With the Acura series, Hedelius launched a series of 5-axis high-performance machining centers onto the market three years ago. The machine tools with a rotary swivel table mounted on bearings on both sides were specially developed for the precise machining of complex workpieces and have already made a name for themselves in tool and mold making. The machine tool manufacturer from Meppen has developed an extensive automation program around this series, among others. This includes workpiece and tool automation as well as pallet storage systems. The advantage of automated machine tools is that they enable production even during breaks or unmanned shifts.

Various automation options

A classic variant of machine tool automation is the tool magazine. At Hedelius, the cabinet magazine is set up behind the machining center. The tools are removed from the standby magazine via a rotating lifting frame with gripper and inserted into the machining center. Which tools are and will be placed in the machine's main magazine is controlled by the tool management software based on the NC program.

The machining centers can also be equipped with robot cells for unmanned operation.

The advantage of pallet automation is quickly explained: while one workpiece is being processed, another can be clamped in parallel to the main process or the fixture can be converted. There is no downtime.

The machine tools with a rotary swivel table supported on both sides have been specially developed for the precise machining of complex workpieces. © Hedelius

At Hedelius, one solution for pallet automation is called Marathon. When developing the multi-pallet storage system for the Acura 65, the Meppen-based company paid particular attention to ergonomics. The loading height is 950 mm, up to the top edge of the pallet 965 mm, and the loading station can be rotated and locked in eight positions of 45° each. To prevent the pallet from being levered out when tightening the bolts, the pallets are pneumatically clamped for workpiece clamping. The pallet storage unit with Heidenhain control can hold a total of 22 pallets measuring 400 mm × 400 mm. The clamping weight is 180 kg, the transfer weight 200 kg. The load can optionally be increased to 380 or 400 kg. The maximum clamping height is 400 mm, but the maximum workpiece height that can be machined on the machine must be taken into account. Hedelius specifies a maximum interference circle diameter of 500 mm.

If an Acura 65 is equipped with the Marathon pallet storage system, the entire system measures 4,726 mm in width and 2,965 mm in height.