The Agile Flex 35S is a high-performance automation platform designed to increase productivity and precision in modern machine shops. Built as a robot for machine tools, it delivers consistent, repeatable part handling for shaft, bar, and large workpiece applications. The 35S integrates easily with a horizontal mill or other CNC systems, helping engineers achieve longer unattended cycles and optimized workflow efficiency. By integrating CNC machines with automation, it eliminates manual loading tasks, reduces downtime, and enhances spindle utilization across every shift.
Agile Flex 35S Features:
Engineered for reliability and speed, the Agile Flex 35S functions as an intelligent robot for machine tools, automating heavy shaft and bar-stock operations. Its multi-drawer configuration supports workpieces up to 76 mm (3 inches) in diameter and 787 mm in length, making it ideal for medium to large component production. In addition, the robotic gripper and adjustable fixtures ensure precise positioning to maintain part consistency through long production runs. As a result, this system provides a scalable solution for manufacturers seeking to minimize labor while maintaining high output quality.
The Agile Flex 35S is designed to seamlessly integrate CNC machines with automation, directly into existing production environments. For example, by using the Agile Go! control interface, operators can set up new jobs quickly, with no programming expertise required. The system automates part loading, unloading, and staging for smooth operation during multi-shift production. In addition, this automation reduces setup times, improves throughput, and keeps CNC machines cutting continuously. For shops that handle a wide variety of parts, the Agile Flex 35S delivers flexibility and efficiency. It provides dependable, operator-friendly automation that adapts easily to changing production demands.
Optimized for integration with a horizontal mill, the Agile Flex 35S enhances high-volume shaft and bar machining applications. In addition, its compact footprint and efficient drawer system allows operators to access parts while machining is active. The robotic system also manages tool access and material flow, allowing for full-cycle machining with minimal interruption. This integration maintains consistent accuracy and increased spindle uptime machine shops focused on lean manufacturing and long-term production scalability.
| Agile Flex 35S | ||
| General | ||
| Agile control software | Standard | |
| Number of drawers (standard) | 4 | |
| Number of drawers (max) | 8 | |
| Included quick-adjust mechanical shaft nests | 1 per drawer | |
| Additional nest plates | Option | |
| Drawer-mount pallet | Option | |
| Power supply (KvA) | 3 | |
| Pneumatic pressure (bar) | 6 | |
| Robot | ||
| Fanuc M-20iD/35 robot (35kg payload) | Standard | |
| Single 2-jaw gripper | Standard | |
| Double 2-jaw gripper | Option | |
| Gripper pressure control | Standard | |
| Capacities | ||
| Weight capacity – drawer (max) | 220lbs / 100kg | |
| Drawer capacity – shaft diameter | Up to 1″ / 25mm | 11 rows |
| 1.25″ / 32mm | 10 rows | |
| 1.5″ / 38mm | 8 rows | |
| 2″ / 50mm | 7 rows | |
| 2.5″ / 63mm | 6 rows | |
| 3″ / 76mm | 5 rows | |
| Drawer capacity – shaft length | Up to 9″ / 228mm | 3 columns |
| 10″ – 16″ / 254mm – 406mm | 2 columns | |
| 16″ – 31″ / 406mm – 787mm | 1 column | |
| Safety | ||
| Floor scanner | Standard | |
| Integrated enclosure | Standard | |
| Safety fence | Option | |
The Agile Flex 35S is an automated shaft-loading system for larger CNC-turned components. It is configured to move raw and completed workpieces between organized storage and the CNC machine while machinists remain available for setup, process control, inspection, and other skilled work. A.W. Miller Technical Sales supplies and supports Agile robotic machine-loading systems throughout New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Southern New Jersey, and Quebec, with application review, cell integration, installation, training, and regional service.
A FANUC M-20iD/35 robot provides a 35 kg payload. Four drawers are standard and eight are available, with quick-adjust mechanical shaft nests rated for up to 220 lbs per drawer. Published nest layouts accommodate shaft diameters through 3 inches and lengths through 31 inches. Final system capacity must be confirmed with the complete part, gripper, robot reach, storage arrangement, machine interface, safety layout, cycle-time target, and unattended production plan.
Applications commonly evaluated for the Agile Flex 35S include:
Quick-adjust mechanical nests organize long parts by diameter and length while keeping each pickup location repeatable. The layout avoids treating shafts like short billets and supports stable handling through the CNC cycle.
A single two-jaw gripper is standard and a double two-jaw arrangement is optional. Gripper selection should account for raw-stock variation, finished-surface protection, transfer sequence, and whether the robot must hold two parts during exchange.
Four drawers support the standard configuration, while an eight-drawer arrangement can extend the available part queue. The number of shaft columns changes with part length, so unattended runtime must be calculated from the actual nest layout and machining cycle.
The integrated enclosure and floor scanner support accessible automation with a compact footprint. Final safety zoning depends on machine position, operator access, peripheral equipment, and the validated robot motion envelope.
Agile Flex 35S is intended for long turned shafts, hydraulic rods and valve stems, drivetrain components, industrial pins and spindles. Final capacity depends on the combined part and gripper load, robot moment, pickup geometry, storage layout, machine access, and the required production sequence.
Runtime is calculated from the number of usable storage positions multiplied by the proven machining cycle, then adjusted for tool life, chip management, inspection, consumables, and planned interventions. A larger storage count does not eliminate these process limits.
Often, yes. The review must confirm door operation, chuck or fixture access, machine I/O, robot reach, floor space, safety zones, part blowoff, chip conditions, and whether the CNC can recover cleanly after an interruption.
Agile software uses a CNC-oriented, guided workflow that reduces the need for conventional robot programming. Operators still need training in cell setup, part presentation, gripper changes, safe operation, fault recovery, and production verification.
Provide part drawings and weights, raw and finished conditions, machine model, workholding, cycle time, annual volume, desired unattended hours, available floor space, loading orientation, quality checks, and any required secondary operations.