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Mike Smothers, operations manager, monitors Fastems readouts regularly to keep track of each machine’s productivity.
CNC programmer Adam Corson proves parts in Mastercam so that operators can confidently run machines lights out.
Corson can check for errors and possible machining issues on an intuitive screen that models the actual machining process. He then shares this information with the operators. “We manipulate our model to represent exactly what the operator will be seeing in the machine. Our operators have the capabilities to view the model at their workstation, which provides them the best understandingofwhattoexpectintheprogram.”Between having had the code proven and seeing the model on their own screens, operators feel comfortable running their machines lights-out.
Corson explained that finding the right software is crucial to the efficiency of a shop, whether it be for programming or for scheduling and organization. “The Fastems system has been a game changer for helping us get parts in and out of the machines with the shortest time handling the material. Raw material, once loaded onto a fixture, will automatically go into one of the three HMCs that are linked into the Fastems system. Being able to manage tool life on 990 tool pots and all 54 pallets from a single load station has made our processes much more predictable and safer for all our operators.” Fastems’ Manufacturing Management Software (MMS) comes as part of the FMS ONE package and is designed to keep a shop flowing smoothly. Once the operators are set up with the part and the fixture, they tell Fastems that it’s loaded. Fastems will schedule it and tell us on the big board, for example, that machine number MC1 tool 35 needs to be changed. It makes sure everything’s fresh and kept running. Fastems takes care of everything to do with the operating of the cell.” Smothers explains that even though this shop uses a standard package, the crew at Fastems was more than happy to help him find custom solutions at other shops he has worked with in the past.
Smothers knew to expect increased savings when he incorporated the FMS, reorganized the cell layout, and made lights-out production possible. What he didn’t expect was just how much USNR would save. “We even
Cutting tool management in the HMCs plays a significant role in an efficient production process . All three machines have identical tooling, which eliminates bottlenecks in the system.
USNR’s Mike Smothers and Chris O’Flynn , CNC Department Lead, discuss work- pieces in the Fastems loading station.
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CNC WEST August/September 2020