CNC robots from Switzerland: high-precision manufacturing solutions
by MABI Robotic

As OEM robot systems, the MAX series industrial robots are equipped with secondary encoders on all six axes. As a result, they achieve significantly higher precision than conventional systems.

Overview of key differences:

How the high path accuracy is achieved:

Through precise manufacturing tolerances and high measurement and testing costs, CNC robots achieve high-precision kinematics. In contrast to normal industrial robots, secondary encoders measure the position on both input and output shafts and compensate for twisting in real time. The combination of high-precision kinematics, secondary encoder and factory calibration with Leica Laser Tracker achieves peak path accuracy.

The main feature of MABI CNC robots is their high precision. In order to achieve such a high level of accuracy, precisely tolerated components are required, which are significantly more expensive to manufacture.

Reasons for higher costs:

• Secondary encoders on all axes — Optical measurement systems increase accuracy and production costs
• precision components — Tight manufacturing tolerances for highly rigid kinematics
• Factory calibration — Each system is calibrated with Leica Laser Tracker
• Ready-to-run system — Complete system specifically designed for CNC applications

Industrial robots from other manufacturers are often not optimized for CNC controls or must be retrofitted. MABI Robotic delivers a production-ready system that is specifically designed for manufacturing processes in metal processing.

CNC robots play a key role in the modern manufacturing landscape. They are primarily used in subtractive and additive manufacturing and can represent an economical alternative to portal milling machines due to their large working area.

main applications:

• CNC milling — Precise 3D processing as a replacement for a milling machine
• Additive manufacturing — Large-format 3D printing through layer-by-layer material application
• Model and mold making — Full-size prototyping
• Battery tray finishing — Post-processing for electric mobility

Workable materials:

• aluminum — battery trays, structural components
• steel (unalloyed and alloyed) — welded structures, toolmaking
• wood and wood-based materials — model making at high speeds
• synthetics and ureol — design models, fine surface quality
• CFK (carbon fiber) — aerospace, lightweight construction

The MABI robots can be equipped with interchangeable tools: grippers for loading, deposition welding heads and milling spindles for surface processing. This flexibility makes it a suitable product for a wide range of manufacturing processes.

Programming is carried out in G-code using Siemens NX CAM software — just like a conventional CNC milling machine.

Programming process in 5 steps:

• Loading STEP file into CAM system
• Define processing strategy (roughing, finishing)
• Generate G-code with post-processor
• Transfer code to SINUMERIK controller
• Start automatic editing

The time-consuming teaching is completely eliminated. The open Siemens architecture enables integration into existing CAM workflows. CNC routers and production planners can work productively without retraining, as the programming is identical to conventional milling machines.

Training assistance:

MABI Robotic and qualified system integrators provide initial start-up support. The technical documentation provided facilitates familiarization. For more extensive projects, it is recommended to work with an integration partner.

The economic efficiency of MABI CNC robots is reflected in several areas:

Cost advantage:
The investment costs are significantly lower than those of a comparable portal milling machine. CNC robots are an economical alternative to large processing centers.

Space requirement:
The space requirement is significantly lower. CNC robots do not require massive foundations and can be set up more flexibly.

energy efficiency:
Energy consumption is significantly lower than with portal milling machines, which reduces ongoing operating costs.

More benefits:

• Flexibility through tool changes (milling + welding + handling)
• Accuracy comparable to portal machines
• Often the only economic solution for large components over 5 meters
• Lower installation costs due to standard flooring
• Shorter payback period

The working area of CNC robots can be modularly adapted to your requirements. The MAX-100-2.25-P has a range of 2.25 meters.

Expansion options:

With the MLR-2500-P linear axis, the working range is extended to 6 x 2 meters. The linear axis can be extended modularly in steps of 3 or 5 meters, so that even significantly larger workpieces can be processed.

Customizability:

The CNC robots are designed in such a way that they can be extended with interfaces and accessories for special applications:

• Interchangeable tools — Grippers, deposition welding heads, milling spindles depending on the task
• linear axes — Extension of the working radius for large workpieces
• Rotating-swivel tables — Flexible workpiece positioning during processing

The basic structure or kinematics of CNC industrial robots is offered in certain model variants. Adjustments are made via peripheral extensions (tools, axes, software), so that, despite a standardized robot platform, maximum flexibility is provided for customer-specific applications.

