Minimize loss of parts - guarantee SPC

Automate the lathe with unloading and storage systems

Sustainable machining requires maximum use of the resources used. Above all, this includes the raw material, the tools, energy and the chips. If the turned part, i.e. the end product of the use of resources, is lost on the way out of the machine or otherwise destroyed, there can be no question of sustainability.

Losing the turning part in or at the exit of the lathe is a double loss. The resources used such as tool wear, raw material, energy etc. are lost. In addition, a turned part is missing, which can be sold profitably on the market. In practice, up to 10% of the small turned parts are often lost. Countless parts end up in the chip boxes every year or get lost elsewhere on the way out of the machine.

MECHA AG develops automatic solutions with control technology for safe and loss-free unloading, as well as the subsequent parts separation and SPC control of small and micro turned parts that are manufactured off the rack or from wire on automatic lathes. Sales in Germany are carried out by Sindelfinger MAW Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH.

In order to prevent loss or damage to parts, MECHA has developed the new vacuum extraction DepotVacuum especially for micro turned parts from Ø 0.2 mm to Ø 8 mm. The turned parts are suctioned off directly from the sub-spindle with a hose and stored securely in containers. A vacuum generator installed in the lathe ensures the necessary suction power. The possible suction hose length is approx. 1.5 m. With this new automatic unloading device, a complete system is available on the market, which can be retrofitted to almost any processing machine.

Can be used flexibly

The DepotVacuum unloading system can either store turned parts directly in a single container or, in combination with the parts separator DepotMini, in plastic containers for production parts and test parts. The interval and number of test parts can be individually programmed. This variant also allows automatic implementation of test plans (SPC), as the turned parts can be traced at any time.

Optimal cleanliness

Simple Venturi vacuum unloading systems, which can sometimes be found as self-made in production facilities, have the problem that oil mist is generated, which pollutes the surroundings of the machine and is inhaled by the employees. This oil mist does not occur with the DepotVacuum. This means that no additional extraction at the DepotVacuum is necessary.

Control technology

The system has its own control, which uses a control command from the lathe to process the suction signal and unload the turned part. Larger turned parts can also be removed from the machine without a vacuum, e.g. via the conveyor belt, and placed directly in a DepotMini parts separator. The number of production parts and test parts per container is stored in the control. It can be attached to the lathe with magnetic feet.

Compact and flexible

DepotMini unloaders are available either in a round version or with a chain in defined lengths. The containers for the DepotMini parts separator are also available in defined sizes and materials. The DepotMini parts separator thus enables simple control and documentation of series production and ensures unmanned operation for many hours or even the weekend. This enables productive times to be used productively, machine utilization can be optimized, costs reduced and sustainability maintained.

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