Operators can increase 4th axis productivity by adding a new Midaco trunnion system to a new or existing automatic pallet changer on a VMC. No cable management is needed.
The Midaco trunnion system includes one 4th axis actuator assembly and two trunnions (individual trunnions are also available separately), and works with any 4th axis rotary indexer (not included). A trunnion is mounted on each pallet of the pallet changer outside of the VMC. Once transferred into the machining area, the trunnion clamps onto the Midaco receiver and automatically engages with the 4th axis. The trunnion system is designed to be a cost effective solution to increase a VMC's capability by machining 360° without the need for cable management.
Midaco Corporation manufactures automatic and manual pallet changers that adapt to most machining centers with travels from 12.75" x 10.5" up to 160" x 88". These systems reduce spindle downtime related to part loading and fixture changeover. The automatic pallet changers are servo driven and are designed to offer a fast pallet change time.
Once a pallet or load of parts is complete, the next pallet or job is transferred into the machine in seconds. Because all part loading and job set-up tasks are performed offline (without the operator leaning into the machine), both productivity and ergonomics are maximized. Midaco automatic pallet systems can be installed on the right side or the left side, or sometimes both sides, of a new or existing machine center to reduce floor space.
"Today's marketplace is causing companies to experience smaller lot sizes," said a company spokesperson. "These short run jobs cause significant spindle downtime due to fixture change over. When combined with part loading, first article inspection and emergency job interruption tasks, experts estimate that today's average machining center is idle up to 70% of the time. At a conservative shop rate of $75 per hour, this down time can add up to over $56,000 of lost profit per year, per each machine owned. Midaco pallet changers are a way to eliminate unnecessary spindle downtime and rescue lost profit."
In addition to automatic and manual pallet changers, Midaco has manual "lift off" pallet systems and automatic pallet changers for bridge mill machines. Other products include automatic door openers for VMCs and grinder guard/grit-grabber systems for bench and pedestal grinders, and an all-new automatic multi-pallet changer (up to 19 pallets) for 5-axis and standard VMCs.
Application engineers are available to help customers select the right pallet changer model to increase their output.
For more information contact:
Midaco Corporation
2000 East Touhy Avenue
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
847-593-8420
midaco@midaco-corp.com
www.midaco-corp.com