In our recent webinar hosted by Modern Machine Shop, Vention’s automation experts Michael Moustakakis and Alex Koepsel walked attendees through practical insights on automating CNC operations—from integration best practices to long-term maintenance.
Here are the top 10 questions and takeaways:
1. What does it take to integrate a robot with a CNC machine?
Integration is typically straightforward. Most modern CNCs already support automation with built-in I/O. If not, you can physically wire into a stack light or start button using parallel signals. Some machines may need modifications like an auto-door actuator—but only if required. The goal is always to minimize disruption to existing equipment.
2. Do I need to be a robotics expert to run a cobot system?
No. Cobots are designed for simplicity. With just a few days of training, most operators can run the system independently. The key is having someone on staff who has time to engage with the system and learn its functions. As Mike put it: “You don’t need to be an expert—you just need to be present.”
3. How long does it take to program a new part?
Programming a new part can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours depending on complexity. If pick-and-place points are similar, the system can be designed to accept dimensional offsets as inputs—eliminating the need for reprogramming. Full reprogramming typically takes 2–5 hours for a new part with unique positions.
4. Can robots help with packaging and inspection?
Absolutely. For packaging, the robot places finished parts into predefined locations—just like loading a tray. The challenge is in how parts fit together in a box (e.g., risk of toppling). For inspection, cameras mounted on the cobot arm can perform visual quality checks or guide the robot to various inspection points.
5. How much weight can a cobot handle?
Most cobots support a payload of up to 30 kg (~65 lbs), including the gripper and part. However, the actual part weight is often less—typically around 40–55 lbs—depending on the tool and how far it extends from the robot’s flange. The further the weight is from the center, the lower the effective payload due to center-of-gravity effects.
6. What kind of data do I need for machine vision applications?
- For 2D vision: CAD files are useful, but real part samples are ideal for tuning the system.
- For bin picking (3D): CAD files are essential, as the robot needs to recognize the part in any orientation using 3D vision and AI. Vention offers integrated solutions with vision-guided bin picking and AI object detection.
7. What are the maintenance and support costs?
Cobots are essentially maintenance-free. There’s no oiling, greasing, or recalibration required. Most failures involve external components like grippers or seals, not the robot itself. Joints are modular and can be swapped in-house without recalibration. Encoder battery replacement may be needed for certain models (e.g., FANUC), but not for others like Universal Robots (UR).
8. Is there a subscription cost? What about financing?
No subscription is required. Customers purchase the hardware outright. Financing options are available upon request, though they aren’t used often. Vention is open to working with customers to structure financing where appropriate.
9. Can a single robot handle high-mix, low-volume production?
Yes. With good programming practices, a cobot can handle many different parts. Systems can be built to accept parameterized inputs (like part dimensions) and auto-adjust the motion path accordingly. This makes cobots well suited for job shops or contract manufacturers with frequent changeovers.
10. Where can I see these solutions in action?
Contact us and we can show you examples or schedule an in-person visit to our VXC. Also, if you’re attending Automate 2025 in Detroit, you can see:
- A full machine tending cell
- An overhead 7th-axis system
- A bin picking station with AI-powered vision
Final Thoughts
Cobot-based CNC tending can dramatically improve machine utilization without major equipment changes or deep robotics expertise. Whether you’re starting with a single machine or scaling across a factory, Vention’s machine tending solutions and service make it 10x easier.
Reach out to us at michael.moustakakis@vention.cc if you have any questions or want your own custom quote.
