How to Automate?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. We offer a number of automation systems designed to fit your specific needs. Choose from a wide selection of pre-engineered solutions, with an emphasis on being:

  • Easy Automation – Easiest of all possible automation solutions to implement. 
  • Affordable Automation – Emphasis on the lowest possible price for automation.
  • Versatile Automation – Offers the most flexibility in implementation and part handling.

Mill Automation

AUTOMATE YOUR MILL

Lathe Automation

AUTOMATE YOUR LATHE

 Easy Automation

How Bar Feeders & Pallet Pools are the easiest of all possible automation choices to implement.

Bar Feeder

  • Easiest of all automation platforms
  • Compact, affordable design
  • Maximize spindle uptime – boost productivity
  • Bar loader design – less floorspace
  • Great first-op automation solution
  • Designed and built by Haas for Haas
  • Interfaces directly through Haas control
  • Innovative rollaway design for easy access to the spindle

The Haas Bar Feeder is a simple and affordable way to automate part production on Haas turning centers to boost productivity. Instead of cutting individual pieces and hand-loading them into the machine one at a time, a bar feeder automatically advances the material through the spindle so the next part can be made. Once complete, the lathe simply cuts off the finished part and advances new material to repeat the cycle. Using a bar feeder is a great way to maximize your spindle uptime.

The Haas Bar Feeder is designed and built exclusively for use on Haas turning centers and connects directly to the Haas control. An innovative rollaway design provides easy access to the rear of the lathe spindle for quick liner adapter access and spindle liner changes.

Pallet Pools

  • Easiest of all automation platforms – step-and-repeat process
  • Set up multiple fixtures/operations on each pallet​
  • Onboard Haas pallet scheduler – prioritize each job/pallet independently​
  • Increase spindle uptime/decrease machine idle machine​
  • Good for both high-mix/low-volume, or low mix/high-volume work​
  • Accommodates larger/heavier parts​
  • Includes part load/unload station

Haas Pallet Pools for 3- and 5-axis mills come in several sizes and quantities of pallets. Choose the system that best fits your requirements.

Each pallet exists in an external pool ready to be called up either to the load/unload station or the machine itself. Once machining is complete, the pallet will be removed to either a free pallet position or the load/unload station, depending on your specific requirements.

The onboard Haas pallet scheduler allows for pallets to be run in any order and frequency, depending on your need for specific parts. Run multiple pallets of the same job, or run various jobs on different pallets. Whether you have a high-volume/low-mix of parts, or a low-volume/high-mix of parts, the Haas Pallet Pool will work for you.

Automation in Action

DK Custom Products – ST-20Y + Haas Bar Feeder

DK Custom Products was founded by Devin and Kevin – the D and K in DK – to provide “better than OEM” Harely Davidson parts for owners who drive their motorcycles long distances. After initially hand-fabricating parts, they invested in  a Haas TM-2P to begin machining parts from billet. As production volumes grew, they added a Haas ST-20Y with Haas Bar Feeder to machine cylindrical parts with milled secondary features complete. Most recently, they added a VF-2SS to handle high-volume parts previously milled on the TM-2P.  

 

Phillips Precision – EC-400 + Pallet Pool

“We are primarily a job shop, but we also have our own product line, which makes us somewhat special. We had a customer that had a high demand for parts, so we purchased an EC-400. I saw the 6+1 Pallet Pool that was available, and it was a no brainer. The machine ran non-stop, with no hiccups. We had all 7 pallets loaded up at night when our workers would go home for the day, and it would run all night. Our Pallet Pool got us ahead of schedule, and let us take on more work. Our EC-400 has probably saved about 25% on our runtime. We have 15,000-rpm, faster feeds and speeds, much faster tool changes, finishes are great, accuracy is very good, and repeatability is no problem.” 

