How To Better Utilize Expensive

The paper discusses how a pallet system installed on vertical turning lathes (VTLs) or vertical machining centers (VMCs) can increase utilization of such equipment. Different-sized systems, from a single machine to a conglomeration of different types of machines (a flexible manufacturing system), can be accommodated. These systems make it necessary that many types of configurations of pallet systems exist. Plain pallets, manual or powered sliding jaw pallets, of different styles, can be interfaced with the customer's machine(s). The heart of the paper is dedicated to automatic pallet systems, using power chucks for pallets, and the ability to use different types of pallets on one system. These pallet systems are usually installed on new equipment, but, if feasible, existing equipment can be retrofitted, or integrated with existing pallet systems to allow for even greater flexibility, thus increasing utilization. The types of machines which can benefit from better utilization are VTLs, VMCs (both vertical and horizontal), as well as other machines that are discussed in greater detail.