Modular Workholding System speeds setup time.
Press Release Summary:
Quick-Pallets are placed on machining bed, keyed to fixed position, and secured via vacuum. Changing pallet requires no tooling or clamping and reduces setup time. Parts can be setup on Quick-Pallets outside of machine and switched out in seconds with Quick-Pallet in machine. To insure X, Y, Z location repeatability, units are registered using beveled-boss in cavity system.
Original Press Release:
New Datron Dynamics Quick-Pallets(TM) Modular, Universal Workholding System is 60 Times Faster, Dramatically Reducing Setup Time
CHICAGO, Ill., Sept. 8,2004 - Datron Dynamics, Inc. has introduced a unique new workholding product called Quick-Pallets. The affordable, modular system uses a vacuum to hold special template plates or pallets, to allow fast and easy part setup and changeover.
Datron Quick-Pallets are simply placed on a machining bed, keyed to a fixed position and secured via vacuum. Changing a pallet requires no tooling or clamping and reduces setup time from an average of 30 minutes to 30 seconds - making them ideal for frequent or interrupted job changes. Changing a pallet merely involves removing it, sweeping the surface, and installing another one. The whole process takes only about 15 seconds.
To reduce workholding setup time even further, parts can be setup on Quick-Pallets outside of the machine and switched out in a matter of seconds with the Quick-Pallet in the machine. This can reduce cycle-times and boost a machine's spindle uptime. If machine setup normally takes 30 minutes and Quick-Pallets reduces it to 30 seconds, machinists have a system that is 60 times faster.
When placing the Quick-Pallet on a machine bed, it will be located exactly in the same spot every time. To insure X, Y, Z location repeatability, Quick-Pallets are registered using a beveled-boss in cavity system. A small vacuum pump is required to hold the Quick-Pallet in place during machining operations.
Quick-Pallets are lightweight, facilitating manual operation and come in different sizes and configurations. "Whether you need a workholding vise, or a custom tray configuration for rapid pallet changes, this one-of-a-kind system is a versatile solution for speed, convenience and accuracy in workholding" states Datron President Dr. Walter Schnecker.
Quick-Pallet configurations include: T-nut with pneumatic short-stroke clamps, Vacumate vacuum-table setup for machining flat stock, machine vise module for higher holding force, retro-fit kits for existing machinery and an empty pallet. The empty pallet, ideal for custom fixturing, consists of a 1/2" aluminum plate that can be easily machined and adapted for virtually any workholding challenge.
Quick Pallets are also furnished with Datron Dynamics High-Speed CNC Micro-Machining Centers, such as with the new M35 Aluminator and the M8 Raptor Models, with the vacuum pump pre-installed.
About Datron: Datron Dynamics is the North American subsidiary of Datron Electronic, a German technology firm established in 1969 that has become a leader in the design and development of CNC machining and dispensing systems. Founded in 1996 by President, Walter Schnecker, Ph.D. and Vice President, William King, Datron Dynamics is differentiated in the marketplace by its focus on high-speed machining with micro-tooling. Datron machines feature 60,000 RPM spindles that produce low force, feed rates of up to 1000"/minute and superior quality when tooling 0.250" and under. An Ethanol-Mist Coolant System(TM) provides superb surface finishes and eliminates secondary processes like de-burring and de-greasing while being environmentally friendly. Other features such as the Z-Correction Probe(TM), Automatic Tool Management System(TM) and their proprietary Quick-Pallets(TM) and Vacumate(TM) workholding systems enable batch machining and "lights-out" production. These distinctions have resulted in over 1,000 installations worldwide within industries requiring superior production of EDM electrodes, hot stamping and embossing dies, 3D mold making, rapid prototyping, 3D precision engraving, front panels and the production of automotive and aerospace parts.
For more information on Datron's Quick-Pallets, contact Robert Murphy at Datron Dynamics, Inc. 454 Route 13, Milford, NH 03055,888-262-2833, www.DatronDynamics.com. E-Mail: info@datrondynamics.com.
