IEMCA’s Automata 2.5 integrated gantry system for automatically feeding, unloading and storing bulk components, is the latest addition to the rapidly-expanding portfolio of workholding and machining accessories from Kitagawa Europe Ltd. Previewed at EMO and now available in the UK, the Automata 2.5 advanced workhandling system boosts the productivity of a wide range of CNC manufacturing equipment, including lathes, grinders, rolling equipment and machining centres.

With a standard load/unload cycle time of just seven seconds, the loader offers positional repeatability of ±0.1mm and will accommodate unmachined parts weighing up to 2.5 kg as standard. A 5 kg component option is also available. The ruggedly-constructed Automata 2.5 incorporates accurate, plc controlled component location and easy-to-learn, intuitive controls. It also features a standard retooling time of seven minutes – making it the ideal solution for busy machine shops with short production runs.

The system measures 1400mm(L) x 1800mm(W) x 2600mm(H) and is physically isolated from the machine tool it services, eliminating the transmission of mechanical vibration and maintaining access to the machine’s doors. The Automata 2.5 is supplied network-ready for fast and simple installation and is equipped with remote diagnostics and on-line software updates. The use of high capacity palletisers or stackers with the gantry system allows working with unsupervised lathes and enables a number of machine tools to be controlled by a single operator, significantly increasing productivity.