Pallet Changers Reduce Setup Time

The Microcut pallet changer is a quick, precise, low-cost part-changing system enabling increased productivity. According to the company, it can reduce setup time by 30 percent or more, and pallets can be changed over in less than 10 sec. It can also improve part quality and reduce scrap by reducing potential operator load and unload errors, the company says.

The system has a mountable receiver with removable pallets, which deliver part-to-part change-overs with 0.0002" repeatability. The low-profile precision locating system does not require air, electric or hydraulics, making it a versatile addition to any vertical CNC machine, grinder or laser marking system. The hard-anodized aluminum components and hardened and ground tool steel ensure rigidity and wear resistance for long life.

The pallets can be configured in different ways. While one pallet is in the machine running, a second identical pallet can be loaded and unloaded. Once removed from the machine, pallets can also be used for quality checks, secondary operations and part verification. A second Microset receiver unit can be mounted on the CMM, enabling both manufacturing and quality to have a means of part location and handling.

Microcut pallets range in size from 9" × 13" × 1" to 13" × 13" × 1 .5". They are made from 6061-T6 extruded aluminum for easy machinability. The Micro-Cut starter kit includes a receiver and two blank pallets.