Using a combination of cutting edge technologies, MWES has found success automating many of today’s casting finishing and machining operations. Our robotic systems are proven to work in a variety of harsh environments like those found in foundries, heavy machining and finishing areas where particulates and temperatures can stifle most automation systems. We also have a successful history of working with small to extremely large scale parts – from smaller than hand-sized to room-sized.

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MWES has become adept at automating a variety of foundry finishing processes including casting cutting, buffing, sealing, grinding, blast cleaning, and more. These cleaning and finishing processes are used to remove molding materials, risers, fins, ingates and other excess surface metal. Robotic systems, with their greater degrees of articulation, coupled with advanced programming have also become adept at clearing holes and passageways; as well as removing sand defects in castings.

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Employing machine vision, we can provide precise casting location and orientation for robotic machining operations. This vastly reduces the need for custom fixturing for every part or purpose-built machines. Combining the location and orientation benefits with machine vision’s ability to provide a variety of part identification, inspection, and part or feature measurement opens up the ability to efficiently handle high mix, low volume casting finishing processes in a highly automated manner.

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With automated tool changing options, a large selection of operations are available that allow users to customize robotic grinding and deburring systems for specific applications and easily extend the utility of installed finishing automation systems. Process tools include burrs, brushes, cut-off wheels, grinding stones, abrasive and flap-style wheels, as well as specially engineered tools. With up to 30hp available in spindle power, the opportunities for automating finishing or rough machining most operations is in hand.

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MWES offers stock configurations of automated grinding cells. We also develop custom installations that are designed to accommodate functionality needed for specialized processes or scales of operation.