Metalworking・2026
Automatic Loading and Unloading Integration for a CNC Machine
No extra HMI: the loading and unloading screens were added directly to the Siemens SINUMERIK interface, so machining and material handling are switched on the same screen.
CHALLENGE
Challenge
The customer wanted to add an automatic loading and unloading mechanism to an existing CNC machine, with one condition: all operation had to stay inside the original Siemens controller interface, with no additional HMI.
SOLUTION
Solution
We added pages directly to the SINUMERIK HMI: a main screen, production mode, loading mode, unloading mode, manual recovery and an operation log, six pages in total. The PLC handshakes with the machine's original program, so coordinates and status stay in sync with the machine.
EQUIPMENT
Equipment and Technology
- PowerScada SCADA
- Siemens SINUMERIK controller
- KEYENCE PLC programming
- Custom HMI screens
- Loading and unloading robot integration
RESULTS
Results
- Custom operation pages embedded in the controller HMI
- Loading, unloading and manual recovery modes
- Searchable operation log
Operators switch between machining and material handling on the same screen. There was nothing new to learn, and the operators were up to speed soon after handover.