In this post, Ken Stissel with C.R. Onsrud (Troutman, NC), presents a case study understanding a customer problem and how it was resolved.
Customer Problem
A customer came to us at C.R. Onsrud, seeking a better cut quality, higher throughput, and a reduction in scrap parts as their parts are very expensive. Their product consists of two very large rigid composite panels that are thermally bonded together. The bonding process often causes warpage in the panels, which makes the material difficult to hold and machine. They currently use a multi-axis robot to trim the flashing and cut pockets. The difficulty in programming the robot to handle the variations in the panels caused by the warping as well as the robot cutting being slow in general has made it hard for them to keep up with the demand.
Onsrud Customized Solution
We designed a special fixture with clamps that pull those panels flat to the table along with a vacuum system that holds that panel securely in place during the cutting process. Each one of the clamps has over 1700 lbs of clamping force and are independently programmable which allow them to clamp and unclamp during the cutting cycle. There’s also over 128,000 lbs of vacuum of vacuum force to hold that panel in place.
The machine itself is a rigid F.E.A.-verified heavy-duty, FANUC® driven G-Series, moving gantry machine with a 10′ x 16′ table. The fixed steel of the base, columns and gantry absorb cutting vibrations associated with heavy cutting applications. We increased the 11″ Z-Stroke to 18″ to clear over the part and fixture. We also upgraded the spindle from our standard 18 hp to 24 hp, which allows for heavier cutting. You can also learn more about its floating duct system.
With this solution, our customer is able to produce better cuts, high-speed results, and make all their deliveries on time.
C.R. Onsrud is known throughout the world as a high-quality CNC manufacturer with tremendous support and service. If you’re struggling with any production issues and would like to see if we have a solution for you, please give C.R. Onsrud a call at: 704-508-7000 or reach out via email: info@cronsrud.com. We are happy to help you any way we can.
* Specifications/Options may vary on certain machine sizes, controls, and spindles. Specifications are approximate and subject to change.
