The harsh reality of manufacturing is that skilled machinists performing repetitive loading tasks while expensive CNC equipment sits idle during off-shifts. Meanwhile, competitors operating automated shops 24/7 are capturing market share through continuous production capabilities that manual operations cannot match.
Automation Within Reach's Flex Series eliminates these operational bottlenecks through three engineered solutions that deliver a measurable return on investment in automation.
Manual Tending: The Automation Gap
Your facility's most expensive operational challenge isn't equipment downtime—it's the hidden costs of manual processes that accumulate daily. Many manufacturing companies face the issue of finding qualified laborers. In addition, highly skilled machinists command high wages for their expertise in programming complex operations, not repetitive tasks. Manual CNC machine tending often results in variabilities, such as misaligned parts, unsecured workpieces, and safety risks. Over time, these issues lead to increased downtime, decreased efficiency, and reduced profits.
Traditional CNC machine tending poses safety concerns to your employees as they handle heavy castings, sharp components, and repeated tasks. The competitive advantage is evident—machine shops that utilize automation outperform those that don't. Automated machine tending can run 24/7, produce consistent quality parts, and maximize equipment utilization.
Revolutionizing CNC Lathe Tending
CNC lathe operations present unique automation challenges that traditional machine tending solutions struggle to handle effectively.
Automation Within Reach designed the Flex Series Drawer Cell (DC) and Rotary Cell (RC) to be easy to install and integrate, eliminating the need for robot programming to address these bottlenecks.
Drawer Cell, Automated Machinery
The manufacturing market constantly evolves, so CNC machine shops must keep pace. AWR designed and engineered the DC Series with a four-drawer system to maximize part storage while minimizing floor space. The ergonomic, tool-free adjustable drawer templates ensure precise positioning of parts with diverse shapes and sizes.
Even while the machine and robot are running, the operator can utilize the drawers by loading raw or unloading finished parts from the other side. This automation solution transforms the challenge of unattended machining by providing reliable, precise workpiece handling that maintains operational continuity during extended production cycles.
Rotary CNC Machine Tending
The rotary cell has two sides, enabling a worker to unload finished parts and reload raw material without interrupting the operation of the robot and CNC lathe. This system includes four standard templates, with an additional size available. When searching for an automated lathe tending solution, consider the height of the produced part—this constraint often becomes the deciding factor between a DC and an RC. AWR's compact Flex Series RC provides that height flexibility.
AWR's team designed the human-machine interface (HMI) for both the DC and RC series to be as simple as possible. The user interface displays visual instructions for each step, including a glossary, allowing the operator to easily set up new parts without needing robot programming. The Flex Series RC not only adjusts to part height challenges but also eliminates the variability and safety concerns of manual tending—empowering your shop to run smarter, safer, and more efficiently.
Mill Tending with the RCX
The RCX from AWR's Flex Series offers a solution for machine shops seeking to automate their mill tending operations. The CNC machine tending cell optimizes manufacturing production by reducing downtime and increasing throughput. Meanwhile, job shops are struggling to locate skilled workers and are turning to automation as a solution. AWR's engineers invented the Flex Series RCX with a three-sided shelf design, allowing the operator to tend to both raw and finished materials while the robot tended to the milling machine.
The RCX's three loading options and patented MultiGrip™ end-of-arm-tooling (EOAT) features allow the system to run up to four different machining operations. With precise and repeatable performance, the mill tending robot eliminates variability from production. Thus, operators can focus on higher-value tasks instead of the dangerous, repetitive task of loading and unloading. 
The AWR Flex Series provides standard, ready-to-deploy automation for lathes, mills, and one-machine environments. These automated CNC machine tending solutions help streamline production and increase profit overall.
Automated Machine Tending: Installation to Optimization
Successful implementation of CNC machine tending requires a strategic partnership with automation experts who understand the complexities of integrating advanced technology into existing workflows. Transitioning from manual to automated machine tending presents technical and operational challenges that demand experienced guidance.
Automation Within Reach supports its customers throughout every phase, including post-installation. We provide full setup support, training, replacement parts, financing opportunities, and remote assistance. Our customization services and remote monitoring capabilities ensure each system meets specific production goals while maximizing ROI and minimizing risk—delivering long-term performance well beyond initial installation.
Speak with an Automation Within Reach expert to discover the machine tending solution that will transform your CNC machine tending operation! Automated machine tending is becoming the operational standard among industry leaders. CNC machine shops that delay implementing automation risk falling behind competitors who are already transforming their production throughput with the advancements of automated machine tending robots.
