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Issue link: https://mms.epubxp.com/i/155490
feature Len Graham checks the cell's status from the cell's supervisor workstation. System 3R's Workshop Manager is the basis for the cell's overall control system. EDM units, one from Mitsubishi EDM and one from GF AgieCharmilles. On the other side are two Makino CNC machining centers, one for graphite/copper graphite milling and hard milling of inserts and one for graphite milling only. Two 250-position, carousel-style System 3R Macro pallet storage units are located on one end. A Zeiss CMM and a System 3R Dynafix bookshelfstyle load station are located at the other end. Installation of this sub cell began in September Learn more This article studies a predecessor of the MegaCell in which automation concepts such as the use of master gage balls were developed. Find it at short.mmsonline.com/global mmsonline.com 80 MMS September 2013 mmsonline.com 2012. By March 2013, all of the machines and equipment were in place and in operation. A closer look at the cell's configuration reveals numerous built-in provisions for dual-mode operation. For example, all of the machine tools interface with the robot from the side so that the operator can freely access the front of the machine and its control panel from the aisle. It is impossible for the robot to enter space that might be occupied by the operator. Safety interlocks prevent the side door for the robot and front door for the operator from being opened at the same time. A pressure pad has been installed as a further safety measure in front of one of the EDMs because the rise-andfall tank does not fully bar the robot arm from entering the work area. Stepping on the pad blocks the robot from the work area. Stepping off the pad automatically unblocks the robot, so there is no unintended loss of machine cut time. All of the machines face the same direction. This makes the presence and activity of the operators more visible to cell supervisors and observers. Thus, the two EDMs on the right side are tended by the robot from the left, and the two machining centers on the left side are tended from the right. Chillers, filters, hydraulic systems and other auxiliary equipment are located on the aisle side of the machines to facilitate inspection and maintenance. Because the CMM is gantry style, it is situated with its front open to the aisle for the operator and its back open to the track for the robot. A light curtain protects the operator's area when the robot is in motion. The load/unload station for the cell is located on the other side of the robotic track and is similarly protected by interlocks and a light curtain. The four machine tools, the CMM and the load/ unload station are outfitted with identical receivers for System 3R's Dynafix pallets. These receivers serve as the universal workholding interface. Fully palletizing the cell ensures that workpiece location can be precisely established on the CMM and maintained within ±0.0001 inch as the