Robotic Machine Tending
Keep your CNC machines, injection molds, and presses running around the clock. Icon Automation designs and deploys turnkey robotic tending cells that maximize throughput and eliminate repetitive manual labor.
What We Tend
CNC Machine Tending
Automated loading and unloading of CNC lathes, mills, and machining centers. Robots handle raw stock, finished parts, and fixture changes — keeping spindles running lights-out.
- Horizontal & vertical machining centers
- CNC lathes and turning centers
- Multi-pallet and multi-fixture setups
- In-process gauging and inspection
Injection Mold Machine Tending
High-speed part extraction, insert loading, and downstream handling for injection molding operations. Consistent cycle times and zero dropped parts.
- Part extraction and degating
- Insert and overmold loading
- Sprue and runner removal
- Vision-based quality inspection
- Conveyor and tray stacking integration
Press Tending
Stamping press and forging press automation — blanking, forming, and transfer operations with precise timing and safety interlocks.
- Blanking and stamping presses
- Progressive die operations
- Transfer press automation
Typical First Machine Tending Project
We start with one machine, one part family, and a defined cycle-time target. Icon reviews each of the following before recommending a full deployment:
- Machine interface
- Safety requirements
- EOAT
- Part presentation
- PLC / HMI integration
- Runoff plan
- Operator handoff
Cell Capabilities
The Business Case
Lights-Out Production
Run unattended overnight and on weekends — maximizing machine utilization without adding headcount.
Consistent Quality
Robots load and unload with the same precision every cycle, eliminating handling damage and positioning errors.
Labor Redeployment
Free your skilled operators from repetitive tending tasks so they can focus on higher-value work.
Rapid ROI
Most machine tending cells pay back in 12–24 months through labor savings and increased throughput.
Ready to Automate Your Machine Floor?
Tell us about your machines, cycle times, and production goals. Icon Automation will design a tending cell that fits your floor, your workflow, and your budget. Submit your request through our contact page, and our team will follow up with next steps.