Unmanned manufacturing is now a reality

Dark Factory is a reality: with the three-spindle high-performance machining centre imo-flex.
We have succeeded in winning a major contract that sets new standards in the production of small to large series of parts. This ‘imo-flex double system’ is designed to enable ‘chaotic’ and unmanned production of up to six completely different workpiece types for at least eight hours. No manual intervention is required for tool setup or the conversion of clamping devices. The ‘only’ thing that is required after 8 to 12 hours is the provision of raw parts and the removal of finished parts. The two systems can produce completely autonomously. Here, the dark factory is not just a vision, but a reality!
One system consists of a base machine with three autonomous production spindles and a C-axis as a workpiece carrier. Three fast disc changers are available as cutting tools in the working area, with space for 30 tools and another 54 tools in the roof of the machine, making a total of 84 tools per machine. This kinematics enables us to produce workpieces on average 3 to 3.3 times faster than conventional machining centres (MCCs). The clamping devices and the C-axis are equipped with a zero-point system, so that workpieces can be changed in just 1.5 seconds.
The clamping and reclamping of workpieces takes place outside the machining area in parallel with machining by means of robots. The clamping station enables the production of different workpieces without the need for personnel. Additional functions include the gripper station for the robot, the raw part and finished part storage, the SPC box for measuring parts, the automatic tool setting portal and various software options for simple and safe operation.
The imo-flex high-performance machining centre is a groundbreaking solution for controllable, unmanned and ‘chaotic’ production.
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