High-Mix CNC Automation:
Straight Answers for Real Shops

• MultiGrip Systems — Mill automation for multi-operation parts with a mix of geometries.
• DuoGrip Systems — Mill and lathe automation for quick change of single-operation parts or dual spindle lathes.
• ZPS Systems — Single-operation, zero-point vise/pallet loading for tight-tolerance, high-mix work.

VersaBuilt systems are available with Universal Robots (UR10e, UR20, UR30) and Fanuc CRX collaborative robots (CRX-10iA/L, CRX-20iA/L, CRX-30iA).

Collaborative robots offer "drag-to-teach" technology, enabling 5–10 minute system and workholding calibration by manually moving the robot in free-drive mode to calibration positions. With industrial robots, this is a much more challenging and time-consuming task that typically requires a specialist.

Pallet loading is great for first-operation-only processing or tiny parts. Traditional part-picking robots are suited for high-volume jobs with simple part shapes. VersaBuilt's MultiGrip method offers the best of both worlds — it's the ideal solution for high-mix scenarios involving multi-operation parts, regardless of part shape complexity.

For staging irregular parts, you can replace the standard grid plate on the VersaCart with custom sheet metal locators and 3D-printed cradles to hold parts in the exact orientation needed for the robot. To grip the parts, you can machine custom soft jaws, utilize 3D-printed bolt-on interfaces for MultiGrip systems, or swap in custom 3D-printed fingers for DuoGrip systems.

VersaBuilt recommends using a compliant Z-Push tool in the CNC spindle. By using a G-code macro to exhaust the vise's air pressure, the CNC can physically push the tool against the part to seat it perfectly against the Z-datum before re-pressurizing the vise — no dead-blow hammer required.

Refer to the Troubleshooting Manual and General Systems manuals at versabuilt.com/resources.

If parts are in tolerance when hand-loaded but out of tolerance during automation, the root cause is almost always part seating. Check for:

• Chip interference between the part and the jaws
• Whether your Z-Push G-code routine is functioning correctly
• Bent internal cross-pins in your MultiGrip jaws

• Verify the Dispatcher program is in Memory mode on the CNC
• Check the robot's teach pendant for background errors and recover if necessary
• Ensure Ethernet connections are secure with illuminated switch lights
• Verify the VersaBuilt System Controller (VSC) is receiving consistent electrical power and air pressure
• If CNC power fluctuates during machining, move the VSC to a separate power source

The system was likely accidentally switched to "Robot2CNC mode." To recover: navigate to the Robot2CNC interface by changing the end of your browser's address from 9000 to 9001. Once connected, go to the About page and click "Enable VSC" to restore the standard interface.

Use the VSC's built-in I/O Panel dashboard to manually force outputs "High" or "Low" to test pneumatic valves and relays. For relays (like the Cycle Start command), place a multimeter in continuity mode across the Common (COM) and Normally Open (NO) terminals while toggling the signal in the software.

VersaBuilt does not recommend covers or sleeves — they can hide coolant intrusion. Instead, perform daily robot arm wipe-downs with a damp cloth followed by a dry cloth.

VersaBuilt offers two primary pneumatic vises: the MultiGrip Vise 2000 and the larger MultiGrip Vise 4000, both available with optional steel tops. Jaw options include:

• Fixed Jaws — Monolithic left and right jaws for OD or ID clamping in 1.5" or 2.5" heights
• Base Jaws — Pair with quick-exchange Top Jaws in Swivel-Fixed or Fixed-Fixed configurations (1.0"–3.0" heights)
• Universal Top Jaws — With VersaBites or VersaRails for highly flexible part holding

At 120 psi (unless noted):

• MultiGrip Fixed-Jaw Gripper — up to 196 lbf
• DuoGrip 400 — up to 52 lbf (parts up to 10.5 lbs)
• DuoGrip 2000 — up to 286 lbf (parts up to 57.0 lbs)
• ZPS Gripper (Schunk JGP-P 100) — up to 309 lbf at 110 psi

The VersaCart is a portable robot platform and part infeed cart available in two sizes:

• VersaCart 1300 — optimized for 1300mm reach robots like the UR10e
• VersaCart 1700 — optimized for 1700mm reach robots like the UR20 or CRX-30iA

Both feature heavy-duty casters (2 fixed, 2 swivel) for easy transport and leveling foot pads to lock the cart securely in front of the CNC.

Absolutely. The standard VersaCart includes a stainless steel "Visual Infeed" top with a 2x2-inch laser-cut grid. This top plate can be removed and replaced with custom laser-cut part locators or 3D-printed cradles. VersaBuilt also sells a Custom Infeed Ready Kit (aluminum top with mounting brackets) designed specifically for this purpose.

Capacity varies by part size and gripper type. For example, a VersaCart 1300 with Oversized Infeed using a DuoGrip gripper can hold:

• Up to 420 parts at 1x1 inch
• Up to 49 parts at 4x4 inches

For ZPS setups, the 1300 cart typically holds 20–42 vises or pallets depending on hardware configuration.

The VersaDoor is a cost-effective CNC door opener designed to automatically open and close CNC doors during lights-out robotic operation. It fits virtually any CNC machine and is available in:

• Single-door — 24", 30", or 40" actuators
• Double-door — 2x24", 2x30", or 2x40" actuators

Yes. The VersaDoor uses a center-exhaust solenoid valve. When power is removed from the valve, the air circuit exhausts and the door can "float" — allowing operators to open and close it manually when automation is not running.

Erratic door movement is typically caused by:

• Mechanical binding (e.g., a bent cylinder rod)
• Improper adjustment of the meter-in speed control fittings
• A buildup of chips in the CNC door rails
• Fluctuations in the 30 PSI air supply to the door

• Daily — Wash or blow out chips inside the CNC door frame and rails
• Weekly — Clean the actuator, verify the rubber isolator on the clamp hanger is in place, check that the actuator body doesn't rub against the CNC during motion, and ensure all fasteners and sensor set screws remain tight

Robot2CNC is a small industrial computer installed inside your CNC's control cabinet that provides an Ethernet control interface for any robot with Ethernet TCP/IP support. It allows the robot to select and change CNC programs, cycle-start the machine, and verify if a program completes successfully or generates an error — significantly reducing the chance of expensive operator errors during changeovers.

Robot2CNC Basic Edition currently supports Haas Legacy, Haas NGC, and Fanuc Focus 2.0 controls. Note: Haas versions require the User-Definable Macros option to be enabled on the machine.

An included URCap simplifies programming directly in the UR PolyScope teach pendant. It allows operators to add commands like "Run CNC Program" and "Wait for CNC Program" without writing custom code.

Yes. Each CNC machine must have its own dedicated Robot2CNC device with a unique IP address (e.g., 192.168.2.3 for the first, 192.168.2.4 for the second). Within the robot's program, you simply specify the corresponding IP address for the CNC you want to command.

Yes. The VersaDoor is a universal CNC door opener with mounting brackets designed to fit almost any CNC machine, in single-door (24", 30", or 40" actuators) and double-door configurations.

As of now, the Robot2CNC product is limited to Universal Robots.

Yes. Both MultiGrip and DuoGrip grippers feature standard robot mounts (ISO 9409-1-50-4-M6) and can be adapted for larger robots like the UR20 and UR30, making them highly adaptable for custom integration projects.