– Steve Phillips, President

Clippard Instrument Lab – UMC-500 + Pallet Pool

Clippard Instrument Lab of Cincinnati, Ohio, recently received a Haas UMC-500 with a Pallet Pool, so their single-shift shop could run the machine unattended overnight. Operations Manager Robin Rutschilling explains how the 16-station pallet pool allowed them to reduce handling times, as well as increase productivity.

TOOHIGHPSI – VF-2SSYT + Pallet Pool

Recently, we visited TooHighPSI, and talked with Mike Sitar Jr. about the high-performance parts they’re making, and how Haas machines and tooling fit into their manufacturing program. Their VF-2SSYT with 3+1 pallet pool has allowed them to increase production, and run longer-cycle parts overnight.

 Affordable Automation

How Automatic Parts Loaders are the lowest possible price for automation​.

  • Load/unload individual parts
  • Increase overall productivity
  • Built-in Haas control templates simplify set up & programming
  • Use to run multiples of the same part 
  • Typically used for mid to large lot sizes 

The Haas APL is a two-axis gantry loader combined with a single-axis programmable table to provide simple affordable part presentation and removal to and from your Haas mill or lathe.

Dual pneumatic grippers allow for a simple exchange of raw material with finished part to maximize speed and increase productivity. A variety of sheet metal part templates are used on the programmable table to change from one size part to another, or from one shape of part to another. For the individuals looking to get into automation but control their costs, the Haas APL is a great choice. 

Dual pneumatic grippers allow for a simple exchange of raw material with finished part to maximize speed and increase productivity. A variety of sheet metal part templates are used on the programmable table to change from one size part to another, or from one shape of part to another. For the individuals looking to get into automation but control their costs, the Haas APL is a great choice.

Automation in Action

Micro-Cut Engineering - VF-2SS + Automatic Parts Loader

Customer Spotlight

See how Micro-Cut Engineering automated their processes, and were running parts the first night of setting up their APL!

Micro-Cut Engineering decided to purchase a VF-2SS with an APL to machine their parts unattended. Previously, all parts were hand loaded one-by-one into a vise. Purchasing the Haas APL is their first step to a simple transition toward lights-out, unattended machining. Company president Andrew Starrenburg explains how simple the install and set up were, allowing him to run parts unattended the first night!

“Once the machine was installed by our local HFO, the machine was up and running within an hour or two.” 
– Andrew Starrenburg, President, Micro-Cut Engineering

Holzman Machine - UMC-500 + Automatic Parts Loader

Customer Spotlight

Holzman Machine, LLC found its niche in machining complex 5-axis parts for aerospace with Haas UMC 5-axis machining centers. Recently, they took 5-axis machining to the next level by adding a UMC-500 integrated with an Automatic Parts Loader to run stainless steel parts lights-out and on weekends. Their next step in increasing productivity was to add a Haas ST-20Y Y-axis lathe with live-tooling to machine cylindrical parts having critical slots and a window in a single setup.

American Torch Tip Co. – ST-20Y + Automatic Parts Loader

Customer Spotlight

See how American Torch Tip is using automation to increase productivity, and give them a competitive edge.

Recently, American Torch Tip installed a turning cell with three Haas ST-20Y CNC lathes with sub-spindles, each set up with automation for lights out production. Two of the Haas ST-20Y CNC lathes are loaded by Haas Automatic Parts Loaders, while the third is loaded by a Haas Robot Package. Learn how this installation is helping a leading manufacturer of torches gain a competitive edge post-pandemic.

“We finally bought one . . . [Robot Package] and that was nice, because it was all plug-and-play.”  – Jack Walters, President, American Torch Tip Co.

TMF Center - VF-2 + Automatic Parts Loader

Customer Spotlight

TMF Center is a technology-based manufacturing company based in rural, west-central Indiana. TMF Center produces component parts for manufacturers of off-highway construction equipment, the mining industry, and heavy-duty trucking. Adding Haas machines with automation has helped them increase productivity. 

