Easy-to-Use Robot Interface

The robot is set up directly through the Haas control using the Haas Robot Interface, which guides the operator through the steps necessary to quickly program the robot’s motions using the Haas Touch Remote Jog Handle. Answering simple questions, the operator enters basic information by either positioning the part grippers and pushing a single button to record the position, or by entering basic numerical values. The motions are recorded and values are calculated automatically by the control, and the robot is ready for automatic parts loading.

A basic part management table can be created by setting up a grid pattern template of equally spaced rows and columns. The robot APL grippers can be configured for various part shapes – such as round, hex, and square bars – and adjusted or modified to best fit your parts.

The robot APL operates in the background during normal machining operations, returning parts to the storage table and retrieving new raw pieces, while parts are being machined. The result is near-continuous unattended machining. 

Our easy-to-use Haas Robot Interface uses simple, step-by-step instructions to help the operator “teach” a 6-axis robot the correct positions for picking up, loading, and unloading parts.

• The robot’s motion is operated directly from the Haas Touch Remote Jog Handle,  allowing for seamless integration
• Step-by-step instructions and graphics help guide the operator through the setup process, for example:
  • Set the part template pattern – number of rows and columns
  • Set the first part pick-up position
  • Teach the linear path the robot arm will follow to the ready position
  • Set the ready position – where the robot will wait until machining is complete 
  • Set the load and unload positions at the workholding
  • Set the drop-off position for the first completed part

The APL sequence has been expanded to allow for additional capabilities for the robot that our other standard APL's can't do.  Expanded capabilities for the robot include:

• Part Flipping
• Pickup and dropoff from multiple locations (allowing for conveyor feeds, etc.)
• Load and Unload from multiple locations (Main or sub spindle, multiple vises)

Simple to Operate in APL Mode

APL Mode seamlessly combines the part program selected in Memory [MEM] with a designated robot setup template to automate part production and boost productivity.

A new M-code was developed for use with Auto Part Loaders (APL) and robots. M299 is typically used at the end of a part program. When the program is started by pressing [CYCLE START] in Memory mode, the M299 acts exactly like an M30 (Program End and Reset). But if the program is started while “APL Mode” is active, then the M299 will command the robot APL to load the first part from the table, and then run the active program in Memory. 

• APL Mode
  
  • Simply replace your M30 with an M299 at the end of your part program
  • From the Run Job tab, press [INSERT] to select the designated APL setup template (Job) and turn on APL Mode; an “APL Mode” watermark will appear over your program, and you’re ready to go
  • Press Cycle Start, and the robot will load the first part, and execute the part program in Memory
  • While the part is being machined, the robot will drop off the completed part, and then pick up new raw stock and stage it at the designated load position
  • The operator can monitor table status, the number of parts completed, which number part is inside the machine, and which part is next all from Run Job page
  • The cycle continues until all parts on the table are completed, or a specified number of parts is reached