As manufacturers continue to seek greater flexibility in high-mix, low-volume production environments, automation solutions that can quickly adapt to changing part requirements are becoming increasingly important. To address this challenge, Automation Within Reach (AWR), formerly known as Gosiger Automation, has standardized its next-generation CNC lathe tending cells around OnRobot’s 3FG25 electric gripper.
The move marks a significant shift away from traditional pneumatic gripping systems, enabling manufacturers to reduce changeover times, simplify operations, and improve overall productivity.
For years, many CNC machine tending applications relied on pneumatic grippers that offered limited flexibility when handling varying part sizes. Frequent production changes often required manual adjustments, custom tooling, or even entirely different grippers, resulting in downtime and increased labor costs.
Recognizing these limitations, AWR adopted the OnRobot 3FG25 as its standard end-of-arm tooling solution. The electric three-finger gripper combines a large gripping stroke, high payload capacity, and programmable force control, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of workpiece sizes without mechanical adjustments.
To further enhance productivity, AWR developed a dual-tending configuration that utilizes two 3FG25 grippers on a single robot. This setup enables the robot to remove a finished component while simultaneously loading a new blank into the machine, reducing cycle times and improving machine utilization.
According to AWR, one of the key advantages of the electric gripper is its ability to eliminate the common challenges associated with pneumatic systems, including pressure fluctuations, limited feedback, and complex air-line infrastructure. The transition to electric automation has also reduced the number of components required within the automation cell, resulting in easier maintenance and improved system reliability.
The 3FG25 gripper offers payload handling capabilities of up to 25 kg and features a fully adjustable gripping stroke of 137 mm. Operators can digitally program gripping force and positioning parameters for different parts, allowing rapid product changeovers without manual intervention. The system also provides intelligent grip feedback, automatically confirming whether a component has been securely grasped before movement begins.
AWR conducted extensive testing before implementing the technology, evaluating factors such as payload performance, reach capabilities, and workpiece stability. The company reported excellent results, including minimal part drooping when handling long components and consistently reliable gripping performance.
Since standardizing on the OnRobot solution, AWR has observed improvements in part handling precision, reduced marking on finished components, and increased operational flexibility for customers managing diverse production schedules.
The ability to handle multiple workpiece sizes and geometries without changing tooling has significantly improved return on investment for manufacturers, particularly those operating in high-mix production environments where efficiency and adaptability are critical.
As automation continues to evolve, intelligent electric gripping solutions such as the OnRobot 3FG25 are helping manufacturers streamline operations, reduce downtime, and achieve greater productivity while maintaining the flexibility required in modern manufacturing environments.