 Versatile Automation

How Robots & Cobots offer the most flexibility in implementation and part handling.

  • Compact footprint​
  • Automatic loading and unloading of part​s
  • Most versatile; flexibility to have different pick-up/drop-off locations​
  • Part-flipping station available to gain access to your final operation​
  • Interface directly through the Haas control; no need for third-party integrator​
  • Use to run multiples of the same part
  • Choose from single-station or dual-station grippers​
  • Control templates simplify set up & programming

Haas robot and cobot packages are essentially the same, with a few exceptions. Both are 6-axis robots that are fully integrated with the Haas control, and they use the same easy-to-use Haas control templates for set up and programming. The cobots are lighter-duty, with force-sensing capability that allows them to be used side-by-side with human beings. While a little slower than their industrial robot counterparts, cobots are more affordable, easier to set up and program, and don’t require bulky safety fencing. Haas industrial robots provide a bit more part weight capacity and faster overall speeds, but they require a safety fence or other type of protective barrier, such as a light curtain or area scanner, for safe operation.

Choose between our single pneumatic gripper for increased part size and weight capacity, and our dual pneumatic gripper for smaller, lighter parts. The dual gripper allows you to swap raw material with a finished part in a single trip to maximize speed and increase productivity. Typically, the robot/cobot is loading a part into an automatic, programmable vise, which Haas can also provide, making your shopping experience easier and less complicated. For the greatest degree of versatility in part handling, choose a Haas robot or cobot to deliver the goods.

Automation in Action

AMI Machining – VF-2SS + Robot

Customer Spotlight

AMI Machining incorporated their first robot with the VF-2SS in their job shop, which allowed their operators to train more employees and run more machines.

“While the robot is running, I am able to do other setups. I am to run jobs. I am able to help anyone else that needs my help. Because the robot is making parts while I go to lunch or in the back, I am able to do other things that I wouldn't be able to if the robot wasn’t helping." 
– Esteban Rodriguez, Lead CNC Machinist, AMI Machining

American Torch Tip Co. – ST-20Y + Robot

Customer Spotlight

See how American Torch Tip is using automation to increase productivity, and give them a competitive edge.

Recently, American Torch Tip installed a turning cell with three Haas ST-20Y CNC lathes with sub-spindles, each set up with automation for lights-out production. Two of the Haas ST-20Ys are loaded by Haas Automatic Parts Loaders, while the third is loaded by a Haas Robot Package. Learn how this installation is helping a leading manufacturer of torches gain a competitive edge, post-pandemic.

“We finally bought one . . . [Robot Package] and that was nice, because it was all plug-and-play.”  – Jack Walters, President, American Torch Tip Co.

WESTERN SAW – ST-30 + 25 KG ROBOT PACKAGE

Customer Spotlight

This Haas 25 kg Robot Package at Western Saw in Oxnard, CA, uses a unique magnetic gripper to load and unload parts from a Haas ST-30. Watch as the 25 kg robot easily handles these large, steel cylindrical parts. 

PRIMARY MACHINE AND REPAIR – VF-2SSYT + Robot 

Customer Spotlight

“The Haas Robot Package has allowed us to triple our production. Before we purchased the Robot Package-1, we were looking to hire a person for the night shift, and now that we have the Robot Package, we are able to run our machine lights-out, and still keep our overhead relatively low.”

– Cherish Vining, Owner

MASTEQ – VF-2SS + Robot

Customer Spotlight

See how Masteq Tool & Engineering optimized their Haas robot setup with multiple vises and a custom part drop-off point.

“Haas provides an unparalleled value in the market today. The technology, performance, and reliability are why, when we’re in the market for new machines, we always start with Haas!” 

– Mark B. Anderson, Owner - Masteq Tool & Engineering, LLC and Masteq Manufacturing, LLC.

Still have questions? Just ask. We’ll get right back to you.

Be as specific as you like, so we can help you find the best automation for your shop.