Three pieces of industrial automation equipment, including a blue cabinet with a touchscreen labeled EZ-TEND, a robotic arm behind a safety fence, and another blue machine labeled EZ-AUTOCART, are shown on a blue gradient background.

Machine Tending

Easy, Flexible & Efficient

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White robotic arm icon next to white text that reads Machine Tending Main Product Page on a blue background, with a white arrow pointing to the right.

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SIMPLIFIED AND EFFICIENT MACHINE TENDING

We make it easy for you to automate your machine tending – no robotics expertise needed. Building on our strong reputation for precision CNC machine tool accessories, we bring that same reliability and innovation to CNC machine tending with our EZ-Machine Tending solutions. Designed to streamline CNC operations, these systems make it easy, flexible, and efficient.

Our complete lineup of machine tending automation includes:

EZ-AutoCart

Easily Automate CNC Machine Tending

EZ-Cob

CNC Machine Tending Solution

EZ-Bot

Automatic Work Changer for CNC Machines

EZ-Tend

Modular CNC Machine Tending Platform

EZ-SmartTower

Increase Machine Shop Efficiency with Machine Tracking System

EZ-AUTOCART – EASILY AUTOMATE CNC MACHINE TENDING

The EZ-AutoCart machine tending solution empowers machine shops to automate the tending of CNC lathes, mills, and similar machines, significantly boosting spindle time and enhancing overall machine efficiency.

Additionally, designed into the software is the ability to expand functionality as you grow with your cobot. You can harness the power of expressions to provide a flexible and robust solution for custom CNC machine tending needs.

As a FANUC Authorized System Integrator, Lyndex-Nikken offers the EZ-AutoCart powered by the CRX-20iA cobot to provide a seamless “plug-and-play” solution for automated CNC machine tending. The FANUC CRX-20iA can easily mount to the EZ-AutoCart to streamline machine tending with minimal effort. The result is unattended operation for uninterrupted production.

Read more about the EZ-AutoCart design, features, and specs:

EZ-AutoCart Integration Capabilities

Includes 16 digital I/O to control peripheral devices
Manage auto doors open/close
Manage workholding conditions
Optional hub provides data mining and quick change between multiple CNC machines
Monitor CNC machine conditions

EZ-AutoCart Vision Capabilities

A black, circular industrial EZ-Autocart sensor with a green illuminated ring. The device has a rectangular top section with three small indicator lights.

Includes integrated camera for 2/3D vision
Optional software for 2.5D picking

EZ-AutoCart Specs

Details	Standard Bot Core	FANUC CRX20
Payload capacity	18kg	20kg
Reach	1300mm	1418mm
Max joint speed	435°/s	1000°/s
Repeatability	+/-0.025mm	+/-0.04mm

EZ-AutoCart System Includes

Robot arm, cart, and tablet
Support, including joint and hardware replacements
Options (not included): Workholding, end-of-arm tooling, fixturing plates for the cart, safety scanners, and integration support

Three images show a 2-finger gripper, a 3-finger gripper, and a person's hand swapping out a quick change gripper; each device is mounted on a robotic arm.

EZ-COB – CNC MACHINE TENDING SOLUTION

Close-up of a robotic arm operating machinery, with text EZ-COB and a Watch Video button below. A machine tending icon appears in the lower right corner. A play button overlay is centered on the image.

Machine tending is necessary to be competitive today and to future proof your machine shop. The robot or cobot is only one element of a machine tool tending solution. The other elements you need to effectively build a complete machine tending solution include a base module that the robot is mounted on, storage to hold blank parts, vises or pallets, and a wide range of peripherals.

A white industrial robotic arm operates inside a glass-enclosed EZ-COB tending machine with metallic panels and control units, positioned on wheels for mobility. So, there are grippers, couplings, and automatic clamping devices for the components to be processed. Then the machine tool must also be started by the machine tending, the door must be opened and finally, the machine tending must know when the machining cycle is finished. Although it is possible to write a separate robot program for each individual machine tending job, it is easier and more effective to have a job management system that manages and controls a wide variety of robot programs via parameters.

Once the hardware and software construction is complete, the question of safety arises. The operator is responsible for the overall safety assessment, including all components.

Read more about the EZ-Cob starter package, design, features, and benefits:

EZ-Cob Starter Package

Machine tending may seem to be a daunting task. However, the easy and proven solution is the EZ-Cob for CNC machine tending. Your entry into machine tending automation is made easy with our starter package.

The compete EZ-Cob robot cell includes:

Zero Point clamping system with 4 pots
Pneumatic vise and gripper jaws
Door drive for automatic opening of machine tool
Software for intuitive programming of the EZ-Cob
Job management
Double gripper for gripping blank parts
Protective housing

An EZ-COB tending machine with a mobile storage rack, shown in three views: a person exchanges the rack with a pallet truck, the enclosure is open on rollers, and the robot arm operates inside. Ready for production is highlighted.

