Hoffman Estates, IL – May 5th, 2025 – Applied Automation Technologies (AAT3D) marked a successful showing during DMG MORI Innovation Days at the Technology Center in Hoffman Estates, IL. AAT3D demonstrated a fully automated and integrated CNC Probing Solution, highlighting the benefits that on-machine metrology brings to precision manufacturing.
The live demonstration focused on the powerful integration of CNC inspection with shop floor automation, featuring a robot loading and unloading a critical medical bone plate part. This setup highlighted how manufacturers can achieve "lights-out" manufacturing while maintaining absolute quality.
The core of the demonstration utilized a sophisticated 5-Axis DMG MORI DMU 40 CNC machine. AAT3D’s CAPPS-NC software seamlessly integrated within the entire machine cycle. First, the robot loaded the bone plate part on the fixture and performed an automated part alignment with a touch probe. Then, the machine switched to a tool to perform the cutting cycle. After the cutting cycle, the software executed in-process inspection using a probe. This inspection verified that critical features were within tolerance and provided adaptive metrology feedback to CAPPS-NC before the robot unloaded the finished part.
This smart factory solution for the medical industry is essential when machining parts that have complex geometries and tight tolerances. By incorporating on-machine metrology methods, AAT3D is enabling manufacturers to eliminate bottlenecks associated with traditional inspection. This significantly reduces manufacturing cycle time, minimizes scrap, and ensures every part meets quality standards immediately upon completion.
