Part of Erowa’s Flexible Manufacturing Concept (FMC) and offering round-the-clock running for machine tools producing heavier components weighing up to 4,000kg, the Erowa LoadMaster Compact range from Kenilworth-based REM Systems Ltd can accommodate a variety of raw material billets, as well as cast or forged components, into the multi-tiered storage system ready for unattended milling and turning.

Finish machined parts can be removed via the workstations or returned to the layered racking for retrieval when required.

The storage positions are arranged over two, three or four levels in the vertical magazines, saving on space and cost, with each level optimally configured for specific workpiece sizes.

Moreover, because the magazine modules can be combined in series, there is ‘no limit’ to the number of units that can be connected (the total rail length depends on the number of machines and their positioning).

The setup stations — either ‘walk in’ types or those accessible by sliding doors — are integral components of the LoadMaster systems. Versions are available with a lifting unit, with a rotating and tilting table, or with an indexing table.

The setup positions can also be accessed by overhead crane, while Erowa’s ‘Pilot’ software has been designed to make schedule control, tool management and job management very straightforward by assisting the operator with clear displays of system status.

For production lines with a mix of pallet sizes, Erowa’s ‘MultiFork’ gripper provides an efficient alternative to changing individual grippers. The gripper width smoothly adapts to different pallet dimensions. Solid, robust technology for large workpieces.

Meanwhile, Erowa’s Easy 800 has been designed for the efficient machining of larger components. With six stations, it accommodates raw material or part finished components up to 850mm in diameter and up to 1,000mm high.

Ian Holbeche, Erowa’s managing director, said: “Manufacturing industries have been specifying larger more complex machine tools; with the Easy 800 these can now be fully automated.

“Using Erowa FMC automation systems, customers can typically increase productivity by a factor of five when using a variety of manufacturing technologies — including die sinking EDM, multi-axis milling and turning — plus measurement and inspection.”