In order to compete in today's global economy, manufacturers face fierce pressures to reduce costs and increase throughput while enhancing the quality of the parts they produce. The Makino Machining Complex (MMC2) flexible manufacturing system is designed to help manufacturers meet these demands while enabling the flexibility to adapt quickly to a constantly shifting production schedule.
The MMC2 is a modular, automated material handling system that links Makino horizontal machining centers (HMCs), pallet loaders and operators. A servo-controlled, rail-guided vehicle (RGV) transports material to and from machines with little, if any, operator intervention. Each system is completely flexible and can be designed to fit a manufacturer's facility using standard components. This modular flexibility in layout design allows for ease of future expansion.
"Users of the MMC2 frequently report spindle utilization rates of up to 95%, leading to dramatic increases in production without adding staff or equipment," said a company spokesperson. "The MMC2 system permits users to virtually eliminate part set-up time, reducing non-value-added time in their machining operations. By providing a constant flow of parts to the machining centers, the system can run for extended periods unattended, including overnight and on weekends."
Construction and Part Handling
The system's RGV is supported by a floor rail and upper guide rail for enhanced stability and simultaneous, high-speed movement. Data from the RGV controller is transferred via optical communications while an overhead bus bar provides a safe power supply.
The MMC2's work setting stations (WSS) provide access for operators to load and unload parts either by hand or crane. The WSS features 180° pivoting doors to save space and prevent a cluttered work area. The MMC2 can also be equipped with optional workpiece washing guns, tilting WSS and automatic doors.
The system's pallet stockers can be customized to manufacturers' production requirements, including capacity and pallet dimensions, depending on the size of the applicable machining centers utilized in the cell. The pallet stocker can be built with one, two or three levels for high-volume production requirements. Larger pallet loads may be limited to two levels.
All components of the MMC2 are capable of supporting maximum workpiece diameters, heights and loads of up to 1,900 mm (74.8"), 1,500 mm (59.1") and 3,000 mm (118.1").
MAS-A5: Makino Advanced System Control Software
The MMC2 includes Makino Advanced System-A5 (MAS-A5) cell control software designed to maximize production output while monitoring multi-machine production requirements. This Windows-based software is designed to handle a wide variety of parts and production requirements. According to the company, it provides flexible production management while monitoring and scheduling production resources within the MMC2 cell.
The MAS-A5 main PC hard drive stores and manages all NC programs for optimum machine utilization, including NC programs that exceed CNC memory.
In addition to NC programming, tool data, both in and out of the machines, can be accessed and modified from the MAS-A5 user interface. A variety of tooling and part information file formats are supported and can be displayed to assist with part loading/unloading and tool setting operations. A Tool-Life Predict function enables the MAS-A5 to gather tool life data per NC program. It informs the operator of how long a tool is used in each NC program execution and how many spare tools are required in order to finish the current NC program. The MAS-A5 schedules work only for machines that meet tool life and availability requirements for the desired process sequence. Interfacing with a tool pre-setter also reduces errors by automatically capturing tool offset data, which can be transferred from the pre-setter to the MAS-A5 system control.
The MAS-A5 maintains all processing steps required to complete a part. The system automatically schedules work setting and machining operations according to the defined part process sequences, recognizing material and machine availability. Intermediate work setting operations can be included in a process sequence to allow for set-up changes. For more complex processing requirements, the MAS-A5 enables multiple jobs to be assigned for each machining process.
With the MAS-A5, there is no limit to the number of fixtures and associated process sequences and offsets that can be logically assigned to an individual pallet. Using material availability and user-assigned priorities, the software automatically allocates work to each fixture.
The MAS-A5 manages and schedules production orders for each part defined and lets the operator set a production start date and due date. Work can be scheduled dynamically using priorities set for pallets, process sequences and production orders, as well as multiple other methods. System priorities can be easily reassigned to meet changes in schedule or demand. The MAS-A5 also includes a production order capacity check that evaluates all orders and part quantities required and necessary cycle times. In addition, it provides a chart that displays system capacity on a daily basis.
A number of built-in reports are included with the cell controller, such as production data, tool data, results, alarm history and utilization. Alarm notifications can be configured to be automatically generated and sent via email. Custom report writing is also available.
