The same set-up and know-how for all EMAG Group technologies. This is the recipe for success of modular machines.
With the TrackMotion automation system, an aptly named TransLift unit travels through the machines on a rail (hence the name "Track").
TrackMotion - a modular automation system harmonized with EMAG's modular machines.
"A standardized machine system with proven technology and integrated automation, consistently oriented toward productivity, reliability and cost optimization - these are the qualities exemplified by EMAG's modular machines," said a company spokesperson. These machines range from turning, grinding and hobbing to induction hardening. "EMAG continues this tradition with the recent introduction of its TrackMotion automation concept, a technology that provides the same levels of quality in terms of flexibility, modularity and productivity as the company's modular machines," said the spokesperson.
TransLift, a lift and turnover trolley with programmable electric gripper, moves rapidly from one point to the next on a rail. The TransLift travels 150 m per minute, transporting components back and forth between the machines and parts storage facility.
Putting the Component on the Rail
The system consists of just two components: the "track" (a rail system) and the TransLift lift and turnover trolley that moves along this track. The TransLift is designed to make this system flexible, by not only transporting parts, but also turning workpieces. It is equipped with a Z-axis that enables a stroke of up to 650 mm. This allows the use of stackers when supplying and discharging parts, or even the use of measuring and marking stations with different heights along the track. The rail is positioned to the rear of the machines, directly behind the machining area. To make this possible, the energy container of the modular machines was offset from the rest of the machine body. The resulting "tunnel" behind the machines serves as a location for transporting parts on rail. The tight arrangement of automation and machine means production systems can be set up in very small spaces.
Modularity Along the Entire Line
Just like the modular machines, the TrackMotion automation system is also a modular solution: The rail system comprises four different tracks at lengths of 2,400 mm, 1,200 mm, 600 mm and 300 mm each. Standardized end components, each containing the electric motors responsible for the TransLift's horizontal motion, are attached at the start and end of the rail system. The TransLift itself is available in two variations, each derived from the workpiece range of the modular machines. The E-gripper can be easily programmed to adjust to the respective diameter of the given workpiece. The modified interfaces, which can be centrally accessed through the machine control unit, also make it easier to set up the entire system. This enables the TransLift to receive information about the workpiece to be transported (for example, its diameter) directly from the machine control unit and is then programmed accordingly. The TrackMotion automation system is adjusted to the length of the production system and the component diameter.
Systematic Production - TrackMotion in Use
A complete production system with TrackMotion consists of three units that function together: the modular machines, the TrackMotion automation system and the supply and discharge belts. Acting as component storage sections, these belts can be laid flat if large workpieces are involved or used three dimensionally as "stackers" for smaller workpieces. The latter variation offers particularly high performance in very small areas, with the ability to temporarily store several hundred workpieces. The machines themselves are usually equipped with L-shuttle automation, which is used for supplying parts to and discharging parts from the pick-up station. The status of every workpiece can be tracked at all times because only a very small number of workpieces are being moved throughout the entire system. This makes quality management much easier, as parts with deviating values can be easily identified.
For more information contact:
Kirk Stewart
Sales Director
EMAG L.L.C.
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248-966-4703
kstewart@emag.com
www.emag.com
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scox@emag.com
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Dave Fitzgerald
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scox@emag.com
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