In this post, Joe Stangarone, Regional Sales Manager with C.R. Onsrud (Troutman, NC), explains Pendulum Processing and Dual Process Technology™, and how integrating these into your production line can be beneficial to your manufacturing process.
Safe, Efficient Production with Pendulum Processing
Start with a fixed bridge machine that has twin moving tables (such as the C-Series shown here).
With any of our twin table configurations, you can load Table 1 safely while performing machining operations on Table 2. Then while the machine switches to processing material on the newly loaded Table 1, you safely remove parts from Table 2 and reload the table. This technique is known as Pendulum Processing.
A unique benefit of this twin table design, with one table in the forward position and one completely back, is that you can place a part on each table that is the same size as the table and still independently machine completely around both parts.
Flexibility with Dual Process Technology
By adding a second spindle, you gain flexibility in your production; a value equal to buying an additional machine without the expense or taking up valuable floor space. You can cut twice as many parts in the same time period.
- Use both spindles on an alternating basis to perform different operations on a single workpiece. This speeds up production if you have numerous short or complicated operations and/or frequent tool changes while still pendulum processing.
- Use both spindles on a fixed center distance to produce identical parts at the same time on the same table (while still pendulum processing) or different tables.
- Use both spindles on a frequently adjusting or varying center distance while working on a single process.
- Park one spindle and lock the tables together, giving full table access to the other spindle for machining large or oversized parts.
- Use one spindle to machine one process on Table 1 (such as cutting squares), while the other spindle machines an entirely different process on Table 2 (such as cutting circles) for the ultimate in flexibility with Dual Process Technology.
- Set the spindles to take turns machining in either single or alternating table mode. With head collision avoidance built into the logic of the controller, you don’t have to worry about a crash.
- For 5-axis machines, both spindles can have 5-axis capability. The spindles go past the table ≅40″, so you can machine all five sides of the parts on the tables.
C.R. Onsrud is known throughout the world as a high-quality CNC manufacturer with tremendous support and service. If you’re looking for an industrial machining center to take your business to the next level of productivity for high-mix or high-volume production, give C.R. Onsrud a call at: 704-508-7000 or reach out via email: info@cronsrud.com. We are happy to help you any way we can.
