Easier Pallet Automation to Automate Horizontal Machining Centers

The FPC from Fastems, LLC (West Chester, OH) is a cost-effective solution to automate horizontal machining centers. In comparison to a conventional pallet pool, the FPC provides superior advantages. The product family covers pallet sizes from 400 mm to 1250 mm and workloads from 750 kg to 7500 kg. All FPC models can be extended to include up to three machining centers and are available for new machines installations or on existing equipment.

The FPC is a compact system delivered in one package and tested at the factory before delivery. Installation time at site is minimal – only few days including commissioning and training. Due to the simple installation and commissioning, the first step into pallet automation is now shorter than ever.

The large pallet capacity of the FPC makes it possible to run production with zero set-up times. The MMS5 control allows automatic dynamic rescheduling of jobs in changing production situations and offers the benefits of mass production even with batch sizes of one. When having larger batch sizes, long unmanned production periods can be achieved with spindles running.

A demonstration of how the Fastems FPC pallet handling system for machine tools supports modern manufacturing philosophies such as agile production or lean production. FPC is a miniature flexible manufacturing system used to automate pallet-based machining centers. An FPC consists of loading station(s), pallet storage, and integrated machine tools. The FPC automatically transfers pallets within the system, which makes it possible to load several pallets in advance and minimize setup times.

The MMS5 control represents state-of-the-art functionality and usability in its class. The standard MMS5 consists of all the necessary features needed in efficient flexible production. Additional modules offer even more when more capacity or new features are needed. MMS5 grows with the production, step by step.

With the new MMS5 control, the FPC family moves to the browser era. In addition to easy personal settings, information exchange over the factory network is simple. Every participant in the production can create a customized view of the production and irrelevant reports do not disturb everyday life – all this in real time.

Ergonomic aspects have been taken into account when designing the user interface of the loading stations. Easy access to the fixture helps produce high quality parts and achieves a smooth production flow.

Fastems has manufactured and integrated flexible manufacturing systems for more than 30 years. Developing of control systems has always played a major role in this road map.

Fastems, LLC, 9850 Windisch Road, West Chester, OH 45069, 513-779-4614, Fax: 513-779-4638, info.fastems@fastems.com, www.fastems.com.