Automation's benefits for your shop extend beyond increased spindle utilization and higher output for people and machines. Along with those production advantages, automation also yields improved part accuracy and consistency for better process control, reduces the potential for human error and enables you to schedule lights out production. Automation solutions from Mazak include a variety of options that can give you a competitive advantage without a substantial investment. Among these cost-effective solutions are bar feeders, gantry loaders and the company’s Multi-Pallet Pool (MPP) System.
Bar feeders offer a cost-effective productivity boost when you're turning shaft-type parts. Load and feed bar material – up to four inches in diameter with our standard options – into your turning machine. Instead of individually fed slugs, you can sequence workpieces automatically, machine multiple parts from a single piece of bar material run at precision high speeds or process odd shapes and sizes of material. On some Mazak Multi-Tasking machines, bar feeders allow you to create prismatic components from round bar stock using a three-jaw chuck instead of machining center fixtures. You'll also save workspace thanks to the ATC's side storage.
Gantry loaders speed you through small batches of a common part family up to eight inches in diameter, quickly loading and unloading workpieces into your machines. Mounted on and moving along an overhead rail, these robots or robot arms are ideal for chucker-style work, although they also handle shaft work that's under six inches in length. Mazak’s GL Gantry loaders boost productivity right away, making it possible to load and unload workpieces without human intervention or to run multiple machines with one operator. Gantry loaders team continuous operation with accurate, consistent performance, shorter part changeover times and increased versatility.
The Mazak Multi-Pallet Pool (MPP) System overcomes the problem of limited floor space that is unable to accommodate a full-size horizontal pallet stocker system. MPP's compact size and expandable design starts small and grows as your production needs change. Add pallets as space allows or production necessities dictate. MPP comes in standard configurations that store 6, 12 or 18 pallets, using multiple levels to increase pallet stocking capacity.
The exclusive modular Mazak PALLETECH System uses PALLETECH Manufacturing Cell controller software that runs on standard networked PCs, providing in-depth on-the-fly control of operations, schedules, part program files and tool life. Along with enabling a single operator to run multiple machines, PALLETECH also automates lights-out operations. PALLETECH's flexible, expandable pre-engineered modules include a variety of stocker systems, raw-material storage and load/unload. In some configurations, diverse Mazak machines can combine into one PALLETECH system.
The Mazak MAZATEC SMS (Smart Manufacturing System) represents a collaboration with Murata Machinery, Ltd. (Muratec), to automate unmanned lights-out manufacturing, high output and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) connectivity. MAZATEC SMS takes advantage of Mazak's expertise in machining, automation and Smart technologies to provide unmanned, lights-out operations and produce high output, all with IIoT connectivity. This modular system works with Mazak Horizontal Machining Centers and Multi-Tasking machines, adding a space-saving vertically oriented Muratec stocker-type system with pallets, material bucket and high-speed stocker crane.
Make a large difference in your productivity without taking a big bite out of your budget. With MAZAK's simple but effective automation options, the advantages are all yours.