Lyndex-Nikken
Lyndex-Nikken, manufacturer and provider of high-performance machine tool accessories and automation, announces a partnership with Zero Clamp GmbH to offer high-quality German engineered automation solutions to manufacturers in North America. In direct response to addressing the lack of skilled workers, these new additions to Lyndex-Nikken’s recently announced EZ-Automation product line include the EZ-Cob, CNC machine loading, and EZ-Bot, automatic work changer for CNC machines.
Today, manufacturers are seeking a solution for fierce competition for skilled workers amid rising labor and benefit costs, delivering quality parts on time, and modernizing for Industry 4.0/5.0. Automation is the solution that enables efficient and reliable manufacturing in addition to increasing spindle operating time.
The EZ-Cob, CNC machine loading automation solution, is proven technology in a complete robot cell that enables manufacturers to increase machine run time, increase efficiency, and save money. Ideal for manufacturers starting their journey into automation, a large selection of components allows manufacturers to select an automation solution that fits their needs. These components are perfectly matched to each other - no adjustments or further engineering is required to boost production quickly with a ready-to-use solution.
The EZ-Cob compete base unit robot cell includes:
- Complete robot cell
- Storage rack
- Zero Point clamping system with 4 pots
- Pneumatic vise and gripper jaws
- Door drive for automatic opening of machine tool
- Software for intuitive programming of the EZ-Cob
- Job management via smart hub
- Double gripper for gripping blank parts
- Safety enclosure
The EZ-Cob has easy to use software with a menu-guided assistant to help to create new loading jobs quickly and conveniently. The smart hub control center enables job management as well as clamping device and gripper management. Finally, the EZ-Cob is an easily movable mobile rack via a pallet truck.
The EZ-Bot, automatic work changer for CNC machines, enables manufacturers to perform efficient blank part handling, vise handling, pallet handling and automatic setups resulting in maximum machine run time while minimizing the time strain on skilled workers. The EZ-Bot 100V loading robot has a vertical double rack enabling full-time parallel loading with minimum space requirements. With 100 kg payload and up to 640 mm component length, the EZ-Bot 100V is ideal for automated CNC machining with high flexibility and parts mix. The EZ-Bot system can be connected to almost all machine tools and can also be retrofitted to existing machines.
Features of the EZ-Bot 100V include:
- Compact and flexible – robot with double-sided, automatic rotating rack accommodates workpieces on both sides and can be loaded during primary processing time
- Small footprint – rotating double rack, robot, and protective housing are approximately 2.9 m2
- Ample storage – maximum storage capacity for blank parts, vises, pallets, and fixtures
- Mobile automation – machine can be transported in one piece by lift truck, so it can be used for several machines
- Defined protective housing – integrated protective housing with status indication, either with laser monitoring or protective fence
The EZ-Bot boasts easy to use browser-based job management with predefined programs. These are used to create individual tasks or a loading routine. After the jobs have been created, they can be viewed and checked in the simulation.
Lyndex-Nikken’s EZ-Automation product line is designed with simplicity in mind. All EZ-Automation products are based on being easy, modular, and scalable automation solutions that will range from machine tending, to machine loading, to pallet changing, and modular tending platforms. The products will offer efficiency and cost-effectiveness providing user-friendly automation solutions, minimizing the need for advanced robotics or automation skills. EZ-Automation products are designed to be seamlessly integrated while controlling costs and easing job complexities for manufacturers.
“We're proud to partner with Zero Clamp and offer precision German engineered automation solutions to manufacturers in North America,” states Tom Dang, Vice President of Lyndex-Nikken. “The addition of the EZ-Cob and EZ-Bot to our existing line of EZ-Automation solutions offers machine shops a wide range of easy automation solutions to address the shortage of skilled workers and rising operational costs.”
“The partnership with Lyndex-Nikken in North America allows us to offer proven automation solutions combined with proven clamping solutions to manufacturers in North America from an already well-known and respected brand on the shop floor,” states Klaus Hofmann, CEO, Zero Clamp GmbH.