New releases of the Gantry Tool Storage (GTS) system and Manufacturing Management Software (MMS) from Fastems are designed to increase manufacturing efficiency, enhance ergonomics and improve overall user experience. When applied within a Fastems Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS), the GTS system and MMS can achieve machine utilization levels above 95%, according to the company.
In the GTS system, pick & place and traveling gantry robots provide access to centralized storage of up to 4,000 cutting tools and perform just-in-time tool delivery to individual machines. MMS commands automatic cutting tool changes based on specific NC program scheduling requirements and real-time cutting tool life status.
The GTS system enables cutting tools to be shared among multiple machines, minimizing redundancy and eliminating the need to reserve a cutting tool for a single machine. "This generates cutting tool cost savings and minimizes operator interaction with cutting tool changes, reducing labor expense and eliminating tooling loading errors," said a company spokesperson. "Cutting tool sharing also permits reduction in the size of machine tool magazines. When implementing the GTS system, its new modular design results in shorter delivery, installation and commissioning times along with hardware cost advantages."
Improvements to MMS include a more ergonomic interface and improved user experience, faster cutting tool information search functions, improved view of NC programs and upgraded response in the case of unexpected machine stoppages.
"Overall, Fastems' cutting tool management products facilitate cutting tool set-ups in advance, eliminate scrap and machine crashes due to cutting tool loading errors, enable cutting tool sharing and lights-out machining, and consolidate cutting tool set-up activities," said the spokesperson. "Advantages are realized in both initial investment and in ongoing return on investment."
Fastems cutting tool automation equipment and software can be installed in phases, with each stage growing in capability and functionality.
"Trends toward low-volume, high-mix production scenarios, plus a growing use of difficult to machine materials, have increased the number and variety of cutting tools required to maximize productivity. Fastems LLC has been solving manufacturers' cutting tool-related productivity challenges since 1997 and has now made available optimal cutting tool management practices in its GTS," said the spokesperson.
For more information contact:
Fastems, LLC
9850 Windisch Road
West Chester, OH 45069
866-702-0611
info.fastems@fastems.com
www.fastems.com