A very important aspect of a successful automation cell is automated workholding. Most lathes come standard with this provision; however, this feature will normally need to be added to most milling machines and EDMs.
Turning centers traditionally have an electrically controlled hydraulic actuator located in the spindle to support different automatic workholding functions. Automatic workholding on a lathe can consist of a chuck, collet, expanding arbor, or be held between centers. It is important to note that when holding parts between centers, the automation/robot may need access to the control of the tailstock quill when loading and unloading. Learn more at the digital edition of this story.
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