When manufacturers evaluate CNC machine tending automation, the conversation inevitably turns to return on investment (ROI). But here's what we've learned after hundreds of implementations: how quickly you achieve ROI is just as important as the ROI itself.
Automation Within Reach designed its Plus Series with this principle in mind—delivering proven automation solutions that start generating returns faster.
The AWR Plus Series shortens that timeline by offering pre-engineered, pre-configured, and production-ready systems—without forcing you into a one-size-fits-all solution.
Pre-Engineering = Months Saved
Traditional custom automation often takes months, requiring extensive design, testing, and integration. This approach can extend timelines by weeks, significantly delaying your payback period.
AWR's Plus Series adopts a different approach. Each system is delivered 80% engineered and customized, meaning the fundamental framework is completed to enable rapid implementation and is ready for your specific application.
Three Proven Configurations, Countless Applications
Rather than starting with a blank sheet for every project, AWR developed three proven platforms that handle the vast majority of CNC robotic machine tending scenarios after designing and integrating hundreds of automation solutions.
Conveyor Cell (CC+)
Automated CNC solution equipped with powered inbound and outbound flat belt conveyors to boost efficiency in low-mix, high-volume environments.
Drawer Cell (DC+)
Robotic machine tending cell built with a heavy-duty 4-drawer unit for inbound and outbound material handling to increase your overall machine tending throughput.
Pallet Cell (PC+)
Machine tending automation cell designed for two single-layer 48" x 48" pallets to streamline operations and enhance productivity.
Each cell offers the flexibility to meet your specific requirements—custom end-of-arm tooling, machine interface protocols, secondary operations like part flipping, air blow-off, quality gaging, audit systems, or part marking.
AWR installs, starts up the system, and provides around-the-clock training to your operators to ensure a seamless integration process of the pre-configured robotic machine tending cell into your production.
The Real Drivers of Automation ROI
After implementing hundreds of machine tending systems across diverse manufacturing environments, Automation Within Reach identified the factors that consistently deliver measurable returns:
Machine Utilization Expansion: Automated machine tending cells operate during breaks, shift changes, nights, weekends, and don't call in sick. Expect a significant increase in spindle time without additional labor costs.
Labor Efficiency Optimization: Removing repetitive manual loading/unloading tasks allows skilled machinists to focus on setup, quality control, and higher-value operations—the result is improved productivity per labor hour across the entire operation.
Process Consistency: Eliminate the variables. Robotic loading eliminates human inconsistency in part positioning, reducing scrap rates and rework cycles, which directly impact part quality and tool life.
Predictable Maintenance: Standard automation systems mean standard maintenance protocols—reducing spare parts inventory and minimizing unplanned downtime events that disrupt operation schedules.
Scalable Growth Foundation: Pre-configured system designs enable capacity expansion that aligns with production growth by protecting your initial investment while supporting future requirements.
The AWR Plus Series Difference: Eliminating Variables, Delivering Results
The Plus Series represents Automation Within Reach's commitment to making custom automation accessible to manufacturers who need results, not experiments. By combining proven engineering with application-specific customization, AWR eliminates the delays that often occur with custom projects.
When manufacturing success demands both speed and reliability, the choice becomes clear. The AWR Plus Series delivers machine tending automation that works from day one because it's engineered, tested, and proven to work.
Your robotic machine tending production challenges require solutions that generate immediate impact, not extended learning curves. Contact an AWR automation expert to discover how the Plus Series can accelerate your path to automation ROI.