Product category:
Flexible machining cells and systems (FMS)
News Release from: Fastems Divisions, Helvar | Subject: Flexible Pallet Magazine
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 27 September 2007
Modular pallet magazine automates
machining
Latest version of a modular and flexible pallet magazine has a control system that offers an easy-to-learn and use graphical interface that guides and supports users.
At EMO 2007 in Hannover, Fastems continued to offer flexible factory automation systems for lean manufacturing The latest technology highlights included as follows
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 23 May 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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* Flexible Pallet Magazine - FPM - enables easy and automatic integration of machine tools.
* RPC modular robot cell makes it possible to automatically load and unload work pieces.
* FPC - Flexible Pallet Container - provides machine suppliers with a complete FMS installed in a container.
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Coventry-based Viasystems has installed a new, flexible manufacturing system (FMS) for machining the front and rear extrusions that go into electronic equipment racks.
System serves any make of M-C with pallets
One of the main benefits of the Fastems FPM compact pallet storage and retrieval systems design is that the pallet crane can deliver pallets to a variety of machining centres.
FPM - a standard for flexibility - introduced at EMO 2007, the new generation FPM will enhance productivity with several new features.
FPM is based on configurable standard modules providing versatility in size, machine number and control features.
This flexible standard creates a cost-effective solution for machining workshops to increase automation level and unmanned production.
The modular system grows together with the workshop's production development.
At its smallest, the system consists of a machine tool, loading station and storage rack for 12 machine pallets.
With extension modules the storage capacity can be increased to more than 100 machine pallets and ten machine tools.
A new control system offers an easy-to-learn and use graphical interface that guides and supports users in their different tasks and manufacturing operations.
The same extendable system supports manufacturing of both large batches and single parts.
To improve work ergonomics, the loading station has been designed to allow users to work in more comfortable positions.
At EMO 2007, Fastems the latest version of RPC-20G robot cell, which increases productivity of production machines.
RPC-G is a modular robot cell designed for loading and unloading of workpieces to CNC machines and especially lathes.
The RPC-20G cell consists of a single transferable unit that enables fast installation and, if necessary easy relocation of the system.
* Floor space equirement reduced - the updated RPC-20G has been designed with a new and narrower construction, which reduces required floor space and minimises the risk for transportation damages.
This construction further improves the robot cell's suitability for automated loading.
The new version also offers a wider selection of options, including automatic tool change and a deburring brushing station, as well as a machine vision.
With this robot cell both new and existing machines can be automated with minimum effort.
The gantry concept provides good accessibility to the machine tool in manual mode, as well as easy implementation of diverse material feed designs that can be geared to the workpieces, quantities, and physical size.
* FPC raises efficiency in small machine shops - flexible Pallet Handling Container, FPC, provides cost-effective start towards factory automation.
The standard package has been updated with new value-adding features and released as FPC version 4.0.
FPC is a standard solution for integrating up to three equal machines in a smart way.
As such it offers price attractive possibilities for small manufacturers and subcontractors to strive for additional production output from one or two machining centres.
* Start with one machine and expand to two - the container range comprises four models covering pallet sizes from 400mm x 400mm up to 1000 mm x 1000mm and loads up to 3.2 tonnes.
The latter, heaviest duty system accommodates four pallets on one level, while the lightest system with 750 kg load capacity stores 12 pallets on two levels.
* Set up and running in a day - each FPC container is configured to suit the particular machining centre.
The entire system and can be unpacked, connected electrically and mechanically and taken in operation the same day.
For relocation, you just need to move the load station from inside to outside and to remount.
The aiml of Fastems' products, services and partnership is to ensure that the annually available 8760 production hours are utilized as efficiently as possible.
The over 600 FMS and nearly 100 FPC pallet containers installed worldwide have already proven their ability to increase the customers' global competitiveness in the mechanical engineering, vehicle and aerospace industries, said Fastems.
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