfer Unit (RTU) capable of high load capacity and smooth performance under continuous operation.

robotic automation for heavy-duty applications

Fanuc M-900iB/700 industrial robot

The solution: Rollon RTUf

To meet this need, CNC Solutions turned to Rollon’s Steel RTUf (Robot Transfer Unit with floor mount), known for its versatility and reliability in heavy-duty applications. The RTUf is an advanced linear motion solution built to withstand demanding industrial conditions and specifically engineered to support high payloads and deliver high repeatability in positioning. The RTUf features:

High load capacity: the RTUf can handle robots of different weights and the heavy parts they manipulate, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted movement even under extreme loads.
Precision: the RTUf maintains stability, which is critical when handling heavy parts with large industrial robots.
Customizable configuration: the RTUf allows for extensive customization. In this project, CNC Solutions worked closely with Rollon to design a bolt pattern that suited their specific assembly needs. “We designed the robotic cell to include additional elements to be bolted to the saddle of the RTUf and then sent the CAD model directly to Rollon so they could include the extra bolt patterns needed, allowing us to attach additional elements securely,” explains Cory Roehl, Marketing and Technical Sales Engineer at CNC Solutions.

Steel RTUf

RTUf application

The RTUf provided to CNC Solutions achieved a total travel distance of 12,915 mm, equipped with two movable saddles, and the ability to deliver a maximum velocity of 3 m/s with an acceleration of 3 m/s², effectively meeting the application’s specific requirements.

Once configured, the RTUf was tested on-site by CNC Solutions, ensuring that it met the necessary specifications and would perform effectively in a real-world production environment. “Typically, we assemble and test all our solutions to ensure that everything functions as expected,” says Wojtkiewicz.

The collaboration between CNC Solutions and Rollon

CNC Solutions and Rollon have a longstanding partnership based on trust and technical expertise. “Anytime there’s a rail involved, Rollon’s phone is going to ring,” jokes Wojtkiewicz. “We are happy in our relationship with Rollon. As an engineer, I’ve seen how their products have evolved – it’s impressive how sleek and easy to assemble they are now.”In addition to Rollon’s products, the CNC Solutions team appreciates the efficient communication and responsive support that Rollon provides. “We need partners that are as efficient and fast as we are,” says Wojtkiewicz. “Because our work is very diverse, we rely on Rollon’s strong engineering background and adaptability to tackle each unique challenge we encounter.”This collaborative approach enables CNC Solutions to push the boundaries of robotic automation, delivering tailored solutions that meet the stringent requirements of their customers.

Conclusion

With Rollon’s RTUf, CNC Solutions successfully implemented a robust, high-capacity system for material handling in the oil and gas industry, overcoming the challenges of heavy payloads and large parts with precision and reliability. This project reflects CNC Solutions’ commitment to engineering excellence and Rollon’s capability to provide cutting-edge linear motion solutions tailored to demanding applications.

As CNC Solutions continues to expand its capabilities in robotic automation, its strong relationship with Rollon will remain a cornerstone of its success, enabling the company to address increasingly complex challenges with speed, precision, and performance.

Notes: for APAC Market please refer to Steel RTU.

For more information on Rollon’s linear motion solutions and to connect with Rollon application engineers in your area or region, please get in touch with us.

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