Available from Coventry-based GF Machining Solutions Ltd (www.gfms.com) is the System 3R Transformer — an automated robot solution that has been designed to grow with manufacturers’ changing needs and requirements.

It allows manufacturers to automate one or two machines initially, then add extra machines and additional magazine capacity at a later date; and while the machines in a Transformer cell can be of the same make and type, a cell can also incorporate different machining technologies — from different manufacturers.

The system handles workpieces and/or electrodes that are mounted on pallets (System 3R offers a wide range of tooling systems that can be used for workpiece palletisation; it also offers a range of chuck adaptors that can accommodate different work-holding systems in the same automation cell).

Further enhancing the flexibility of the Transformer system is the ability to integrate a number of additional in-process accessories.

These include: multiple loading stations that can be used without any stops in production; draining stations for emptying workpiece cavities after machining; washing machines for cleaning workpieces; and co-ordinate measuring machines for component pre-setting and/or inspection.

Moreover, cell management software ensures that all production data is entered in a structured method or imported through a data exchange interface that is compatible with most Enterprise Resource Planning systems.

The System 3R Cell Manager handles everything in the cell, from the automatic loading of parts into the machines through to recording the machining time of each job. Chip identification of the pallets ensures that the correct data is always used for the appropriate part.