Pallet Pools are Becoming More Popular

Recently I’ve been working on more Okuma Pallet Pools for customers, so it seems these automated pallet handling systems are increasing in popularity. Our Pallet Pools are designed and built by Okuma so we handle everything from installation to service and training. They’re available as an option you can include with your machine tool purchase or add later as desired. This is an excellent choice for customers who want to step up an existing 2-pallet horizontal machining center to 6, 8, 10 or even 12 pallets, and you can definitely have the opportunity to run lights out. If you’re increasing the volume of your production this is a great option that can be added fairly simply and easily.

Pallet Pool Design and Operation

Okuma’s Pallet Pools are automated manufacturing systems based on a standardized ready-to-use system. The compact construction of the single level storage system uses stationary pallet stands and a pallet transfer unit. The standard machine two pallet APC is designed so the same unit is used with the multi-pallet APC (Pallet Pool). The change from a two pallet APC to a Pallet Pool is achieved by changing guarding, modification of the set-up station and new software. The same pallet change unit is used for 2 APC units and 6–12 station Pallet Pools.

An Integrated Okuma System

The Pallet Pool is supplied as an integrated Okuma system, with support for all aspects of the machine, loading device, controls and software provided by Okuma and its distributor network. Because the Pallet Pool is provided by Okuma, for Okuma, the pallet change time for a machine with a Pallet Pool is the same as a 2 APC machine. Our Pallet Pools can be arranged as linear (in line with Z axis) or transverse (in line with X axis).

For more information and to view a chart showing availability for various Okuma machine models visit our Pallet Pool web page.

Paul Russell is Senior Applications Engineer, Okuma America Corporation.