SW North America Demonstrates Range of Machining, Automation Technologies

SW North America is demonstrating a TopRob7 robot that’s moving parts from a BA322I twin-spindle horizontal machining center to a BAW02-22 twin-spindle, twin-table HMC. Source: SW North America

SW North America is showcasing three forms of automation across two demonstrations in its booth this year. The first demonstration starts with a BA322I twin-spindle horizontal machining center with two worktables and an integrated robot. The integrated robot loads raw stock onto one of the machining tables while the other performs Op. 10. The BA322i is connected to a BAW02-22 twin-spindle, twin-table HMC via a TopRob7, a seven-axis robot mounted on an overhead gantry, which unloads the part from the first machine, regrips it and loads it into the second machine for the final operation. This cell is machining aluminum parts that are one of the company’s giveaways for the show. “We’re veiling the part until the show, but it’s really unique because it’s a concept our apprentices actually developed themselves,” says marketing manager Jennifer Brozek. “So it showcases the skills and talents of our apprentices.” She says the cell also showcases the machines’ ability to produce parts with high-quality surface finishes. It also serves as a demonstration of the company’s range of machining technologies — the BA322i is driven by ballscrews, while the BAW02-22 has linear motor drives.

The company’s second demonstration involves a six-axis floor robot manipulating a six-foot long battery tray, simulating the loading of the part into a BA space3, which is the company’s largest machine. The machine itself won’t be in the booth due to its size, but the live automation demo will include a representation of the machine. Brozek also notes that between the BA space3, which handles parts up to 3,000 mm on the X axis, and the BA W02, which handles parts up to 200 mm on the X axis, SW is showcasing its range in workpiece size with its largest and smallest machines.  

Brozek says visitors to the booth should expect other giveaways, plus happy hours with booth entertainment.