Product category:
Flexible machining cells and systems (FMS)
News Release from: REM Systems | Subject: Robot Multi automated loading systems
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 25 May 2005
Automate small batch work to reduce
costs
Variable pallet size, chaotic loading and 'Right-First-Time' control makes a multiple pallet loader a cost effective tool for the automation of small batch work.
Variable pallet size, chaotic loading and Right-First-Time control makes the Erowa Robot Multi a cost effective tool for the automation of small batch work Pallet pool, pallet changer or workpiece robot are common enough names for a device that can increase the utilisation of a machine tool
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 8 Nov 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
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Well, they may not be totally free but they could significantly decrease the cost of production and make sure delivery deadlines are met.
In Lean Manufacturing parlance, we have created a 'Flexible Machining Centre' with reduced 'Manufacturing Cycle Time' and 'Just-In-Time' capability.
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In practice, how can this be achieved with a high mix of parts and small batch sizes.
The Robot Multi is just one product in a range of automated loading systems from Erowa, Switzerland and distributed in the UK by REM Systems.
Loading Erowa standard pallets onto precise table based receivers, or Zero Point Tooling, makes loading easy from the inbuilt magazine storage.
But the flexibility does not stop there.
Robot Multi can also load pallets of different sizes, so 100mm parts mount on 148mm pallets and 350mm parts mount on 400mm pallets - seems logical.
Having the pallet size match the part reduces the pallet storage space and the footprint of the cell.
Pallet costs are substantially reduced.
Unlike a standard FMS system, the pallets are not imprisoned inside the magazine.
They can be removed when not required and replaced by pallets that are required.
This significantly increases the number of pallets that can be used in the system.
Making sure the cell makes the parts you want at the right time is taken care of by two additions to the Erowa Robot Multi.
Firstly, an inductive chip on each pallet identifies the job in the Robot magazine.
Pallets can now be chaotically loaded with no fear of errors in the early hours or on Saturday afternoon.
Secondly, the cell can be controlled by Erowa's Job Management Software which checks that the correct NC program runs with each job and ensures the jobs run in the order you want them.
As an added bonus, Robot Multi can load two machines - increased productivity at half the cost.
Three other handling systems, from the Erowa range, provide a selection of systems to suit all applications.
A visit from Erowa/REM Systems will make sure the correct receiver, pallet(s) and loading system is selected to suit the application.
The resulting machining cell will provide increased cutting hours but with a high degree of flexibility for Just-In-Time and Right-First-Time production.
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