Midaco’s Automatic Pallet Changers Increase CNC Machine Efficiency

New automatic pallet changers from Midaco aim to increase CNC machine efficiency and overall productivity by eliminating spindle downtime and easing demands on the operator’s time. Integrated with the machine tool’s control panel via M code, this automated shuttle system transfers part loaded pallets unattended onto a receiver mounted directly to the VMC table. The operator can focus on other tasks while the pallet transfers, then return to the machine to load the next batch of parts outside the VMC while the machining center continues cutting. With no overhead obstruction, an automatic pallet changer system added to a bridge mill eliminates the need to stop the machining center and allows for large-part crane loading directly onto the shuttle while the mill continues cutting.

All models of the system are available with an optional light curtain for CE compliance. With three-sided guarding via a light emitter, mirrors and sensors, a pallet change will not occur if the invisible light beams surrounding the shuttle system are breached. Once the obstruction is removed the pallet changer will resume automatically.

Midaco’s automatic pallet systems can be installed on the right side or the left side (or both sides for dual shuttle systems) of new or existing machining centers with travels from 22" × 14" (558.8 × 355.6 mm) up to 190" × 72" (4,826 × 1,829 mm) and provide up to a 32,000 lb (14,528 kg) weight capacity with parts evenly distributed on the pallet. Depending on the part size and weight, a pallet change can be as little as six seconds on a VMC with a 22" × 14" (558.8 × 355.6-mm) travel to just a few minutes on large bridge mills. Automatic pallet changer systems are also available for large and small machining centers which do not move in the Y axis.