Fastems Announces Version 8 of the Flexible Pallet Container for Simple Automation of Milling Machines in a Smaller Footprint

The FPC 8 is controlled by Fastems’ Version 8 Manufacturing Management Software (MMS) which offers a new single-view user interface with drag-and-drop production orders, EasyRoute feature for bringing new workpieces into production in under 60 seconds, and an advanced automatic Order Generator for recurring orders or maintaining a certain stock level.

[West Chester, OH - May 2022] Fastems is introducing Version 8 of their Flexible Pallet Container (FPC 8), which provides easy and extendable automation for one to three CNC milling machines with 400 mm to 1,000 mm pallets. The FPC 8 also includes the new FPC-1800, which accommodates twelve to 36 pallets measuring 630 mm to 800 mm in a small 2.4 x 9.2 -meter footprint. Featuring a library of hundreds of ready-made machine interfaces for over 100 brands, the FPC 8 integrates with horizontal machining centers and offers machine tool utilization of up to 85 percent, short setup times, and high lights-out production capacity. The system can be extended to include up to two additional containers, increasing capacity to 24 or 36 pallets running on two to three machines.


The FPC 8 is controlled by Fastems' Version 8 Manufacturing Management Software (MMS) which offers a new single-view user interface with drag-and-drop production orders, EasyRoute feature for bringing new workpieces into production in under 60 seconds, and an advanced automatic Order Generator for recurring orders or maintaining a certain stock level.

The FPC 8 features an optional Basic Loading Station (LSB) with pallet height adjustment, specifically designed for jobs with various fixture heights, to provide personalized work positions for each operator while clamping and unclamping workpieces. For systems with a single fixture height or with just a couple of users, Fastems' standard option Compact Loading Station (LSC) remains a good choice.

"FPC is one of our most popular systems which is not a surprise - it is extremely cost-efficient and easy-to-deploy linear pallet automation solution," said Kalle Peltonen, Vice President of Pallet Automation at Fastems. "And it can be extended to multiple machine tools to scale capacity and run unmanned even for the entire weekend. The FPC 8 offers improved space efficiency and better-than-ever ergonomics for operators working on either the hardware or software side. The new size, which can accommodate 1,800 kg payloads in a small space, along with the new easy-use features, meet the needs expressed by many of our customers."

For more information on FPC or automating milling machines, download the free Fastems guide "How to automate CNC milling machines" or watch the free webinar at fastems.com/product/fpc. Fastems also invites you to see their CNC automation equipment and software live in IMTS Chicago, 12-17 September 2022 (South Hall).

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About Fastems
Fastems supplies intelligent automation and digitalization solutions for high-mix-low-volume CNC manufacturing. We are an open integrator and a family-owned business with 40 years of automation experience, over 4000 installations and main markets in Europe, North America, and Asia. Our mission is to help metalworking manufacturers improve their productivity and profitability. Fastems' main application fields are pallet and robotic automation - always equipped with our industry-leading production planning and execution software MMS. We also have solutions for automating the production and resource planning of stand-alone machine tools. We support our systems with a wide range of services. Read more at fastems.com.

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