Automatic pallet changer with robot mount, hydraulic docking

Photo credits: Midaco; ANCA CNC Machines

Automatic pallet changer (APC) systems adapt to vertical machining centers (VMCs) or bridge mills with pallet sizes from 22" x 15" to 190" x 72" with 32,000 lb capacity.

The A4020SD mid-size APC, for VMCs with approximately 40" x 20" (X, Y) travel, comes standard with two aluminum 40" x 19" x 1.5" (1,016mm x 482.6mm x 38.1mm) pallets (cast iron pallet optional) and can be mounted on either side of the VMC. Integrated via M-codes, the servo-driven shuttle automatically switches pallets. The unit’s standard 1,000 lb (454kg) capacity pneumatic receiver mounts directly onto the VMC’s table for repeatability of ±0.0001" (0.0025mm). A 2,000 lb (908kg) capacity receiver is optional.

APC systems have a 3-sided CE light curtain safety guarding option to stop pallet change if the light curtain is breached.

A40SD series APCs can be modified to mount a separately purchased robot/cobot arm on the control panel. With a hydraulic docking system on the pallets, fixtures and vises are automatically clamped (and unclamped) and sent into the VMC without needing hose management. The clamping fixtures or vises will stay charged on the pallet while in the VMC, allowing the robot/cobot to set-up parts on the pallet changer outside the VMC while the spindle is cutting, freeing the operator to perform other tasks.

MIDACO Corp.

Grinding insert system

The Insert Solution for the MX tool grinding machine platform offers workholding, automation, and software to produce a diverse range of rotary end mill and drill inserts. One chuck can hold various inserts with precise repeatability and necessary rigidity during grinding. Interchangeable jaws, designed based on the insert datum, holding features, and wheel clearance, are fitted in minutes. The RoboMate robot loading system has dedicated pallets and grippers for unattended manufacturing. iGrind, a tool programming software, accommodates end mill and drill insert geometries. Special digitizing routines determine the datum location and exact position of the insert before grinding to ensure accuracy and consistency.

ANCA CNC Machines

Photo credit: CGTech

Vericut 9.2 brings speed increases and improved accuracy to collision checking and overall performance. The upgrade enhances support for cutting tools and a 3DLive Interface simplifies the machine building process and creates more realistic setups in seconds. Enhancements for tool reporting with detailed information include parametric cutter values, flute length, overall height, stick-out and gage distances. Optimize programs by setting target chip thickness and force limits. The improved graphs window combines info graphs and force charts. Select any combination of cutting conditions and force conditions to view in graphs, display cutting limits, and compare optimized versus original values. A tool use window provides views of tool and program run times and optimization savings.

CGTech