Now available from
The Engineering Technology Group (ETG) is the new Flex Arm from Nakamura-Tome, which has been developed to automate workpiece transfer to chuck jaw replacement on the company‘s range of turning centres.
Flex Arm allows for automated unmanned operation for loading multiple types of workpieces without stopping the machine. In addition to the loading of material and unloading of finished products as with the Nakamura compact loader, the new Flex Arm features a gripper and chuck jaw change function.
It can be easily mounted on the machine and integrated and controlled via the CNC control, making this a more attractive proposition than changing parts and jaws with an independent industrial robot. The system is highly compatible and fully integrated, making installation straightforward — the Flex Arm can be used immediately after delivery.
From a specification perspective, the Flex Arm incorporates a transfer station for billets and finished parts, a Hakobei pallet system that uses a TP standard, and a special pin unlocking system that works with the chuck to automate chuck jaw changeovers.
This changeover can be simplified with the ‘teach mode’ on the control that can be tailored by the operator to work seamlessly with the chuck and the programming process. The system can accommodate parts from 32 to 100mm diameter with a workpiece length from 50 to 100mm. Each of the two grippers can hold a maximum of 3kg and the Flex Arm is offered with up to three types of interchangeable grippers as standard.