Taylor-Winfield Technologies develops Robotic Material Removal System for tube processing

Taylor-Winfield Technologies has developed the Robotic Material Removal System, which can include single or multiple robots, for chamfering, deburring, buffing, or grinding tube and pipe. Automated tooling setups and changeover for prepping and end finishing help improve production throughput for a variety of diameters and lengths and for any process line.

When a product is moved into the chamfering/deburring robotic workcell, data is received from the pipe mill based on the order. The vision system confirms the part size and shape before starting the chamfering procedure.

The robot then uses this data to select the appropriate cutting tool for the application. The pipe is clamped into position, a laser sensor detects the final stop position of the part, and the robot begins its cut. The vision system takes a picture of the part and calculates the cutting path for the ID and OD chamfer to account for any out-of-roundness or nonconcentric holes to help ensure a consistent cut.

After the cut sequence is complete, another 360-degree vision inspection verifies the chamfering operation is finished. The robot rotates a tube blowout tool inside the product to blow out the chips from the chamfer cut.

The finished product then is unclamped, the transfer system moves the product out of the station, and the next product is moved in for chamfering. Part-to-part cycle time is about 23 seconds, depending on the size and geometry of the part.

Taylor-Winfield Technologies Inc. | www.taylor-winfield.com