Hurco Debuts PC25 Robot Solution for Versatile Heavy Part Automation

Manufacturers seeking a middle ground between entry-level cobots and high-end pallet systems often struggle to find a balance between lifting capacity and ease of use. The Hurco PC25 robot solution addresses this gap by offering a more robust alternative to standard cobot automation while maintaining lower upfront costs than traditional premium pallet systems. Unlike competitors that require specialized, expensive pallet libraries, the PC25 utilizes a high-capacity Kawasaki industrial robot to handle either a vice or a pallet directly, allowing users to integrate their existing workholding, such as HWR models, or even manufacture their own pallets in-house.

Versatility in Heavy Part Handling and Workholding
The core differentiator of the PC25 system is its ability to manage heavy components up to 25kg, a significant step up from the ProCobot range. By handling the workholding itself — rather than just the raw part — the system accommodates one-off components and large batches with equal efficiency. The hardware configuration is highly modular, supporting up to three storage cabinets with a total of 36 workholding locations. This flexibility is further enhanced by uniform shelf spacing, which allows larger parts to occupy multiple locations if necessary. During operation, the Kawasaki robot grips a specialized cleat on the workholding and precisely delivers it to a zero-point interface on the machine table, such as the 500mm table of the VC500i 5-axis machining center.

Simplified Programming and Operational Safety
While industrial robots typically require complex coding, Hurco eliminates this barrier by utilizing its proprietary Automation Job Manager software. This ensures that the intricate robot movements are pre-programmed, leaving the operator to simply select the part location and the corresponding job. This streamlined interface reduces the required training time to as little as one day, making it an accessible solution for shops without dedicated robotics engineers. To maintain a safe working environment, the system is equipped with proximity scanners that halt robot movement if personnel enter the immediate vicinity.

Maximizing Machine Utilization and Access
The integration of the PC25 with machines like the VC500i — which features a 12,000 RPM spindle and a 40-station tool changer — creates a high-productivity cell capable of complex 5-axis tasks. Strategic installation further improves workflow; on models like the SRTi range, the robot loads parts through a side door. This configuration keeps the front of the machine unobstructed, allowing operators to perform setup, cleaning, and preparation without interrupting the automated cycle. This thoughtful design ensures that the PC25 provides a cost-effective, high-capacity automation bridge that enhances throughput without the logistical constraints of more rigid competitive systems.

Edited by Evgeny Churilov, Induportals Media - Adapted by AI.

www.hurco.com