Critical labor shortages call for creative automation solutions such as adding collaborative robots to increase unattended machining. But why set up a robot to load parts one by one directly onto your vertical machine tool table and lose valuable cutting time? Instead, a robot can load a pallet full of parts on an Automatic Pallet Changer while the VMC is cutting. MIDACO Corporation has put together a Robot Ready package on Automatic Pallet Changers, made in the USA, to take the complexity out of automated part loading and machining.
The cobot-fed Robot Ready Automatic Pallet Changer is designed for VMC's ranging in approximately 22" x 15" (558 mm x 381 mm) up to 50" x 25" (1,270 mm x 635 mm) XY travel. The shuttle's front control panel is customized to mount and integrate with the end-user's choice of cobot, which is to be purchased separately from an authorized dealer. This system comes standard with two aluminum pallets and can be mounted on either the left or right side of the machining center. Easily integrated to the machine tool via M-codes, the shuttle is servo driven and automatically switches pallets in approximately 15 seconds depending on combined part weight on the pallet. A cast iron pneumatic receiver is mounted directly onto the machine tool table-hardened locating pins, ground bushings and hardened pallet rails ensure a repeatability of +/-0.0001" (.0025 mm). Each pallet's weight capacity ranges from 500 lbs. to 2,000 lbs. depending on pallet size, however, the individual part weight depends on the cobot's payload capacity.
Combined with MIDACO's Hydraulic Docking System on the pallets, the robot/cobot can load parts on the pallet changer outside of the VMC unattended while the spindle is cutting, freeing the operator to perform other tasks. The hydraulic vises are automatically clamped/unclamped and transfer into the machining center without the need for any hose management. The vises will stay charged on the pallet while in the machine tool. Once the cycle is complete the pallet exits the machine, docks into place on the shuttle, vises release and the cobot can load a new set of parts while the alternate pallet is in the VMC being milled. Machining time is limitless and only dependent upon how many blanks can be set up within the robots reach on side carts or conveyor systems.
MIDACO is currently offering a Robot Ready Automatic Pallet Changer package which includes:
- Automatic Pallet Changer (pallet sizes ranging from approximately 22" x 15" up to 50" x 25")
- Robot Ready Modification (does not include robot)
- Hydraulic Docking System (does not include vises)
- MIDACO requires robot/cobot specifications prior to this customized Automatic Pallet Changer order.
An end-user can use their own robot/cobot and hydraulic workholding or have MIDACO provide additional automation solutions to the standard Robot Ready package including:
- Robot/Cobot Arm (does not include end of arm tooling or programming of robot)
- Hydraulic 6" Double Station Vises
- Loading Carts
- 3-sided Light Curtain safety guarding composed of light emitters sensors and mirrors. Pallet change will not occur if light curtain is breached.
Increase performance with only a skeleton crew maintaining production during a regular shift or during lights-out manufacturing. Mounting parts onto pallets outside of the machine tool while other parts are being machined eliminates spindle idle time. Once the parts inside are complete, the pallet changer automatically switches the pallets in seconds and the next batch is ready to go.
For more information contact:
MIDACO Corporation
2000 East Touhy Avenue
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
847-593-8420
www.midaco-corp.com