Fastems Flexible Pallet Enables CNC Milling Automation
It is said the PFC 8 provides simple automation of milling machines in a smaller footprint, offering improved space efficiency and better ergonomics for operators working on either the hardware or software side.
Photo Credit: Fastems
Fastems’ version 8 of its Flexible Pallet Container (FPC 8) is said to provide easy and extendable automation for one to three CNC milling machines with 400- to 1,000-mm pallets. The FPC 8 also includes the FPC-1800, which accommodates 12 to 36 pallets measuring 630 mm to 800 mm in a small 2.4 × 9.2-meter footprint.
The container features a library of hundreds of ready-made machine interfaces for over 100 brands. It integrates with horizontal machining centers and is said to offer machine tool utilization of up to 85%, short setup times and high lights-out production capacity. The system can be extended to include up to two additional containers, increasing capacity to 24 or 36 pallets running on two to three machines.
The FPC 8 is controlled by Fastems’ version 8 manufacturing management software (MMS) which is said to offer a single-view user interface with drag-and-drop production orders, an EasyRoute feature for bringing new workpieces into production in under 60 seconds, and an advanced automatic Order Generator for recurring orders or maintaining a certain stock level.
The system also features an optional basic loading station (LSB) with pallet height adjustment, specifically designed for jobs with various fixture heights to provide personalized work positions for each operator while clamping and unclamping workpieces. For systems with a single-fixture height or with just a couple of users, the company’s standard option compact loading station (LSC) is said to remain a good choice.
The company says the FPC is one of its most popular systems, offering a cost-efficient and easy-to-deploy linear pallet automation solution. It can be extended to multiple machine tools to scale capacity and run unmanned even for an entire weekend. The FPC 8 is said to offer improved space efficiency and better ergonomics for operators working on either the hardware or software side. The new size can accommodate 1,800-kg payloads in a small space and offers easy-use features.
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