System Pairs Multiple Machines with Pallet Stocker

Mazak has developed the Mazatec SMS (Smart Manufacturing System) enabling unattended, lights-out manufacturing and high output, as well as Industrial Internet of Things connectivity. The system pairs multiple Mazak HMCs and/or multitasking machines with a Muratec vertical stocker-type system that has pallets, a material bucket and high-speed stocker crane. The system can have as many as 150 stockers (in different sizes) in a six-level configuration, which can increase space efficiency by as much as 67 percent, the company says.

The system uses Mazak’s SmartBox IIoT technology and Smooth PMC production management software, along with Muratec’s automated system control to connect and synchronize with a customer’s ERP or material requirements planning host and MES execution systems. These features make the system a smart factory solution for process control, monitoring and optimization to produce a variety of workpieces, even small lot sizes, with efficiency.

Mazatec SMS can incorporate various sizes and types of machine tools into the same automated manufacturing system via the stocker system, as well as accommodate different-size machine tool pallets, as does the system’s single stocker crane. This capability also enables manufacturers to apply the system across a spectrum of part numbers and types for cost effectiveness and increased ROI.

Peripheral equipment includes individual stations for loading and centering, tilt loading, raise-and-lower loading, work setup and part washing. In addition to keeping the machine tools supplied with work, the stocker crane handles the overall input of raw parts and the output of finished ones.