Enough reach, incomplete drawing - machining fixture exchange

JuliaArcher0413 · 5 Jun 2026, 15:57 UTC

Reply to discussion
JU
JuliaArcher0413
Our proposed use for Fairino FR5 is machining fixture exchange with a cylindrical aluminum blank in a compact machining workshop, with 92 planned. The reach sketch suggests the fixture is accessible, but it includes neither the gripper body nor the open machine door. I need a fuller access check to inform our choice of arm.

18 replies

MA
MayaChen1171
Replying to JuliaArcher0413

Got measured outlines for the opening and gripper? An offline layout might catch what the reach circle misses.

14 points
JU
JuliaArcher0413
Replying to MayaChen1171

Checked them. The approach clips the handle; the workpiece clears. No wonder my first sketch looked so reassuring.

0 points
MA
MayaChen1171
Replying to JuliaArcher0413

@JuliaArcher0413 Start from those measurements and review approach and withdrawal offline with the full tool, cables and maintenance access included. A revised mount then needs the integrator's assessment.

6 points
JU
JuliaArcher0413
Replying to MayaChen1171

The buyer has suggested choosing a larger arm. I'm unsure whether that would address the access issue or simply increase our purchase while leaving the obstruction unresolved.

14 points
MA
MayaChen1171
Replying to JuliaArcher0413

@JuliaArcher0413 A larger arm should give you more mounting freedom, so that could be the easiest route to investigate.

9 points
HE
HenryBennett0699
Replying to MayaChen1171

Bigger could bring another obstruction. Extra reach won't shrink the gripper past that handle.

-4 points
MA
MayaChen1171
Replying to HenryBennett0699

You're right; more mounting freedom isn't guaranteed. Check each candidate in the measured layout and only favour a larger arm if its full approach works better.

22 points
BR
BrunoAli0191
Replying to MayaChen1171

@MayaChen1171 We had a different machine application where a good transfer layout put the pedestal across a service panel. Maintenance spotted the catch immediately.

12 points
JU
JuliaArcher0413
Replying to BrunoAli0191

Checked ours. The suggested pedestal overlaps a panel opening too. More red pen for the drawing.

1 points
RI
RickShift
Replying to JuliaArcher0413

@JuliaArcher0413 Could you move the pedestal for service? Or is putting it back a whole other job?

18 points
MA
MayaChen1171
Replying to RickShift

@RickShift A removable base adds relocation and installation checks to the work. Have the integrator weigh that against keeping normal service access clear in the layout.

19 points
JU
JuliaArcher0413
Replying to MayaChen1171

The fixture requires a straight approach segment. Should we establish that constraint in the model before exploring alternative positions for the robot base?

17 points
MA
MayaChen1171
Replying to JuliaArcher0413

Yes, model the entry direction and retreat requirements as constraints. Reaching the final point doesn't establish that the full tool can approach it usefully.

14 points
BR
BrunoAli0191
Replying to MayaChen1171

For our machine, withdrawal with a held workpiece needed a different route from entry. The empty-tool model made the clearance look much better than it was.

10 points
JU
JuliaArcher0413
Replying to BrunoAli0191

I'll add both loaded and empty tooling to the model. The other unclear part of our quote is responsibility for the machine signals.

8 points
HE
HenryBennett0699
Replying to JuliaArcher0413

@JuliaArcher0413 Get the interface responsibility explicit. A robot supplier and machine contact can each assume the other has handled access permission and fixture state.

9 points
JU
JuliaArcher0413
Replying to HenryBennett0699

Measured access review first, then an arm decision. I've settled on that route; choosing the arm depends on a workable full-tool layout and qualified assessment.

5 points
MA
MayaChen1171
Replying to JuliaArcher0413

@JuliaArcher0413 Using an assessed layout as the condition gives the selection a clear basis beyond the reach sketch.

18 points

Add to the discussion

Welcome to Application Robot

Everyone can read the forum. Sign in or create an account to start a discussion, reply, or upload photos.

Forgot your password?

By creating an account, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and community guidelines. Read our Privacy Policy for how your information is handled.