Large Selection of Proven Components

With our large selection of proven components, you can select your own personal automation solution. All components are perfectly matched to each other. No adjustments or further engineering is required. Short delivery time enables you to boost production quickly with a ready-to-use solution. The EZ-Cob construction kit and its components are comprised of:

A robotic arm operates inside an EZ-COB tending machine with mobile storage racks holding blanks and vises. Arrows indicate components such as grippers, safety enclosure, smart operator, control center, and various vises and brackets.

Easy to use software allows for efficient loading with a menu-guided assistant. So, you can create new loading jobs quickly and conveniently on any terminal.

Single Gripper – NO Special Component Jaws Required

An EZ-COB gripper with a black base, metallic rails, and a motorized actuator, used for industrial automation. Various connectors and a Zero Clamp mount are visible.

With a single gripper, components up to 160 mm deep can be gripped at the clamping edge. After processing, the component is gripped again at the clamping edge with the same gripper and removed from the clamping device. This means that no special component-specific jaws are required.

ZeroLoX Universal Interface for High-Precision Clamping

The ZeroLoX® P80Z Zero Point clamping console with metal and orange components is shown above two Zero Clamp units arranged within dotted circles.

The ZeroLoX® P80Z Zero Point clamping console, now with ball pressure quick change system, provides a universal interface for high-precision clamping of vises, pallets, and workpieces in seconds. Optimal machining can be achieved in combination with the ZeroVise® automation vises.

ZeroVise Clamping – NO Additional Vise Sizes Required

A Zero Clamp vise with a flat base, adjustable knobs, and multiple T-slots on top for securing workpieces, placed on a white background.

Chip nests are a thing of the past with the ZeroVise® M80/M120 series – uncompromisingly designed for economy. With reversible jaws and jaw adapters, clamping ranges up to 167 respectively 207 mm are covered – no additional vise sizes are required. Spindle, center centering, and inner guides are completely covered, and the outer contour is designed so that there are no chip nests. Time-consuming cleaning after use and problems with chips around the spindle and guides are now a thing of the past.

EZ-BOT – AUTOMATIC WORK CHANGER FOR CNC MACHINES

The EZ-Bot automatic work changer enables efficient machine tending blank part handling, vise handling, pallet handling, and automatic setup results in maximum machine running times while minimizing the time strain on skilled workers.

The EZ-Bot makes it easy to optimize your workflow with pre-set machining tasks without manual set-up. You can store your machining tasks already pre-equipped on mobile racks. A large number of jobs with different clamping devices and workpieces can be kept “ready to start” and immediately clocked in as required. Via job management, these are combined as desired and processed with all necessary set-up processes. So, manual set-up times are a thing of the past.

The loading robot with vertical double rack enables full-time parallel loading with minimum space requirements.

Here’s how it works:

Read more about the EZ-Bot design and features:

EZ-Bot 100V AWC Features

Compact and flexible robot with double-sided, automatically rotating rack
Footprint only approximately 2.9 m2
Maximum storage capacity for blank parts, vises, pallets, and fixtures
100 kg handling weight, up to 640 mm component length
Cycle time parallel set-up at the rear of the rack
Access for the operator during set-up
Designed for automated CNC machining with high flexibility and parts mix

An EZ-BOT-100V-AWC robotic automation system shows three handling processes: pallet handling, vise handling, and blank parts handling, with arrows pointing to a central storage unit and a close-up of grippers and clamping devices.

EZ-Bot 100S / 250S Features

SCARA robot on linear rail axis
100 kg or 250 kg handling weight
Maximum storage capacity for blank parts, vises, and fixtures with minimum space requirements
Double gripper for shortest change-over times
Any number of racks, equipped with workpieces, clamping devices, and grippers can be kept in stock
Racks can be easily changed using a pallet truck
Designed for automated CNC machining with high flexibility and parts mix

An EZ-BOT-100S-250S system with interchangeable storage racks is shown. A human figure moves a rack with a pallet jack toward the system. Below, the robot travels on a rail, accessing various storage racks and products including grippers.

Watch the EZ-Bot Machine Tending in Action on CNC Machines

The EZ-Bot is proven technology already being used with many different machines – watch the videos and see it in action.

A robotic arm operates inside a Mazak machine with a control panel and shelves holding multiple parts. The video play button and the text EZ-BOT and Watch Video are visible. A Machine Tending icon appears at the bottom right.

Watch the EZ-Bot on a Mazak machine

A robotic arm operates inside a DMG-Mori machine with a control panel and shelves holding multiple parts. The video play button and the text EZ-BOT and Watch Video are visible. A Machine Tending icon appears at the bottom right.

Watch the EZ-Bot on a DMG Mori machine.

A robotic machine tending system labeled EZ-BOT is positioned next to a Hermle machine behind a safety cage. There are warning signs on the fence and a play button icon over the center indicating a video.

Watch the EZ-Bot on a Hermle machine.

Watch the EZ-Bot on a Heller machine.

Watch the EZ-Bot on a Grob machine.

A video player screen with a play button overlays an industrial background featuring SK Collet Chucks and metal tool holders. The text CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT and LYND are partially visible above a button that reads Watch Videos.

Watch More Machine Tending Videos

Hear and see for yourself how Lyndex-Nikken quality products provide optimal machine tending solutions.

