stacked/vertical pallets

[[Ni...]]

Good Morning,

We are trying to fit more parts on our machine by now thinking of stacking parts. Currently we have 5 parts running in a pallet but we are thinking of stacking 2 or 3 more on top so we could check 10 or 15 in a single pallet.

I know Autorun doesnt have the ability to replicate the program on the Z axis.

Or is this a bad idea? I believe i can get the clearance handled. Just duplicating the program to include more on top is where i feel like itll be a challenge.

I am wondering if there are any issues i should be aware of? Is this something that i shouldn't even try?

Thank You.

[[Ma...]]

If you handle clearance cube and block edges to travel all around but not in Z+ to prevent crashes, then you can create copy of one layer to make more of them, but for each layer you have to define new origin point ( aka use BS from first part of each layer ).
Only bad is that it will measure layer by layer - not sure how official ZEISS solution works ( Metrotom - extra pay )

We are using 3 layers for one column, but for this is used each position own start system alignment.

[[Ni...]]

Please sign in to view this quote.

How exactly do I make copy of layers? For now it seems like I will have to select, copy and paste everything, then just modify the Z nominal for the copies by the same amount.. That way once it finishes running the first part, it moves on the the second part that is above it.

Which way do you do it?

[[Ma...]]

Well, first you make a palette program ( defined by X and Y grid ) - this will be your first layer. Then duplicate it to make others layers.
For other layers you have to make new base/start alignment for first part ( just go to main program and save new alignment as new name with L2, L3 as layer2, layer3 - then on autorun edit palette base/start alignment ).

[[Ni...]]

Please sign in to view this quote.

Ok let me see if i understand this,
We run the first pallet layer right, then after its done, we run it again but this time we select the second layer alignment, we select L2.
After that run is done, we select L3 and run it again which should run layer 3.

Correct?

If that is the case, then it wouldn't achieve what we're trying to do which is have the machine run those 3 layers nonstop without operator input. Basically they want us to load 3 layers of 5 parts and have them run at night when everyone is gone.

Or do i open up 3 different autorun windows in one single pallet program, each loaded with layer 1, 2 and 3 so they can run right after another? This might work.

[[Ma...]]

OK so step by step.
1. Place parts to 1st position on each layer
2. Open program and edit base/start alignment - to name add L2 and measure manually this part on layer 2
3. Repeat step 2 for as many layers you need
4. On autorun duplicate run and rename it to Layer2 - edit base/start alignment of Layer2 to have previously saved alignment of L2
5. After setup you can left click first layer and with Left Ctrl on keyboard you select Layer2 - this will let you run both layers on one press "START"

If you need some images, then you have to wait until i'll came to work.

[[Ni...]]

Please sign in to view this quote.

I understand the explanation now. Thank You. I am now just waiting on the engineers to finish the fixture and i will test it out.

[[Ri...]]

I'd really love to see a picture of this because my small brain isn't understanding how you can measure parts if there are layers.

[[Ma...]]

Here is our solution for balancing shafts.

[[Da...]]

So it has been a while since I did this.

My understanding is that the standard pallet will work. You just have to define your pallet alignment correctly.

The pallet will always be patterned in the z plane, so if you define your pallet axes such that Z is parallel to the x axis of the CMM, then pattern as normal, it should work.

[[Ri...]]

Please sign in to view this quote.

Holy smokes. My head hurts now. That's beautiful and terrifying at the same time.