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This article aims to clarify the functionality and significance of Nakamura-Tome’s parts catchers, explaining their diverse applications and contributions to streamlining production processes and enhancing product quality, as well as enabling the machine to work unattended, allowing the operator to work on other tasks.
In the realm of manufacturing optimisation, the parts catcher stands as a key player for operational efficiency. It’s essentially a specialised device that automates the retrieval of finished components or excess material from machining equipment. Understanding the nuances of various types of parts catchers is essential for industries reliant on precision machining, such as automotive, aerospace, and medical device manufacturing.
Parts Catcher is a simple and cost-effective solution for easy automation of multitasking machines without the need for additional space.
Selecting the appropriate parts catcher hinges on the nature of the parts being processed, whether they involve bar materials, small and compact workpieces, or elongated shaft workpieces, among others. Nakamura-Tome offers a selection of three standard parts catcher types: Parts Catcher A (Drop Type), Parts Catcher G (Gripper Type), and Parts Catcher T (Turret Type). In this discourse, we will delve into each of these types while also exploring some unique applications.
When using the Parts Catcher A type, finished parts or remnant material are automatically ejected from the chuck into a bucket, which then rotates downwards to unload the parts onto the conveyor or in the chute. *Depending on the machine type, a parts conveyor is an option.
With Parts Catcher A, it is possible to unload the parts outside and inside the machine.
With a bucket or gripper mounted on a turret to unload a finished part or remnant material. The part is ejected directly from the chuck into the bucket, and the part is unloaded with the rotation of the turret.
The gripper gripped the finished parts and moved to the conveyor inside the machine for unloading. The gripper clamps the parts, so an ejection device is not required. The gripper is made of plastic to avoid scratching the parts.
The NTJ-100’s swivel B-axis turret is used for unloading. The NTJ-100 is a two-spindle machine, and the upper turret swivels 182°, enabling it to unload parts from both spindles. The gripper is attached to the upper turret and can clamp and unclamp finished parts. Also, the remnant materials can be unloaded by the same gripper clamping and unclamping the workpiece using the milling servo motor. With a load of the servo motor, the gripper can check the diameter of the workpiece, and the force of clamping can be controlled by programming.
On ATC machines, the automatic tool change system calls the gripper on the tool spindle, and the tool spindle can unload the finished parts and load the blank material to be machined. Using the tool spindle for unloading enables the unloading of parts with complex shapes.
There are many automation methods for unloading parts, such as parts catchers, gantry loaders, robots, bar feeders, and more. The choice of automation depends on factors such as the type of parts (size and shape), work area setup, production volume, budget, etc. Nakamura-Tome can provide customers with a range of automation options tailored to their production requirements and working environment, ensuring optimal productivity.
Enhance your production ability with Nakamura Tome’s Parts Catcher! Reach out to our CNC experts now to elevate your production capabilities.
Whether you’re after a machine, spare part, power tool, or need to book a service call Headland will help you find the right solution in a timely manner.
Fill out the form below and the relevant expert will be in touch with you shortly.