EZ-TEND – MODULAR CNC MACHINE TENDING PLATFORM

Ideal for high mix/low volume production, the EZ-Tend modular CNC machine tending platform is an approachable, easy-to-use industrial robotic machine tending system.

The EZ-TEND modular CNC machine tending platform with a touchscreen control panel, safety lights, and a protective metal fence, used for automated manufacturing or machining processes. The EZ-Tend is an off-the-shelf machine tending experience. Great for the first time industrial robotic user entry level or the professional wanting ease of use and setup of industrial robot machine tending. Read more about the EZ-Tend design, features, and benefits:

Leverages Lean Principles

EZ-Tend leverages lean principles by taking the application of lean manufacturing to the next level by using robots to tend the CNC machine to do lean tending. Its flexibility and power allow it to service milling centers with an option for turning centers.

Side-by-side images: left shows a hand placing a clamping device onto a machine table with round metal parts, labeled LEAN MANUFACTURING; right shows robotic arm tending a similar fixture, labeled EZ-TEND™ LEAN TENDING.

Preconfigured Pick and Place Positions

The power of the EZ-Tend lies in the preconfigured pick and place positions. No robot programming required.

The EZ-TEND is shown on the left, connected by lines to three different types of Zero Clamp on rotary table setups with on the right.

EZ-Tend Benefits

Manufacturers using the EZ-Tend will benefit from:

One operator can run multiple machines
Less operators mitigate cost increases
Spindles run significantly more with assistance from machine tending
High efficiencies equal improved capacity utilizations
More throughput with improved efficiency
Competition issues are mitigated due to better efficiencies, more throughput, and less cost

EZ-Tend Features

The EZ-Tend system uses mechanical design elements to provide protection from interaction with mechanical movement to offer the optimum level of operator safety. Optional state-of-the-art laser scanners are available.

The EZ-TEND is shown with multiple shelves, a user touchscreen interface, and a yellow robotic arm positioned beside it. Numbered labels highlight the machine’s features.

EZ-Tend Human Machine Interface (HMI)

A man wearing glasses and gloves operates a touchscreen control panel on a blue machine labeled EZ-TEND in an industrial setting. The EZ-Tend system’s human machine interface (HMI) is designed for the novice. The intent is to allow a non-robot programmer to create a pick and place routine using an icon base menu with just 3 screens to set up a new program. This simplicity is designed into the EZ-Tend system.

EZ-SMARTTOWER – INCREASE MACHINE SHOP EFFICIENCY WITH MACHINE TRACKING SYSTEM

An EZ-SmartTower LED signal light is shown glowing red on the left. On the right, the EZ-SmartTower, glowing green, is mounted on top of an industrial machine with a control panel and display.

Embark on a new era of digital transformation in manufacturing and machine tracking with the innovative EZ-SmartTower machine tracking solution that is easy to install on CNC lathes, mills, and similar machines. This cutting-edge technology empowers machine shops to automate the production data (i.e. uptime, idle time, error time, alarms, part making, operators) collection, enabling data analysis to identify bottlenecks, make improvements, increase spindle time, and enhance overall machine efficiency. Embrace modern technology and the seamless integration of machine tracking into your manufacturing process.

The EZ-SmartTower device with green and red lights is shown next to a blue circle listing the features. The EZ-SmartTower is a modular, easy to use, and cost-effective machine tracking solution that is scalable across all machines in your shop. It enables stress-free entry into Industry 4.0/5.0 or being a smart factory that helps you analyze your machine ROI. The EZ-SmartTower not only provides comprehensive data tracking for machine performance but also offers real-time insights, enabling businesses to optimize processes, track employee contributions, and boost overall operational efficiency.

Read more about the EZ-SmartTower features and benefits:

EZ-SmartTower Benefits

Enhanced overall shop efficiency by minimizing downtime and maximizing machine utilization
Cost effective measurement of machine throughput by analysis of operator and machine performance
Machine data to facilitate in-depth analysis for process optimization and bottleneck identification
Visual feedback to empower operators to stay informed, enhancing workflow efficiency
Data for employee incentives based on performance
Real-time status of machines allowing for on-the-fly decision making
Allows operational managers to display and monitor up to 30 machines at one time from one centralized computer

A dashboard with six labeled screenshots showing features: Home Screen, Machine Map, Tower Detail, Machine Utilization, Throughput Tracking, and Day Report, each displaying different data and analytics for manufacturing operations.

EZ-SmartTower Capabilities

Accurately logs machine cycle counts
Records idle, cycle, and error times for spindle efficacy tracking
Logs data for analytics with details such as operator name, machine name, and part name
LED light indicates machine status while displaying current cycle time or idle time
WiFi enables data to transfer in real time
Included Apps allows data collection up to 30 machines to one dedicated, central computer
Data output in charts or download to a CVS file can be refined with filter criteria for daily or weekly analysis

VIDEOS: MACHINE TENDING SOLUTIONS

Watch more machine tending videos to hear and see for yourself how Lyndex-Nikken provides optimal machine tending solutions.