Easy entry into automation with Fastems

The new Fastems MMS unites three previously strictly separated manufacturing worlds in a single, powerful software solution.

The Fastems Flexible Pallet Container (FPC) provides a simple and efficient entry into the automation of HELLER machine tools. The Manufacturing Management Software (MMS) for the planning, control and monitoring of production turns the FPC into a powerful Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) with the software offering more than automated pallet handling.

The FPC is a complete FMS that comes compactly packaged in a pre-configured container allowing to set up the manufacturing automation in practically no time. As a standardised, scalable ­solution, an FPC can be flexibly expanded by additional containers and machine tools. Starting with one FPC and a connected ­machine tool, the FPC provides a very efficient entry into auto­mation which can be expanded to up to three containers and ­machine tools when needed. The pallet storage with a capacity for up to 12 pallets per container is the core component of the FPC. ­Further basic components include a stacker crane for pallet transport within the system and loading stations for the loading of workpieces into the fixtures as well as loading and unloading of the pallets with the fixtures.

Intelligent manufacturing management
The actual intelligence of an FPC is integrated into the host computer with the Fastems MMS. It belongs to the most advanced software solutions for the planning, projection, control, visualisation and monitoring of an automated production system. The software automatically plans and calculates the optimum production flow based on the jobs at hand and all the resources required for it (e.g. tooling, NC programs etc.). It also takes account of any ­real-time changes, e.g. resulting from new, urgent jobs to be processed.

Originally conceived for automated pallet handling, the new version of the MMS, for the first time presented to the public at EMO,

now also integrates automated and non-automated processes into the digital manufacturing management. For this purpose, MMS combines three application areas within a single software platform: pallet-based automation, automation of direct workpiece handling using robots, work cell operation for stand-alone machines and other manual manufacturing operations. As a result, MMS now offers expanded functionalities for the production management of robot-based applications in the area of machine operation.

Easy integration of new workpieces into a manufacturing process is the key to meeting today’s production requirements. For this purpose, the new MMS offers a graphical user interface with powerful functions for defining sub-process plans. In combination with parametric robot programs and a coordinate-based parts positioning, it allows to minimise the robot programming requirements, even eliminating time-consuming PLC programming. In one robot cell, the new MMS manages the job-related production by means of manufacturing batches. Flexibility is provided by the possibility to simultaneously produce a number of different components in different job batch sizes. Additionally, information is provided about the clamping fixtures required at the machine tool in the form of setup operations. The MMS can plan new setup ­operations for machine tools and, depending on the application, is even able to perform automatic loading of a machine using the robot.

Equal focus on non-automated processes
The latest version of MMS also enables planning and control of non-automated processes, closing the gap between automated and manual manufacturing processes. For example, the operator of the stand-alone machine receives precise lists and instructions from the MMS with the steps and individual tasks required for ­production. In this context, the software promptly provides him with all relevant information, e.g. when a setup, materials, tooling etc. need to be available.