Flexible Automation for Global Competition
The MMC2 flexible manufacturing system from Makino helps shops reduce costs, increase throughput and improve quality while adapting quickly to a constantly shifting production schedule.
Posted: May 24, 2013
The automated material handling system links Makino horizontal machining centers, pallet loaders and operators by using a servo-controlled, rail-guided vehicle to transport material to and from machines, with little, if any, operator intervention.
(Click on top two photos to enlarge them)
State-of-the-art cell control software manages and schedules production orders for each part defined and lets the operator set a production start date and due date. Work can be scheduled dynamically using priorities set for pallets, process sequences and production orders as well as multiple other methods. System priorities can be easily reassigned to meet changes in schedule or demand.
(Photo courtesy of KrisDee & Associates, Inc.; click on photo to enlarge it)
All components of the MMC2 are capable of supporting maximum workpiece diameters, heights and loads of up to 1900 mm (74.8 in), 1500 mm (59.1 in) and 3000 mm (118.1 in), respectively.
ADVANCED SYSTEM CONTROL SOFTWARE
The MMC2 includes state-of-the-art cell Makino Advanced System—A5 (MAS-A5) control software that is capable of maximizing production output while effectively monitoring multi-machine production requirements.
This Windows-based software solution is designed to handle a wide variety of parts and production requirements. It provides flexible production management while monitoring and scheduling production resources within the MMC2 cell. The MAS-A5 main PC hard drive stores and manages all NC programs for optimum machine utilization, including NC programs that exceed CNC memory.
In addition to NC programming, tool data, both in and out of the machines, can be accessed and modified from the MAS-A5 user interface. A variety of tooling and part information file formats are supported and can be displayed to assist with part loading/ unloading and tool-setting operations.
A Tool-Life Predict function enables the MAS-A5 to gather tool-life data per NC program. It informs the operator of how long a tool is used in each NC program execution and how many spare tools are required in order to finish the current NC program.
The MAS-A5 schedules work only for machines that meet tool life and availability requirements for the desired process sequence. Interfacing with a tool pre-setter also reduces errors by automatically capturing tool offset data, which can be transferred from the pre-setter to the MAS-A5 system control.
The MAS-A5 maintains all processing steps required to complete a part. The system automatically schedules work-setting and machining operations according to the defined part process sequences, recognizing material and machine availability. Intermediate work-setting operations can be included in a process sequence to allow for setup changes. For more complex processing requirements, the MAS-A5 enables multiple jobs to be assigned for each machining process.
With the MAS-A5, there is no limit to the number of fixtures and associated process sequences and offsets that can be logically assigned to an individual pallet. Using material availability and user-assigned priorities, the software automatically allocates work to each fixture.
The MAS-A5 manages and schedules production orders for each part defined and lets the operator set a production start date and due date. Work can be scheduled dynamically using priorities set for pallets, process sequences and production orders as well as multiple other methods.
System priorities can be easily reassigned to meet changes in schedule or demand. The MAS-A5 also includes a production order capacity check that evaluates all orders and part quantities required and necessary cycle times. In addition, it provides a chart that displays system capacity on a daily basis.
A number of built-in reports are included with the cell controller such as production data, tool data, results, alarm history and utilization. Alarm notifications can be configured to be automatically generated and sent via email. Custom report writing is also available.
The MAS-A5 is also utilized on Makino’s MMC-R robot automated fixture plate distribution system. It can be installed as an upgrade to existing Makino Model A2, Model B2, Model A3 and Model C systems.
Makino Inc., 7680 Innovation Way, Mason, OH 45040-8003, 513-573-7200, www.makino.com.
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