Manufacturing technology

Modular Flexible Pallet System; Polygonal shank toolholders; Next-gen CNC machine control


PHOTO COURTESY OF LYNDEX-NIKKEN

Modular Flexible Pallet System

The Fastems Modular Flexible Pallet System (FPS) enables lights-out manufacturing and high spindle use in high-mix production with 4- and 5-axis milling and mill-turn machines, and compact vertical 5-axis machines. This modular CNC automation solution handles machining pallets and zero-point plates of 300mm to 630mm, and its 360° design ensures a fit for any shop floor. FPS can integrate with CNCs from more than 90 brands and be extended or upgraded if there’s a change in production needs.

To meet the needs for even the tightest shop floor, FPS’ modular design allows machine tools, pallet storage units, and operator loading stations to be placed flexibly on all four sides of the system. With maximum height of 3.1m to 3.8m (10.2ft to 12.5ft), FPS fits low-ceiling facilities also.

Pallet storage modules are configurable and use vertical space efficiently, meeting production needs of high-mix or low-volume manufacturers. Four to 12 pallets can be accommodated every 2m (79") depending on the load heights – and the top shelf accommodates higher loads if necessary. In addition, the system ends can be used for storing pallets. All the shelving units have a built-in coolant collection system to keep produced parts and surrounding areas clean.

https://www.fastems.com/fps

PHOTO COURTESY OF FASTEMS

Polygonal shank toolholders

Delivering versatility in machining, polygonal shank toolholders have a standardized interface per ISO 26623, enabling extreme stability and a rigid connection between the tool and machine for all processes in turning and milling.

The Polygon Shank Coupling (PSC) interface features a tapered polygon which serves as a main element in torque transmitting, centering, and clamping. With double contact on face and taper, as well as cross-sectional strength, this interface delivers high clamping force and bending stiffness.

Used in standard turning centers and hybrid mill-turn machines, PSC turning toolholders enable fast tool change for reduced downtime and increased productivity without compromising stability and rigidity. Direct high pressure coolant nozzles increase tool life with higher feeds and speeds, enabling more time making chips and less time in unwanted stops.

Lyndex-Nikken Polygonal Shank Toolholders are available in flange diameters 32mm, 40mm, 50mm, 63mm, and 80mm (sizes C3, C4, C5, C6, and C8).

https://www.lyndexnikken.com

photo courtesy of OKUMA AMERICA

Next-gen CNC machine control

The OSP-P500 CNC machine control is designed for high-speed, high-accuracy manufacturing operations. The control comes standard with dual- core computer processors, providing increased levels of machine processing power by enabling multiple processes to operate simultaneously. This reduces cycle times per machined part and shortens production run times. The dual-core processors also provide redundant operations, ensuring uninterrupted machining operations.

The control is fully equipped with digital twin technology enabling high-precision machining simulations to be created on a computer while providing real-time data feedback loops from the operational machine tool to the simulating computer. This allows operators to use real-time data to mirror exact machine tool functions and behaviors to optimize performance.

OSP-P500 is designed with robust protective features to manage data exposure risks, including: tamper-proof protection; whitelisting of the machine’s API; anomaly detection; required operator identification and authentication; and regularly scheduled software and data back-ups.

The OSP-P500 is also designed with the environment in mind, coming standard with Okuma’s ECO suite plus technology, a collection of digital features that monitor, control, and balance energy consumption with optimal machining performance. Additionally, the ECO suite plus application affords the ability to report on CO2 emissions at the machine level.

https://okuma.com/cnc-osp-p500
October 2023
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