Compare RCX MultiGrip™ and RCX Pallet for CNC Mill Tending Automation

For job shops and manufacturers evaluating CNC mill tending automation, the challenge isn’t deciding whether to automate—it’s choosing the right automation setup for your operation. Every shop runs a unique mix of part sizes, materials, volumes, and shift demands. The system you choose determines whether you see modest improvements or a real transformation in terms of labor efficiency, unattended runtime, and throughout.

Automation Within Reach offers two powerful CNC milling automation platforms built on the RCX foundation: RCX MultiGrip™ and RCX Pallet. Both systems leverage advanced automated milling robotics, but each is designed for different production realities.

This guide breaks down the strengths of each solution and gives you the key questions you need to confidently choose the mill tending system that aligns with your goals.

Overview of RCX MultiGrip™

A flexible,  gripper-based CNC mill-tending solution built for high-mix production, fast changeovers, and multi-operation workflows.

The Flex Series RCX MultiGrip™ is currently AWR’s most versatile part-handling system. It uses VersaBuilt’s MultiGrip™ jaws and vise technology to grip a wide variety of raw parts directly—without the need for custom pallets or fixed orientations. This makes it ideal for shops that run multiple part numbers per week or handle a broad range of part geometries.

Why Shops Choose AWR's RCX MultiGrip™

Handles a wide range of part geometries

Whether OD, ID, irregular, thin-wall, or multi-op parts, the MultiGrip™ jaws and integrated vise enable the robot to handle jobs that would typically require custom fixtures. This versatility reduces fixturing investment and accelerates your ability to take on new work.

Built for multi-operation machining

The MultiGrip™ tooling allows the robot to flip, regrip, and re-present parts with precision, ensuring reliable operation across milling sequences that require different clamping positions or multi-step routing. This addresses operations that typically challenge traditional automation setups.

Ideal for high-mix weekly schedules

Shops running prototypes, short runs, and constantly changing part families gain the most from MultiGrip™ adaptability and low overhead.

Overview of AWR's RCX Pallet

AWR’s Flex Series RCX Pallet is a pallet-based automated milling robotics system designed for consistent part presentation, reliable unattended machining, and universal 96mm pallet compatibility across all brands.

The RCX Pallet system offers three options: Omni Pallet, Base and V Top Pallet, or 5^th Axis Pallet Cleat. It accepts any manufacturer's 96mm pallet format, providing you with the freedom to use your preferred workholding system without requiring specialized fixtures or investing in new tooling. This universal compatibility enables rapid deployment while protecting your existing fixturing investments.

Why Shops Choose RCX Pallet

Compatible with any 96mm pallet brand

AWR's RCX Pallet unit is capable of handling any 96mm pallet formats, allowing you to use existing tooling or select the brand that best fits your workflow. This compatibility minimizes capital expenditure on new fixtures and speeds up implementation.

Built for high-mix, low-volume environments

Unlike traditional pallet pool systems designed for mass production, RCX Pallet addresses what modern job shops actually need: dependable unattended machining with the flexibility to run diverse part families without extensive reconfiguration.

Reduces operator touch time

Operators handle complete pallets instead of individual raw parts, freeing up labor and improving workplace ergonomics. This batch-loading approach significantly increases operator productivity across multiple machines.

CNC Mill Tending Comparison: MultiGrip™ vs. Pallet

Key Questions to Determine the Right Solution

1. How consistent is your part orientation from one job to the next?
If orientation changes frequently, AWR's RCX MultiGrip™ offers the flexibility you need. If orientation stays consistent, pallets deliver superior repeatability and speed.

2. Do your parts require multiple operations or regrips?
Flex Series RCX MultiGrip excels in multi-operation, flip-and-regrip workflows. Pallet systems are optimized for single-station loading with maximum consistency and minimal variation.

3. Are your parts suitable for pallet fixturing today?
If your part families currently use or can readily adopt 96 mm pallet fixtures, RCX Pallet maximizes throughput and unattended capability. If not, the RCX MultiGrip™ provides a faster path to automation.

4. How often do you change over machines or fixtures?
Shops with frequent changeovers benefit the most from AWR's RCX MultiGrip's quick gripping swaps.  Operations with stable, repeatable production cycles typically see better performance with AWR's Flex Series pallet-based systems.

The Bottom Line: Choose the Automation Strategy That Matches Your Workflow

Both of AWR's Flex Series RCX MultiGrip™ and RCX Pallet deliver significant ROI—but the best fit depends on your specific part mix and production goals.

Choose RCX MultiGrip™ if you prioritize:

Maximum flexibility
Fast job-to-job transitions
Multi-operation machining support
Broad part-handling capability

Choose RCX Pallet if you prioritize:

Part presentation consistency
Extended unattended machining windows
Standardized 96mm pallet workflows
Operator-free batch processing

Automation Within Reach can support your evaluation by reviewing your part families, throughput goals, and fixturing strategy to identify the automated CNC mill tending solution that delivers the strongest ROI for your shop. Reach out to an automation expert today to get started!