Heavy-duty handling: 5-Axis Machining
Hermle AG's new automated HS flex heavy pallet-handling system has what it takes to handle large pallets.
A new automation system has what it takes to handle large pallets but also gives the option of switching to smaller ones.
Available in Europe and soon to be introduced in North America, Hermle AG’s HS flex heavy pallet-handling system works with Hermle’s C 400 and C 650 Performance-Line five-axis machining centers, as well as its C 32 and C 42 High-Performance-Line models. A scaled-up version of Hermle’s HS flex system, which can handle loads up to 450 kg (992 lbs.), the HS flex heavy has a load-carrying capacity of 1,200 kg (2,646 lbs.). The system is aimed mainly at die and mold applications and general machining of larger, heavier components, said Gunther Schnitzer, co-president and chief technology officer of Hermle USA Inc. in Franklin, Wisconsin.
Key components of the HS flex heavy include a setup station, one or two storage modules and a handling unit capable of linear, vertical and rotational motion. The handling unit moves pallets among the setup station, the storage module(s) and the working area of the machining center. Pallets as large as 800 mm (31″) by 630 mm (25″) can be handled.
The HS flex heavy system can handle pallets as large as 800 mm by 630 mm and pallet loads up to 1,200 kg. Image courtesy of Hermle USA
In addition, however, the same system can handle 500 mm (20″) by 500 mm pallets, a feature that Schnitzer said sets the HS flex heavy apart from competitive offerings.
“In a five-axis application,” he said, “you don’t want to run a small part on a large pallet. Therefore, we have a design that lets you mix and match pallets within one automation system. You can start off with a large pallet. And if you find out down the road that you would like to use a 500 mm pallet, you can order additional pallets from us and put a 500 mm pallet in a location that was originally designated for an 800 mm pallet.”
One workpiece storage module comes with the system as standard, and an optional second module can be added either initially or later. The modules, which weigh about 4,536 kg (5 tons), are installed using a forklift and then leveled. Modules feature a rack design that can accommodate three or four shelves, depending on the height of the workpiece/fixture combination, and up to nine pallet storage pockets.
Another important feature of the HS flex heavy is a pair of swinging doors that can control access.
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