Components of the flexible pallet magazine
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Loading station. The loading station is used for loading and unloading workpieces. The pallets with the workpieces can be ordered and sent with the control system. One or more loading stations can be connected to an FPM system. Machine tool. Machine tools do the machining in the FPM. The control system takes care of starting the program and transferring the pallets to the machine tool when one becomes available. One or more machine tools can be connected to an FPM system. However, each machine tool should be of the same make and model. Each machine tool should be equipped with a pallet changer. All loading stations and machine tools are located on the same side of the system. Storage. The storage rack is the biggest part of the system. It is located on one side of the aisle, and consists of ready modules. The system can contain two or more storage modules with 2- or 3-level racking. There are drip trays for collecting cutting fluid under each storage place. |
The base system consists of
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Stacker crane. The stacker crane transfers machining pallets automatically between the loading stations, machine tools, and storage. The stacker crane is controlled by the control system.
Control system. The control system comprises process automation, user interfaces, and device controls. The system supports multi-face machining.
