Automated Punch Press Loading/Unloading Systems

Murata Machinery introduces several series of automated turret punch press loading and unloading systems designed to double the production of a stand-alone machine. They also enable lights-out, unattended operation as well as more consistent production to improve job estimates and costs.

The FS series of cell loaders feature compact design, quieter system operation, multiple-stack operation to handle nonstandard parts and the FMS-dedicated controller. The raw material and finished product tables are loaded and unloaded at the front of the system by a fork truck or overhead crane. Same-side loading and unloading also frees up the operator side for maintenance and manual operation.

The FS Tower-series cell stocker systems handle full-size blank sheets and finished parts. These systems can serve as storage of worksheet and finished parts and enable unmanned operation over extended periods for a variety of production schedules with minimum worksheet loading and unloading operation time. FS Series cell stockers are available in two models with 6 or 8 shelves.

The FG series comprises servo-controlled loading and sorting cell loader systems for flexible sheet metal automation using an axis drive, programmable parts stacking patterns and an integrated FANUC-based FMS control system. These loaders produce micro-jointless parts by removing finished parts processed by punch press or laser cut, then neatly sorting and stacking them on the finished parts pallet.

The FG Tower series provides more flexible full-sheet operation that can be left unattended longer, complete with blank- and finished-part storage. Material and part exchanges can be completed while the system is running by using the stocker elevator. Material pallets can be scheduled for finished parts after they are emptied and, if a material pallet empties before the job is complete, the system will continue to the next scheduled job.