Automated punch press loaders allow unattended operation

Murata Machinery USA Inc. has introduced the FG series of automated punch press loaders. They provide lights-out, unattended operation during breaks, shift changes, lunch, and after hours.

The servo-controlled systems feature an axis drive, programmable parts stacking patterns, and an integrated FANUC-based FMS control. These cell loaders remove finished punched or laser-cut parts and sort and stack them on the finished parts pallet.

Multipads on the loader arm pick up finished parts, including small, hole-intensive, nonferrous, and differently shaped parts. They also enable programmable, flexible stacking patterns. Loading, unloading, and skeleton stations located on the right side of the punch press give the cell loaders a compact floor plan design. Worksheets also can be loaded and unloaded manually from the left side of the punch press.

The FG Tower series provides flexible full-sheet operation that can be left unattended longer, with blank and finished part storage. Material and part exchanges can be completed with the stocking elevator while the system is running. Material pallets can be scheduled for finished parts after they are emptied; if a material pallet empties before the job is complete, the system will continue to the next scheduled job.