Case Study: KAD Models achieves lights-out CNC prototyping with FANUC robotic automation

KAD Models achieves lights-out CNC machining overnight with FANUC America

KAD Models, a prototyping shop specializing in high-mix, low-volume production for industries like medical and aerospace, faced significant challenges. Their labor-intensive, manual CNC machining process required operators around the clock, which was not cost-effective. This slow, manual method also risked losing customers due to long turnaround times, and automation was typically avoided in prototyping due to the high variety of parts.

FANUC America Corporation, through system integrator Trinity Robotics Automation, provided a solution using FANUC M-710iC/50 and R-1000/100F robots for automated machine tending. This flexible system allowed operators to load parts into fixtures for the robots to tend, enabling true "lights-out" overnight production. The results for KAD Models were a major expansion in capacity and throughput, significantly shortened turnaround times, and the ability to rapidly open a second location, boosting their production capabilities without needing extra shifts.

KAD Models