"Only one 4th axis is required to get the benefits of a horizontal machining center (HMC) on a vertical machining center (VMC) equipped with an automatic pallet changer," said a Midaco spokesperson. "Increase 4th axis productivity by adding a Midaco trunnion system and vertical rotary faceplate to a new or existing automatic pallet changer. No cable management is needed for versatile workholding and for more production."
The Midaco trunnion system includes one 4th axis actuator assembly and two trunnions (an individual trunnion is 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 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 a cost-effective solution to increase a vertical's capability by machining 360° without the need for cable management. Increase machining versatility by adding a vertical rotary faceplate, which is also mounted on a pallet, for multiple workholding options," said the spokesperson.
Midaco Corporation manufactures automatic and manual pallet changers which adapt to most machining centers and offer pallet sizes from 12.75" x 10.5" (323.9 mm x 266.7 mm) up to 190" x 72" (4,826 mm x 1,829 mm) and a weight capacity up to 32,000 lbs. (14,528 kg) with parts evenly distributed on the pallets. These systems reduce spindle downtime related to part loading and fixture change-over. Once a pallet or load of parts is complete, the next pallet or job is transferred into the machine in seconds.
"When combined with part loading, first article inspection and emergency job interruption tasks, estimates are that today's average machining center is idle up to 70% of the time. Midaco pallet changers are a way to eliminate unnecessary spindle downtime," said a company spokesperson.
Because all part loading and job set-up tasks are performed outside of the machine, both productivity and ergonomics are maximized. Midaco automatic pallet systems are easily installed on the right side or the left side, or sometimes on both sides of a new or existing machining center. The automatic pallet changers are servo driven and are designed to offer a fast pallet change time.
In addition to automatic and manual pallet changers, Midaco has Lift Off Pallet Systems and large automatic pallet changers for bridge mills and other machines which do not move in the Y-axis.
Midaco will be at IMTS 2018 in booth 339347.
For more information contact:
Midaco Corporation
2000 East Touhy Avenue
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
847-593-8420
www.midaco-corp.com