New Product Feeds CNC Machines Automatically and Efficiently
The new UNITOWER CNC from KASTO is designed specifically for automated feeding of CNC metal-cutting machines and as a buffer storage unit.
Posted: December 6, 2024
Supplying workpiece carriers for CNC machining centres requires a significant amount of space. Operator-free shifts at night can only operate when there are enough prepared pallets available. KASTO, the saw and storage specialist, has solved both of these issues with its new UNITOWER CNC. Users can now supply their CNC production fully automatically and with minimal space requirements.
The new UNITOWER CNC from KASTO provides a significant productivity benefit for users looking to automatically feed their CNC machining centres: It continuously supplies the machines with fully loaded pallets, allowing employees to prepare fixtures and workpieces simultaneously at separate workstations. Operators can load the storage tower during machine operation. This eliminates costly downtimes, and the entire system, including high-cost metal-cutting machines, can operate operator-free for extended periods, such as at night, if designed for continuous operation.
Companies can connect several metal-cutting machines, regardless of the manufacturer, to one tower storage system. The UNITOWER CNC can be connected fully automatically to several setup stations and transfer stations through traversing units and roller conveyors. The overhead gantry crane (OGC) transfers the machine pallet which is loaded with fixtures and workpieces to a transfer trolley. The transfer trolley automatically takes them to locations assigned by the control system. Partially and fully machined workpieces are returned to intermediate or final storage in the same manner.
The system is based on KASTO’s UNITOWER tower storage system, which has demonstrated great success over many years. Towering at heights of up to 20 metres, the system provides maximum storage space within a minimal footprint. The UNITOWER CNC can house shelves with machine pallets measuring up to 3,000 millimetres long and 1,500 millimetres wide. Depending on the load size, it can store one or two machine pallets. Thanks to the practical zero-point clamping system, users can select the loading height up to a maximum of 1,700 millimetres, maximising the available space. Another benefit: The zero-clamping system’s impressive cost-performance ratio makes it particularly appealing when compared to machine tables. With a load capacity of five tonnes per storage compartment, even heavy workpieces can be stored. Pallets are handled by an OGC with a crossbeam. In comparison to paternoster systems, this system offers the advantage that only the respective cassette needs to be moved, rather than the entire stock. Not only does this ensure fast access times, but it also saves energy thanks to efficient drives.
Intelligent control system and simple operation
The UNITOWER CNC is managed by KASTOlogic, KASTO’s software for warehouse management and production control. The software makes sure that the necessary workpieces are provided to the correct CNC machine according to the specific order. It checks for the availability of all required NC programs and tools, monitors the production processes, calculates completion dates, and determines the optimum order-handling sequence. Malfunctions can be easily and swiftly corrected through remote maintenance, ensuring reliable operation of the entire system.
The UNITOWER CNC excels in regards to ergonomics by minimising manual handling of workpieces, some of which weigh several tonnes. This not only protects employees’ health but also frees up time for other tasks. With its modular design, the storage system can be expanded virtually without limitation – a major advantage for growing companies. KASTO utilised extensive experience from its own production when developing the UNITOWER CNC. This makes the tower storage system a sustainable automation solution for manufacturers in all industries.
When developing the UNITOWER CNC, KASTO utilised extensive experience from its own production. A practical solution emerged, which the company also uses itself. Anyone interested is invited to visit the company’s headquarters in Achern to see the compact storage system in action and discuss its potential with the on site experts.
About KASTO
The KASTO Group, located in Achern in Baden, Germany, (KASTO Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG) specialises in sawing, storage, and automation technology for metal bar stock. The company is the world market and technology leader for metal sawing machines, semi-automatic and automatic storage systems for metal bar stock and sheet metal, automated handling equipment for metal bars, sheets, and cut-pieces including the necessary smart software. With 180 years of experience, KASTO is one of the oldest family-owned companies in Europe. 170 patents, more than 140,000 sawing machines sold across the globe, and over 2,400 installed automated storage systems are a reflection of the company’s success. Besides the subsidiary plant in Schalkau located in Thüringia, KASTO also operates subsidiaries in England, France, Singapore, China, Switzerland, and the USA, and has sales and service partners in many other countries.
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