The MAS-A5 is also utilized on Makino's MMC-R robot automated fixture plate distribution system. It can be installed as an upgrade to existing Makino Model A2, Model B2, Model A3 and Model C systems.
For more information contact:
Mark Rentschler
Makino Inc.
7680 Innovation Way
Mason, OH 45040
800-552-3288
www.makino.com
Southwest
TX
Andy Mustaine
Single Source Technologies
1701 W. Northwest Hwy.
Grapevine, TX 76051
877-778-5151
andy.mustaine@singlesourcetech.com
OK
KOMT
9511 E 55th Place
Tulsa, OK 74145
918-664-6064
tulsa@komt.com
LA
Michelle Hanberry
c/o Oliver Van Horn Co.
4100 Euphrosine St.
New Orleans, LA 70125
504-210-3042
michelle-hanberry@ohvanhorn.com
NM
Moncktons Machine Tools, Inc.
928 Canvas Back Rd.
Rio Rancho, NM 87144
505-891-8845
hmorrismmt@aol.com
AR
Bill Myers
Single Source Technologies (SST)
26762 Success Drive
P.O. Box 708
Madison, AL 35758
256-301-0040
bill.myers@singlesourcetech.com
Southeast
NC, SC, VA
Dan Beckman
Single Source Technologies (SST)
415 Brookshire Road
Greer, SC 29651
864-801-8181
www.singlesourcetech.com
W. NC, SC
Chris Beckman
Single Source Technologies (SST)
415 Brookshire Road
Greer, SC 29651
Cell: 864-915-7307
chris.beckman@singlesourcetech.com
E. VA, Northeast NC
Bob Hodge
Single Source Technologies (SST)
1316 Elmwood Drive
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
Cell: 804-720-2198
bob.hodge@singlesourcetech.com
West Central NC, E. SC, W. VA
Bob Winstanley
Single Source Technologies (SST)
148 Hampshire Drive
Mooresville, NC 28115
Cell: 704-577-3391
bob.winstanley@singlesourcetech.com
Central NC, VA
Dan Fredrickson
Single Source Technologies (SST)
415 Brookshire Road
Greer, SC 29651
Cell: 336-831-4246
dan.fredrickson@singlesourcetech.com
AL, GA, MS, TN
Bill Myers
Single Source Technologies (SST)
26762 Success Drive
P.O. Box 708
Madison, AL 35758
Cell: 256-777-8806
bill.myers@singlesourcetech.com
www.singlesourcetech.com
AR, Upper MS, W.TN
Tom Van Hersh
Single Source Technologies (SST)
26762 Success Drive
P.O. Box 708
Madison, AL 35758
Cell: 901-569-2251
thomas.vanhersh@singlesourcetech.com
Central and Eastern TN
Craig Montalbano
Single Source Technologies (SST)
26762 Success Drive
P.O. Box 708
Madison, AL 35758
Cell: 865-805-3686
craig.montalbano@singlesourcetech.com
AL
Jack Nash
Single Source Technologies (SST)
26762 Success Drive
P.O. Box 708
Madison, AL 35758
Cell: 205-612-9371
jack.nash@singlesourcetech.com
GA, FL
Gaylon Gregory
Single Source Technologies (SST)
26762 Success Drive
P.O. Box 708
Madison, AL 35758
Cell: 770-283-4852
gaylon.gregory@singlesourcetech.com
AL, AR, FL, GA, MS, TN
Bob Ash
Single Source Technologies (SST)
Tooling & Consumables
26762 Success Drive
P.O. Box 708
Madison, AL 35758
Cell: 256-200-1100
bob.ash@singlesourcetech.com
FL
Bob Arthur
Robert Arthur Machinery, Inc.
5903 Johns Rd.
Tampa, FL 33634
813-887-4455
sales@arthurmachinery.com
www.arthurmachinery.com
Northeast
CT, DC, DE, MA, MD, NH, NJ,
E. PA, RI, Long Island (EDM only)
Single Source Technologies (SST)
30 Chapin Road, Suite 1208
P.O. Box 655
Pine Brook, NJ 07058-0655
800-336-7283 / 973-227-6601
www.singlesourcetech.com
MA, CT, ME, NH, RI, VT
Able Machine Tool Sales
800 Silver St.
Agawam, MA 01001
413-786-4662
sales@ablemts.com
www.ablemts.com
DE, NJ, MD, E. PA, Long Island
Automation Solutions, Inc.
