HMC AUTOMATION

Pallet pools are the easiest of all automation platforms, because they are a step-and-repeat of what you’re already doing. Take what already exists on your mill table and multiply it for the number of pallets you want to populate. Have multiple jobs of equal importance? No problem. Simply divide the number of pallets in the pallet pool by the number of jobs you have to run, and allocate different pallets to different jobs. The onboard Haas pallet scheduler allows you to prioritize each job according to urgency. You can skip a job if don’t need more parts, temporarily set a job aside while you’re waiting for a first article, or even squeeze in an unexpected rush job. Once your pallet pool is fully loaded, the result is more spindle uptime, less downtime due to setup/teardown, and greater overall productivity by tapping into the 24 hours available every day.

When it comes to the types of parts that can be automated, the pallet pool offers some unique advantages. When parts are too large or too heavy to load with a part loader – APL, robot, or cobot – turn to the pallet pool. It can easily handle larger part sizes and heavier part weights, as well as simplify the process of clamping and unclamping the parts.

The pallet pool platform means you can clamp your parts in any fashion, especially when the part doesn’t lend itself to having a logical clamping surface. Do away with automated opening and closing of a vise or automatic clamping fixtures of any sort. Manually clamp parts ahead of time, and verify secure part location before putting the machine into an unattended operation mode. Simply swap out one pallet for another and let the machine do the rest.

The large area provided by the pallets means you can accommodate longer, wider, taller parts, as well as have multiple setups on each pallet to maximize your work envelope. A final benefit is the ability to have multiple jobs in a single machine at the same time. Because the pallet pool is not subject to any automated workholding limitations, you can have any variety of parts, on multiple pallets, giving you the greatest level of flexibility across multiple platforms.

Pallet pools for our VF-2YT series 3-axis mills are available with two quantities of pallets. Choose either a 3+1 or 6+1 pallet system. 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.