Methods Machine Tools, Inc. has released the newest version of The Sidekick, the company's latest solution for FANUC RoboDrill automation.
A collaborative system engineered for small- and medium-sized shops, the Sidekick offers light, unattended machining on the FANUC RoboDrill, supported by a FANUC CRX-10iA/L robot mounted to a standardized table design that holds up to 30 workpieces.
"With the Sidekick, we have launched an easy-to-use, price competitive, complete automation solution so shops can expand their utilization and productivity," said David Chesnutt, Methods' Senior Vice President of Sales.
Chesnutt continued: "We have represented the FANUC RoboDrill for more than 30 years and currently support more than 15,000 RoboDrills in the field. In that time, we have created various automation designs for the RoboDrill. The Sidekick is ideal for those smaller shops looking to make their first leap into automation alongside the most trusted and proven vertical machining center in the industry."
The Sidekick provides users the option to either set up end of arm tooling, part grid plates, and programming on their own; or purchase a Ready-to-Run package from Methods that comes pre-programmed with a standardized infeed/outfeed grid plate and end of arm tooling on the robot.
"We created a solution that is as easy as possible for operators," said Darren Wall, Methods' Product Manager for FANUC RoboDrill. "It is a lightweight solution with minimal set-up and automated processes to further cut down on manual intervention."
The Sidekick is the latest addition to the Methods Night Crew portfolio, a comprehensive suite of fully-integrated FANUC RoboDrill solutions for high-volume/low-mix and/or high-mix/low-volume production.
For more information contact:
Methods Machine Tools, Inc.
65 Union Avenue
Sudbury, MA 01776
877-MMT-4CNC (877-668-4262)