2 Hagerty Blvd., Ste. 300
West Chester, PA 19382-4956
610-430-3670
inquire@asi-pa.com
www.asi-pa.com
NY
Meagley Machinery, Inc.
8384 Glen Eagle Dr.
P.O. Box 51
Manlius, NY 13104
315-952-8525
W. PA, WV
Allegheny Machine
632 E. McMurray Rd.
McMurray, PA 15317
800-269-4090 / 724-942-4451
www.allegmach.com
Midwest
KY
Technical Equipment Sales
10165 International Blvd.
Cincinnati, OH 45246
800-852-0582
IN
Technical Equipment Sales
4501 Earhart Lane
Ft. Wayne, IN 46809
800-852-0582
OH
Technical Equipment Sales
10165 International Blvd.
Cincinnati, OH 45246
800-852-0582 / 513-874-0160
Technical Equipment Sales
6900 Southpointe Pkwy., Ste. A
Brecksville, OH 44141
800-852-0582
MI
Single Source Technologies (SST)
2600 Superior Court
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
248-232-6232
ctg@singlesourcetech.com
MN, ND, SD
Productivity, Inc.
15150 25th Ave. N
Minneapolis, MN 55447-1981
763-476-8600
productivity@productivity.com
WI
Preston Giles
Single Source Technologies (SST)
W229 N2510 Duplainville Rd., Unit 2
Waukesha, WI 53186
262-960-0463
IL
Preston Giles
Single Source Technologies (SST)
1135 Jansen Farm Dr.
Elgin, IL 60123
847-468-1295
NE
Productivity, Inc.
13435 A Street
Omaha, NE 68144
402-330-2323
prone@productivity.com
IA
Productivity, Inc.
9440 Atlantic Drive SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
319-632-4288
proia@productivity.com
KS
Mark Rehwinkel
Makino - Direct Wichita
2333 S. West St.
Bldg #100, Suite #103
Wichita, KS 67217
513-573-3607
mark.rehwinkel@makino.com
MO
Preston Giles
SST-Midwest
1135 Jansen Farm Drive
Elgin, IL 60123
847-468-1295
West
N. CA, NV
John Cardana
Clancy Machine
3942 Valley Ave., Bldg. K
Pleasanton, CA 94566
925-249-2299
Cell: 925-575-4011
jcardana@clancymachinetool.com
S. CA
Scott Venter
Single Source Technologies (SST)
17800 Newhope Street, Ste. K
Fountain Valley, CA 92708-5429
Cell: 714-329-1439
scott.venter@singlesourcetech.com
S. CA (Inland Empire, San Diego)
Wes Colony
Single Source Technologies (SST)
17800 Newhope Street, Ste. K
Fountain Valley, CA 92708-5429
Cell: 714-904-3804
wes.colony@singlesourcetech.com
S. CA (Los Angeles, Orange County)
Bill Gocke
Single Source Technologies (SST)
17800 Newhope Street, Ste. K
Fountain Valley, CA 92708-5429
Cell: 714-659-0552
bill.gocke@singlesourcetech.com
S. CA (San Fernando Valley,
San Gabriel Valley, Santa Clarita Valley)
Rob Wood
Single Source Technologies (SST)
17800 Newhope Street, Ste. K
Fountain Valley, CA 92708-5429
Cell: (805) 844-1331
rob.wood@singlesourcetech.com
AZ
David Gundersen
Single Source Technologies (SST)
17800 Newhope Street, Ste. K
Fountain Valley, CA 92708-5429
Cell: 602-228-0347
david.gundersen@singlesourcetech.com
MT, ID, WY, UT, WY, CO
Mark Smith
Moncktons Machine Tools (CO)
637 Osage Street
Denver, CO 80204
Cell: 303-917-3072
msmith@mmtdenver.com
OR, WA
John Ellis
Ellis Machinery
6226 20th Street E
Fife, WA 98424
253-926-6868
john@ellismachinery.com