Stallion AutoDoor: Simplifying CNC Machine Automation

As more manufacturers look for ways to automate production, it's important to remember that automation involves more than just adding a robot to a machine.

Every part of the process has to work together, from loading and unloading parts to starting the next cycle. Sometimes, something as simple as opening and closing the machine door can be a small but important part of that process.

That's where the Stallion AutoDoor comes in.

Making CNC Machine Automation Work Together

For shops looking to introduce robotic machine tending, CNC automatic doors can be an important part of the process.

Robotic machine tending lets a robot load and unload parts from a CNC machine without an operator handling each part individually. But even with a robot doing the loading and unloading, the machine door still needs to open and close at the right time. At Martin Trunnion Tables, our Stallion AutoDoor is designed to automatically open and close CNC machine doors quickly, while slowing down smoothly as it reaches either end.

A Pneumatically Actuated Design

The Stallion AutoDoor uses a pneumatically actuated design, meaning it uses compressed air to open and close the machine door.

Rather than relying on a traditional electric motor to move the door, the system uses air pressure to control its movement. This is what allows the door to open and close quickly, slowing as it reaches both ends of its travel.

Safety Built Into the Process

When a machine door opens and closes automatically, it must recognize when something is in the way.

The Stallion AutoDoor includes built-in safety sensors that detect obstructions and prevent the door from closing when something is blocking its path. Whether it's a part, a piece of equipment, or something else in the doorway, the system is designed to recognize the obstruction instead of continuing to close.

This is especially important in robotic machine tending applications, where the door is operating as part of a larger automated process.

By incorporating obstruction detection directly into the system, the Stallion AutoDoor helps make automatic door operation safer and more reliable.

Paired with the pneumatically actuated design, these features help the door operate as part of the overall automation process, rather than as a separate step.

Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference

At its core, the Stallion AutoDoor makes one more part of the machining process easier.

Not every improvement requires purchasing a new machine or completely changing how a shop operates. Sometimes, it's about identifying the repetitive tasks that take up time throughout the day and finding ways to make them more efficient.

Whether you're looking to reduce manual handling, introduce robotic machine tending, or get more out of your existing CNC equipment, automating the machine door can be another step toward making your process more efficient!

Want to learn more about CNC machine door automation? Explore our Stallion AutoDoor or contact our team. We'd love to learn more about your application and help you find the right solution for your shop!