German storage system and sawing machine manufacturer Kasto, through its UK and Ireland subsidiary in Kibworth Harcourt, Leicestershire, has announced its expansion into a new area of activity with the launch of the UNITOWER cnc. The innovative tower storage and retrieval system automates the transfer of plates carrying fixtured workpieces to machining centres, as well as the return of machined components to the store.
Suitable for automating one or more machines of virtually any make, the tower can hold fixtured components of considerable size on multiple levels in a compact footprint to a height of up to 20 metres. Operators are able to prepare fresh fixtured workpieces on plates at separate adjacent setup stations while machining is in progress. In this way, costly downtime is eliminated and productivity and profitability are raised by allowing the entire system, including high-value machine tools, to operate for extended periods.
Each shelf measuring 3 x 1.5 metres in the tower accommodates one or two plates, depending on the size of the fixtured workpiece, while load height is anywhere up to 1.7 metres, subject to a maximum supported weight per shelf of five tonnes. The plates have a zero-point clamping system on the underside for precise location on the pallets of twin-pallet-change machining centres, which saves the cost of having multiple expensive machine pallets in the system. In any case, their depth would take up more vertical space in the tower than the thinner plates, resulting in fewer parts stored.
An overhead gantry crane in the tower automatically accesses a plate loaded with fixtured workpieces, which is transferred to the locations assigned by the controller via shuttle units and roller tracks configured to suit the application. In comparison to a paternoster system, the gantry crane has the advantage that only the targeted shelf is moved, rather than all of them, ensuring fast access times and saving energy. Before each plate arrives at a machining centre, it is automatically positioned onto one of the machine pallets prior to its entry into the working area. Partially and fully machined workpieces are returned to the tower in a similar manner.
The UNITOWER cnc is managed by KASTOlogic, the manufacturer’s proprietary software for warehouse management and production control. It ensures machines are provided with the workpieces required for each order, checks whether the necessary NC programs and tools are available, monitors production processes, calculates completion dates and determines the optimum sequence for handling orders.
When developing the UNITOWER cnc, Kasto leveraged extensive experience gained in its own factory in Achern, southern Germany. A practical, safe, sustainable automation solution emerged that is suitable for manufacturers in all sectors. As it is of modular design, the storage and handling system can be expanded virtually without limit – a major advantage for growing companies.
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