Shop Solutions “Three years ago, we acquired a Mazak Palletech Variaxis 630 five-axis cell with a
288-tool ATC and (12) 500-mm pallet system. This expanded our technology from pal- let pool configurations to a linear FMS. Mixed batches of complicated jobs run on these multipallet machines, which can stress the tool storage capacity. On occasion we have to get creative with tool utilization, even with 288 tools, since we were running so many jobs simultaneously. Within a year of having the Mazak FMC operating, we placed an order to expand the system with a second Variaxis 730. It’s a CAT 50-taper machine, with a 270-tool ATC, and expanded the Palletech system from 12 to 28 pallets.” By now, it’s apparent that Triad is deeply committed to multiple pallet machines. “Our aerospace customers demand high-volume unit pricing held for multiple years. This becomes a challenge to manage, because of how the aircraft industry wants to trickle out deliveries in small lots,” said Wichelhaus. “Due to the complexity of our parts, running small multiple batches is not cost effective. In utiliz- ing the multipallet ma- chines, we can manage these jobs by producing a controlled amount of parts to meet our customer’s JIT delivery requirements."
The latest addition
The Fastems MMS cell controller is positioned close to the load station and machine tool for easy access to manage a high mix of low-volume products for untended machining at Triad Tool.
to Triad’s automated machining stable is a Doosan 4000 HMC with 279-tool ATC, which was automated by retrofitting a FPC- 750 container system (12 pallets) from
Fastems LLC (West Chester, OH). Fastems said they would be on our floor for only two-and-a-half days and they were— which included training. The only additional investment was purchasing the pallets from Doosan for the Fastems Container. “Interfacing the Fastem’s container system with the Doosan has provided us with another high-output, flexible cell which can run around the clock. Our intention is to put another Doosan HMC in line and increase the Fastems system to 24 pallets,” said Wichelhaus. “Triad’s business model has been based on developing a small select customer base, through which we have grown and strengthened strategic relationships with them. This strategy has been, and continues to be effective; the expansion of our building is underway and adding another machine to the Fastems FPC cell is in the near future,” said Wichelhaus. ME
For more information from Fastems LLC, go to
www.fastems.com, or phone 513-779-4614.
January 2014 |
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