Rethinking Storage and Buffer Systems
Efficiency-focused material handling and tool management solutions ensure you achieve more in an environment with fewer resources. The post Rethinking Storage and Buffer Systems appeared first on Fabricating & Metalworking.
Streamline workflow processes to extend your metalworking shop’s processes and capacity to save money as well as precious floor space.
Complete Solutions for Managing Tools
Simplify your manufacturing processes with HAIMER USA, LLC’s (Villa Park, IL) precision products and advanced tool management systems: WinTool and ToolBase. Seamlessly integrate our high-precision tool holders, shrinking technology, balancing machines, and tool presetters to reduce production costs and enhance productivity. Organize manufacturing documentation to enjoy shorter programming and setup times. Customizable ToolBase dispensing systems streamline demand determination and ordering processes. WinTool ensures continuous data exchange and robust access management, offering complete traceability of your equipment.
Pair HAIMER’s precision products with WinTool and ToolBase technology to achieve unmatched efficiency and reliability.
Flexible Buffer Storage for CNC Machining Centers
Supplying workpiece carriers for CNC machining centers requires a significant amount of space. Operator-free shifts at night can only operate when there are enough prepared pallets available. KASTO Inc. (Export, PA), the saw and storage specialist, has solved both of these issues with its new UNITOWER CNC. Users can now supply their CNC production fully automatically and with minimal space requirements.
The UNITOWER CNC provides a significant productivity benefit for users looking to automatically feed their CNC machining centers. It continuously supplies the machines with fully loaded pallets, allowing employees to prepare fixtures and workpieces simultaneously at separate workstations. Operators can load the storage tower during machine operation. This eliminates costly downtimes, and the entire system, including high-cost metal-cutting machines, can operate operator-free for extended periods, such as at night, if designed for continuous operation.
Companies can connect several metal-cutting machines, regardless of the manufacturer, to one tower storage system. The UNITOWER CNC can be connected fully automatically to several setup stations and transfer stations through traversing units and roller conveyors. The overhead gantry crane transfers the machine pallet which is loaded with fixtures and workpieces to a transfer trolley. The transfer trolley automatically takes them to locations assigned by the control system. Partially and fully machined workpieces are returned to intermediate or final storage in the same manner.
The UNITOWER CNC can house shelves with machine pallets measuring up to 3,000 millimeters long and 1,500 millimeters wide. Depending on the load size, it can store one or two machine pallets. Thanks to the practical zero-point clamping system, users can select the loading height up to a maximum of 1,700 millimeters, maximizing the available space.
The UNITOWER CNC is managed by KASTOlogic, KASTO’s software for warehouse management and production control.
Avoid Waste and Minimize Downtime with Intuitive Tool Management System
CoroPlus® Tool Supply from Sandvik Coromant (Mebane, NC) is designed to optimize tool logistics and inventory management. This intuitive, cloud-based software centralizes all tool-related data, enabling users to create detailed reports on consumption, monitor costs and reduce stock levels. Operators can easily pick and return tools, while management gains a comprehensive view of usage and purchasing processes. Tracking tools down to specific jobs helps accurately calculate tooling costs, avoid waste and minimize downtime.
With CoroPlus Tool Supply, tool replenishment is seamless. Users can consolidate purchase orders directly within the software, ensuring the right tools are always in stock. Automated dashboards highlight low-use or obsolete items, freeing up valuable warehouse space and capital. The system also connects with multiple suppliers’ product databases to deliver verified ISO parameters, bills of materials and spare parts at the click of a button.
Adaptable cabinet options such as open shelves, drawers and spiral carousel vending machines integrate seamlessly with this platform, further streamlining tool access and security.
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