Already advanced as standard
“What distinguishes the Xcelerate platform from simpler robot systems is the advanced control,” says Michiel van Buul. “The platform is much more advanced in functionality than other systems and, with a starting price of €77,000, has now become price competitive. The system is immediately deployable for any CNC operation and processes any product shape effortlessly. With the user-friendly software, operators can start a new production job within one minute or configure a new product within three minutes, without robot programming knowledge. This combination of ease of use, modular functions, and price makes the system unique in the market.”
For automating a single product series
The START version is ideal for companies wanting to automate a single series. Michiel van Buul continues: “Traditionally, automation is purchased for one product series, which is perfectly possible with the START. The operator sets up Xcelerate and the robot then takes over production. For a new product series, the operator manually changes over the CNC machine. With other automation solutions, you often buy a fixed gripper that is difficult to change, but that’s different with Xcelerate. This makes the Xcelerate START also easy to manually reconfigure for a different product series.”
Produce multiple small series unmanned
For companies wanting to produce multiple small product series sequentially in one long production batch, the Xcelerate SMART version offers the solution. “With automatic gripper exchange and a job manager, the system independently reconfigures between different series,” explains Michiel van Buul. Automatic changeover of machine clamps and collets is also possible. “This enables longer unmanned production and gives companies more production efficiency while maintaining their flexibility.”
Future-proof through modularity
The Xcelerate platform can be expanded with useful standard modules for both versions. “Whether you choose START or SMART, you can always add a turning station for automatically turning workpieces for an OP20 operation,” Michiel van Buul explains. “An AGV docking module, Euro pallet module, cleaning module for cleaning products, and an SPC station (Statistical Process Control) for quality measurements are also available. These modules make it possible to automate complete machining processes, including the supporting operations.”
Preserving investment when product mix changes
“In practice, we see that customers often buy automation for both current and future needs, where that future is not yet entirely clear – resulting in purchasing all options. This always means a high investment. With Xcelerate, that’s no longer necessary.”
The unique aspect is that the investment in an Xcelerate START is preserved during an upgrade with new functionality. This allows companies to start with the automation they need now, knowing they can later seamlessly adapt this automation when facing a changing product mix, deployment on a different CNC machine, or the need for longer unmanned production. Expanding with Xcelerate is considerably easier than with other systems. This makes it ideal for companies that want to automate not only their current product series but also future series.
Customization possible with SMART
“While the START version focuses on standardization, the SMART version offers additional possibilities for customization,” continues Michiel van Buul. “We can then precisely adapt the system to the customer’s production process. Think of specific product handling, customized storage, or customer-specific interfaces. This level of adaptability distinguishes Xcelerate even from the more advanced automation solutions in the market.”
Tailored advice
“The choice between START and SMART depends on your specific production requirements and growth ambition,” says Michiel van Buul. “We’re happy to think along about automation that fits your product mix, available space, and investment possibilities. Not just for now, but also for the future. With more than 20 years of experience in automating CNC machines, we help you make the right choices.”