TrackMotion: complex production lines created with ease

TrackMotion: effective interlinking of production systems

A continued rise in the demand for customized systems and integrated solutions was predicted back in 2014 by a survey of German manufacturers of plant and machinery, in a study on the future perspectives for the industry in Germany. This is not surprising given the huge “Industry 4.0” trend, as extensive automation in the form of customer-specific system solutions is a fundamental prerequisite for the digitalization of production facilities. The machines used then form an integrated system that production planners can control from a central point. Moreover, many companies need to respond ever more quickly and flexibly to technological developments. Numerous different versions of parts and fluctuating unit volumes are typical for small and medium-sized production companies in the automotive industry.

“Building block” solutions

With the development of its “Modular Solutions” the EMAG Group was already responding to these developments by 2012. These “building block” solutions ensure highly effective and customized machining processes, from turning and grinding to gear hobbing. At the same time, the machines can be linked together easily thanks to their uniform transfer heights, software control, and internal automation systems. The “Modular Solutions,” which also include high-productivity VL turning machines for chucked parts, DUO machines (dual-spindle pick-up turning centers), and vertical hobbing machines, have since become the fastest-growing segment and growth engine in the EMAG Group.

TrackMotion automation keeps things moving

EMAG’s proprietary automation technology “TrackMotion” plays a crucial role in this: In this automation system, a so-called TransLift unit with a programmable electric gripper runs on a track more or less right through the machines. It picks up the raw part from a parts storage unit and transports it to one of the VT machines. It is then taken over by the pick-up automation system in the EMAG machine or by the workpiece gripper in the turret. Once the machining process is completed and the part is deposited by the pick-up spindle onto the outer drag frame, the TransLift unit conveys the part onward if required.

Complex production lines created with ease

Ultimately the combination of “modular” machines, various EMAG technologies, and the TrackMotion automation system opens up all kinds of possibilities. Even complex production lines for rotor shafts can be created, including soft machining, laser welding, hardening, hard machining, and grinding—and a simpler, more reliable, and more effective solution would be hard to imagine.

7. March 2018 0 comment

Technologies

Let built in automation enhance your production!

Today’s competitive talent marketplace requires small and medium contract manufacturers and OEM’s to make the most of the talent they have. Skilled, experienced machinists are hard to find and having them tied up hand-loading parts into a lathe is seldom the best use of talent. So – how does a successful small to mid-sized shop meet their customers’ production requirements with the existing talent pool?

With the right contract, the right parts (or families of parts), and the right equipment a shop can successfully use automation to compete. But integrating automation into a shop can be a challenge – most small shops don’t have the expertise or budget to embrace large scale automation.

This is where a Vertical Pick-up Lathe comes in. EMAG’s VL and VT lines provide fully integrated automation as a standard part of the machine. No robots to program, no special guarding or advanced grippers – just simple, productive automation native to the machine. Once you adjust to the fact that the part is being held vertically, a VL lathe is set up and programmed similar to a standard horizontal lathe. The big difference comes when you start running the machine, the operator can load up to 30 pieces (depending on size and machine) and then be free for other work as the machine turns your parts. This is ideal for castings, forgings, shafts, or saw-cut slugs.

With these vertical machines, changeover is no more complicated than changing a horizontal lathe, this means

the benefits of automation can be utilized for even the smallest production runs. For longer production runs part feed systems can continuously feed the spindles and multiple machines can be linked together in the same cell.

With the VL & VT lines, EMAG brings the competitive advantage of automation with ease to any production shop – from the biggest OEM’s to a small, family run contract manufacturer. How can we help you be more productive?

Troy Martz, Regional Sales Manager, EMAG L.L.C.

11. May 2017 0 comment