Automating a Cell to Run Unattended for 30 Hours

When a customer came to us with a specific goal—to feed raw material into the system and let it run unattended for 30 straight hours—Concept delivered a complete, robust solution to automate production.

This wasn’t just about installing equipment. It was about engineering efficiency, uptime, and long-term performance from the ground up.

 The Turnkey Setup: Built for Lights-Out Production

This automation cell was developed entirely at Concept’s facility before deployment to the customer. That way, once it hits the shop floor, there’s no downtime just a green button and go.

Here’s what the system includes: 

•   FANUC industrial robot for machine tending

•  Cart and drawer based loading system for raw materials

•  Two Kitamura HX250iG horizontal machining centers

•  Re-grip stands for flexible part handling

•  MiJet blowoff system for automated part cleaning

“We do the turnkeys here at our facility so when it hits the customer’s floor, they’re ready to go,” — Devin Russel, Applications Engineer at Concept

 Why Automation Made Business Sense 

The customer had enough production volume to justify a full automation cell. The key outcomes after:

•  Reduce labor costs

•  Increase unattended runtime

•  Maintain high spindle efficiency

By choosing an industrial FANUC robot, we enabled higher payloads, faster speeds, and long-term operational consistency.

Flexibility for Any Shop Size

If a fully industrial robot isn’t the right fit, we also integrate FANUC CRX collaborative robots. They’re ideal for:

• Human safe interactions

• Simpler programming

• Smaller footprint operations

We also build systems using: 

• Palletizing solutions

• Bar feeders and parts catchers

• Built-in machine integration

 Automation for High-Mix, Low-Volume Manufacturing 

Many shops assume automation is only for high-volume runs. Not true.

Our HX250 setup, paired with redundant tooling and flexible fixtures, proves automation can thrive in high mix, low volume environments. Multiple tooling options allow for smooth changeovers and minimal downtime, even with varied part runs.

 Ready to Automate Production? Let’s Talk 

Whether you’re planning full scale robotic automation or just starting your journey, Concept is ready to help you streamline your operation with turnkey solutions tailored to your business.

 Let us help you hit the green button with confidence.