Machinery & Manufacturing | Issue 10 | 2023

Fastems Intelligent Automation

Workholding stabiliser system to be launched

US firm Blue Photon has designed a new, photo-activated adhesive workholding system, comprising patented grippers and inserts, intended for use with stabiliser systems marketed by Big Daishowa and others that add extra rigidity to tall components while they are being machined. The Workholding Stabilizer System will be launched in Europe at the EMO 2023, on the Blue Photon stand, B84 in hall 5. Representatives from European sales agent NCMT will be on the stand throughout the exhibition to help with live demonstrations and answer questions. The workholding system comprises a Blue Photon stabiliser puck, an adjustable stabiliser arm and a base mount, for which there are multiple options including T-slot, threaded hole and magnetic. The puck is positioned in an

optimal location on the workpiece to provide maximum extra support during machining by transferring some of the cutting force to the machine table and structure. The extra stability raises production throughput by allowing faster feeds and speeds to be programmed without affecting the surface integrity of the part, and also increases yield by avoiding scrap and rework that could result from unstable clamping. The puck attaches to the workpiece using grippers placed into fixed inserts. It is simply necessary to position the puck and turn on ultraviolet light from a Blue Photon controller to cure BlueGrip adhesive previously applied to the grippers. The process is completed in 60 seconds. n www.ncmt.co.uk

The ever-growing complexity and change around industrial manufacturing needs intelligent automation that enables resilient and efficient high-mix production. Visit Fastems in EMO Hannover for the latest insights.

multi-machine version of the above-listed FPT - Flexible Pallet System (FPS). FPS is a modular solution with a unique 360-degree design. Compared to typical flexible manufacturing system, FPS allows customer to place machine tools, pallet storage units and operator loading stations flexibly utilizing all the four sides of the system. With the same maximum height of only 3.1-3.8 meters like FPT, FPS is a perfect fit for also low-ceiling facilities Auto-Loading Cell Maximizes Unmanned FMS Production Capacity The Auto-Loading Cell (ALD) ensures that Fastems FMS runs unmanned around the clock – even when the pallet demand is extremely high. The robot cell loads and unloads the parts to and from the pallets automatically – as well as re-clamps parts between machining operations. In addition to making sure the FMS never stops during nights and weekends, ALD can reduce the pallet and fixture need significantly – saving both money and space. n

Flexible Pallet Tower for 4- and 5-axis CNC machines

To enable lights-out manufacturing and high spindle utilization in high-mix production with 4 and 5 axis milling and mill-turn machines – including vertical 5-axis machines - Fastems launched its Flexible Pallet Tower (FPT) in 2022. This year Fastems is releasing and showcasing a new larger version for 1,000kg payloads and 500-630mm pallets. With extremely compact footprint of just 19 sqm, FPT- 1000 can accommodate 12 to 24 machining pallets of two different heights and enable order-based production with a single CNC. Fastems welcomes EMO visitors to see the system live at their booth! Modular Flexible Pallet System for 4- and 5-Axis Milling Machines Fastems is excited to announce launch of a

VariMilI ™ XTREME ™

SLOTTING, RAMPING, HELICAL, INTERPOLATION, SIDE MILLING, DYNAMIC MILLING, PLUNGING

www.fastems.com

AGGRESSIVE | PRODUCTIVE | VERSATILE VariMill XTREME solid carbide end mills will dominate the shop floor through productive output due to their versatile offering and ability to machine a broad range of materials in aggressive machining conditions. Visit widia.com to view the full product offering.

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+44 (0)1827 304500 | sales@itc-ltd.co.uk | www.itc-ltd.co.uk