LEAN CELLULAR AUTOMATION
MASON, OH—September 2006— More layout options and less
maintenance worries are at the core of the Makino Machining Complex 2 (MMC2),
an automated pallet handling system developed by Makino, the premier
manufacturer of high-performance machines.
Designed to
improve manufacturing efficiency, the MMC2 is an enhanced pallet management
system created to meet the increasing and changing demands of customers. The
system assigns work and initiates operations automatically based on machine and
material availability, utilizing maximum spindle capabilities and monitoring
all automated procedures.
The MMC2
uses a two-channel optical link to efficiently control the pallet transporter
along its track, eliminating the need for cables and wires. This new feature
reduces cell maintenance costs reserved for fixing and replacing worn cables
and severed control wires. In addition, the optical controls make it easier to
teach transporter locations, while offering unrestricted positioning along the
track.
Visit Booth
# 8301 in Hall A of the South Building during the 2006 International Manufacturing
Technology Show (IMTS) at McCormick
Place in Chicago,
Illinois, September 6 through 13
to learn more about this and other technological innovations.
Also plan
to visit Booth # D-4110 in the EDM Pavilion at IMTS to see demonstrations and
process solutions for all EDM markets.
Flexible
Manufacturing Pioneer
The Makino Machining Complex system was created to provide for the integration
of one machine and work setting station with modularity and expandability for
up to 15 machining centers and four different work setting stations. The
original system could handle up to 200 pallet stockers stacked two layers high
with an unlimited number of parts and fixtures, available and ready for
production with virtually zero setup time.
The MMC2
takes the system a step further in helping manufactures drive costs out of
their operation with its extremely flexible layout options while maintaining
and improving upon all the capability of the original system. The MMC2 can now
stack pallet holders as much as three layers high, minimizing the cell’s
footprint and maximizing critical floor space.
Makino is a
pioneer in manufacturing this automation technology, being one of the first
companies in the world to build this type flexible system. The company holds a
number of patents on this system technology that permits customers to achieve
much higher spindle utilization rates with measurably improved machine
productivity times. There are almost 1,000 standard MMC systems installed
worldwide today.
Controlling
the MMC2
At IMTS 2006,
Makino will introduce the Makino Advanced System (MAS). This new system
control software extends the advances offered by Makino’s Model A3 system
software. The MAS software is based on Microsoft’s .NET technology for
superior performance in a distributed network environment.
The MAS software offers cellular system automation systems for both stand alone
machines (MAS-SA) and MMC2 cell systems (MAS-MMC).
Both the
MAS-SA and MAS-MMC use identical user interfaces and data management
techniques. The major benefit is that a customer can begin with a stand
alone machine using MAS-SA and later expand to an MMC2 system without having to
retrain operators. The most
versatile cell controller on the market, the MAS cellular automation system can
be used on virtually any type of part mix or production volume whether in an
MMC cell or a stand alone machine cell configuration. This system contains NC
program management, real time cell status display, Ethernet connection to the
machine and company network, work-setting graphics, report data and
modem/firewall for remote service and support.
The MAS
cell controller can handle an unlimited number of parts, and can process an
unlimited number steps per part. In addition, it can handle unlimited different
parts per pallet and utilizes production order management software that tracks
order numbers, part numbers, quantities, dates required and priorities.
Also
available to customers are Makino’s popular Model A3, Model B2 and Model C cell
controllers. Each offers unique characteristics that match specific production
scheduling requirements, providing the right automated solution for any type or
size of shop or manufacturing environment. These cell controller products
also offer a common solution for existing Makino customers that already have
these products and do not wish to change to the MAS product at this time.
All Makino
cell controller models supply real-time cell status displays using graphical
user interfaces and use Windows XP Professional or Unix operating systems. The
controllers are also Ethernet compatible, allowing them to be linked to
networks. All Makino systems come standard with installation, hardware,
software, warranty, training and documentation.
Makino is a
global provider of advanced machining technology and application support for
the metalcutting and die/mold industries, dedicated to driving out more costs
from your manufacturing operation than any other competitive machine tool
manufacturer. Makino manufacturing and service centers are located in the
United States, Japan, Germany, Singapore, Italy, France, Korea, Taiwan, Turkey,
China, Mexico, Brazil, and India, and are supported by a worldwide distributor
network. For more information call 1.800.552.3288.
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Media
Contact
Brandon Rhoten
HSR Business to Business
513.671.3811
makino@hsr.com