Parts Catcher Integrates with Lathes

Tecnara’s Super Ario workpiece accumulator is designed for use with Swiss-type lathes and small CNC lathes. The compact, portable parts catcher does not require any special interface with the machine and can operate unattended. Four Super Ario models are available to accommodate a range of workpiece sizes, work emitter heights, production rates and run durations.

The system is placed so that the machine’s emitter belt feeds the workpiece onto the collection ramp. The piece slides down the ramp onto the center of the receptacle tray, and as the turntable rotates clockwise, the work is moved from the center of the tray to the perimeter to provide a clear space for the next workpiece to drop onto the tray.

For additional protection of the workpieces, the parts tray can be filled with washing fluid to remove oil and prevent damage from abrasion between newly manufactured parts. If the tray is filled with fluid, each workpiece is rinsed individually to remove any chips or debris from the receiving area. When workpieces fill the receptacle tray, it is manually replaced with a replacement tray, and the run continues. Unattended run length depends on workpiece size, processing time and the holding capacity of the receptacle tray. The rotation speed can be set to accommodate the job’s production rate.