High Accuracy Robotic Machining System from Loop Technology
In contemporary manufacturing, organisations seek cost-effective alternatives to large-capacity CNC machine tools for the precise processing of large and complex parts and components. Loop Technology’s RoboMACH provides a robotic machining solution that delivers flexibility, reliability, and performance across aerospace, automotive, construction, composites, and sustainable materials sectors.
RoboMACH is available in different configurations and supports drilling, milling, cutting, trimming, and ultrasonic operations on materials ranging from cured carbon fibre and aluminium to wood, engineering foam, plastics, and sand-casting moulds.
RoboMACH HA – Dedicated High-Accuracy Robotic Machining
RoboMACH HA is Loop Technology’s high-accuracy variant of the RoboMACH platform. Engineered as an out-of-the-box system, it utilises the FANUC M-800iA/60 six-axis high-rigidity robot as standard, providing superior path accuracy for demanding applications, particularly with harder materials such as cured composites. Robot selection can however be tailored to specific customer requirements.
The modular design supports customisation through scalable machine guarding, plinths, spindle options, and additional rotary axes. A seventh-axis positioner with 1500 kg payload capacity extends workpiece handling. Rapid automatic tool changing with heavy-duty racks (including optional broken-tool detection) and full compatibility with Robotmaster offline programming software enable efficient operation, reducing programming time while supporting CNC control and CAD/CAM integration.
Enhancing Machining Precision with ikCAM Technology
Loop Technology offers ikCAM as a separate, advanced kinematic correction solution for highly accurate automated machining. This ‘as-built’ technology delivers up to a tenfold increase in machining precision compared with standard robots. Controller-agnostic and suitable for retrofitting, ikCAM can provide an independent upgrade path for manufacturers seeking a higher level of accuracy without full system replacement.
While RoboMACH HA achieves high accuracy through its dedicated configuration and FANUC robot selection, ikCAM serves as an alternative high accuracy option.
Superior Flexibility and Machining Envelope Compared to Traditional CNC Machines
Unlike fixed-bed CNC machines with limited working volumes, RoboMACH HA offers a highly flexible machining envelope. The six-axis robotic arm, combined with modular configurations and optional rotary axes, enables the processing of objects of virtually any size and shape by adjusting robot programming and end-of-arm tooling. This contrasts with traditional large-capacity CNC systems, which often require substantial investment and lack adaptability for varying part geometries or future product changes.
Key benefits of this flexibility include:
- Cost-effectiveness: Affordable access to large-volume machining without the high capital outlay of oversized CNC equipment.
- Adaptability: Rapid reconfiguration for diverse part sizes, complex or irregular shapes, and mixed materials in low- to medium-volume, high-mix production.
- Scalability: Modular guarding and layout options allow the cell to be extended or modified as production needs evolve, supporting future expansion without major reinvestment.
- Operational efficiency: Reduced lead times and improved agility for applications involving bespoke or constantly changing designs, such as architectural elements or custom composite panels.
These advantages make RoboMACH HA particularly valuable where traditional CNC machines prove unsuitable due to size constraints, complexity of machining paths, or the need for ongoing flexibility.
Versatile Applications and Real-World Performance
RoboMACH HA is ideal for aerospace and automotive carbon fibre panel trimming, sustainable material processing, architectural wood milling, foam and plastic contouring, foundry mould trimming, and construction element machining.
In the feasibility study with Solidwool, RoboMACH HA automated the trimming of excess bio-resin from a sustainable wool and bio-resin composite chair. Compared to manual methods (time-consuming and variable) or rigid CNC alternatives (costly and inflexible), the robotic system produced a smooth, high-quality finish with significantly reduced time, handling, and lead times, while delivering superior accuracy and repeatability.
Why Choose Loop Technology?
Loop Technology specialises in composite automation and robotic machining, delivering complete turnkey solutions supported by comprehensive engineering expertise, installation, training, and service.
RoboMACH provides manufacturers with robotic machining capabilities that balance precision, affordability, and exceptional flexibility in the machining envelope. When paired with the separate ikCAM technology, it delivers extremely high levels of accuracy across a wide range of applications, at a relatively low investment.
To assess how RoboMACH HA, ikCAM or an alternative automated solution can optimise your machining processes, contact us at [email protected]
Our team will conduct a detailed application review and provide a tailored proposal.
Loop Technology – Advancing Precision Manufacturing Through Intelligent Robotic Automation. Winner of FANUC Global Robot Partner of the Year 2025 Innovation Award.