The CNC drilling machine Orient with robotic thermal processing uses unique steel fabrication technology to achieve industry-leading productivity. This complete integration of structural steel drilling, scribing and milling with thermal cutting delivers capabilities not available on typical CNC drilling machines for steel.
This automatic steel fabrication line includes the steel fabrication technology of thermal cutting that FICEP innovated in the late 80’s to employ robotics to thermally generate copes, mechanical opening, rat holes, weld prep, cut off and more.
Not only was FICEP the first European firm to introduce robotics for thermal cutting of structural steel shapes they quickly realized that probing of the section was a time consuming process. In view of the mill tolerance deviations of structural steel shapes the ability to find the different material surfaces and edges is critical to establish the accuracy of location and reliable torch ignition. FICEP was the first firm to develop non-contact laser probing for the thermal cutting process of structural steel.
The ability of the robot to use both plasma and oxy-fuel thermal cutting technologies in conjunction with an automatic torch changer greatly expands the productivity and versatility that can be achieved. Web cuts like narrow copes that require cutting next to the flange can be achieved with the oxy-fuel torch where the plasma torch is too large to achieve these cuts. The oxy-fuel torch also expands the capabilities of the system when thicker material must be processed.
The systems drilling capability starts with an innovative spindle design that enables up to three surfaces to be processed with the same spindle. The “Direct Drive” spindle features a 17 KW (23 HP) motor for speeds up to 5,000 RPM. This unique spindle design delivers 100% of the motors power to the tool.
The positive spindle feed is designed to take full advantage of today’s high performance tooling. The spindle is furnished with a 6 or 12 position automatic tool changer to accommodate ISO 40 tool holders to generate holes sizes of up to 40 mm (1-9/16”).
The Orient that can be provided with one or two articulating spindles for drilling and scribing for example. When scribing this capability can be utilized to establish layout locations, detail orientation and weld symbols where required. As an option an underside-scribing tool can be added to permit 4 side scribing to eliminate manual layout.
Each spindle and the underside scribing tool can be furnished with a sub-axis option to permit simultaneous functions even when the required hole or scribe locations for example are not in line.
FICEP invented and has received numerous patents for the automatic importation of the locations of the intersecting members from the 3-D model. These innovative patents eliminate any manual programming to establish not just holes but all the required layout locations.
The Orient uses a positive rack and pinion system to achieve exceptional accuracy. The positioning of the section to be processed is achieved to exacting standards regardless of the sections surface condition. This carriage system also automatically measures the stock length of the section prior to processing to maximize material utilization. This positive feeding system advances the section through the line so all the stock length material can be utilized without requiring a drop.
0 Comments