The repeatability of ±0.02 mm remains constant even with large working areas.

MABI Robotic AG is a leading Swiss company and manufacturer of CNC robots and high-precision automation solutions. The specialty is the combination of machine tools with robotics in order to achieve maximum productivity, maximum accuracy and maximum flexibility in production.

Swiss production:

All CNC robots and automation systems from MABI Robotic are developed, produced and tested entirely at the main plant in Veltheim (canton of Aargau, Switzerland). Manufacturing in Switzerland ensures that Swiss precision and quality standards are met.

Product portfolio:

• High-precision CNC industrial robots (6-axis robotic arms)
• Linear axes to extend the range
• Rotate/swivel tables for flexible workpiece positioning
• Robot controllers (based on Siemens SINUMERIK) and accessories

Local production and assembly enable short delivery routes and continuous quality control — from the first component to the fully calibrated CNC robot.

MABI Robotic AG is ISO 9001 certified. This means that quality management is tested in accordance with international standards. This certification confirms that MABI Robotic has implemented systematic quality assurance processes and is continuously monitoring them.

Production quality standards:

• ISO 9001:2015 — Certified quality management system
• Strict manufacturing guidelines — All CNC robots are manufactured according to defined quality and safety standards
• Factory calibration — Leica laser tracker calibration for each robot (100-200 measurement points)
• Documented processes — Full traceability of all components
• final test — Each system is tested and approved before delivery

Swiss production quality:

Local development, production and assembly in Veltheim guarantees the highest quality standards. The Swiss manufacturing tradition and the know-how of the MABI Group flow directly into every system. This ensures maximum reliability and durability of CNC robots.

CE compliance:

All systems comply with European CE guidelines for machinery and electrical safety. The documentation includes all required declarations of conformity and technical documentation.

Yes, MABI Robotic attaches great importance to customers being able to use CNC robots optimally. For this reason, practical live demonstrations and feasibility studies are offered at the Veltheim plant.

Training offer:

When buying a robot, it is possible to book training courses. These trainings can be carried out either directly at the factory in Veltheim or after installation at the customer's site — whichever is more practical.

Training content:

• basic functions — Operation of the Siemens SINUMERIK controller
• programming — G-code creation and CAM integration
• Advanced techniques — Optimization of processing strategies
• servicing — Preventive maintenance and fault diagnosis
• surety — Safe handling of the CNC robot

Particularly easy incorporation:

The operation of the MABI CNC robots is very intuitive thanks to the familiar Siemens SINUMERIK CNC controller. Since the robots are controlled with SINUMERIK 840D sl/ONE, many CNC specialists are already familiar with the user interface from the world of machine tools. This makes training much easier and reduces training time.

The training courses provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills so that the team can operate the robot safely and efficiently.

No, the CNC robots from MABI Robotic are no collaborative lightweight robots (cobots). They are designed for industrial use in secure production environments.

Difference from cobots:

Why no cobots:

The MABI CNC robots are designed for high-load machining processes that involve high process forces. The load capacity of 100 kg and the powerful WEISS milling spindles (up to 16.5 kW) require robust kinematics and appropriate safety measures.

Safety standards:

Nevertheless, CNC robots have state-of-the-art safety functions: a Cartesian safety system with freely definable virtual protection areas and a fail-safe PLC (safety controller), which constantly monitors robot movements. However, for fully automated operation, the robot must be integrated into a suitable protective environment (robot cell).

All MABI systems comply with CE guidelines for machine safety and are certified for industrial use. The installation requires a risk assessment and appropriate protective devices in accordance with ISO 10218 (industrial robots).

MABI Robotic offers various ways to get to know and test CNC robots before making an investment decision.

Live demonstration in Veltheim:

At the headquarters in Veltheim, Switzerland, interested parties can Milling robot Experience it live in the demonstration cell. The MAX-100-2.25-P is used there and demonstrates the performance of secondary encoder technology in practice.

Feasibility study:

MABI Robotic offers feasibility studies for customer-specific applications. It is examined whether and how specific processing projects can be implemented with CNC robots. MABI works together with renowned institutes and universities. Interested parties and customers can have their own materials or processes tested on site.

Partner demonstrations:

Alternatively, MABI Robotic is happy to recommend one of the qualified partners for a demonstration or feasibility study nearby. The demonstrations include typical applications such as milling, deposition welding or additive manufacturing.