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CNC WEST April/May 2018 www.CNC-West.com 37 Like any job shop “how fast can I get it” is a daily ask from Roncelli’s customers. Being as lean as possible is one way they stay ahead. “We just added robots to our workflow and let me say how much we love them,” touts Chris. “It is our first foray into full blown automation and the results have exceeded our expectations. The Rethink Sawyer robots came on line less than six months ago and have added 24/7 lights out capabilities to our machining.” The Sawyer robot is a highly deployable automated solution with the flexibility to move between mills and lathes depending on the need. They have two now and will be ordering more. Management was initially concerned about the perception of adding such au- tomation, but employees have latched on to the Sawyers and are learning new skills. “Our goal was not to eliminate jobs, but to grow the company,” details Riley. “Over the next ten years you will see more and more automation and trained people to work with that automation will have a higher level of demand than those who didn’t embrace the technology. Our employees stay with us a long time, but even if they go somewhere else we’re glad to see them expanding their skillset.” The Sawyer robots are amazingly flexible with the ability to be moved from location to location. You set points around the robot with its vision system. It then knows ex- actly where to pick up and drop parts. Every joint has force controls so it can seat parts as needed, but its smart enough to know if it comes into contact with something it shouldn’t. The Sawyers don’t require a big fence around them to work, allowing them to safely operate side by side with humans. Roncelli Plastics has served the industry for 50 years, providing high quality made in America parts to their cus- tomers. Seeing out the next 50 years will require them to stay at the forefront of technology. “We dedicate 100 hours a month looking at new technology,” tells Chris. “We have a group that sits down every other week and goes over hard and soft technologies.” Topics range from machine tools and software to inspection equipment and robotics. They bring together a brain trust to help see what might be the next big thing in manufacturing. “We know what is innovative and exciting to the customer today will be expected tomorrow,” concludes Chris. “If we don’t stay ahead of that we will get passed up by someone else. Our goal is to be around for an- other 50 years supporting California jobs. We can do that by building the best efficiencies using technology and with the best people.” Roncelli Plastics has more than 30 CNC machining centers spread between three cells. They utilize a variety of manufacturers and configurations depending on the need.