Fastems Systems GmbH

Structured automation for horizontal machining centres

FPC is intended for horizontal machining environments using palletised fixtures. It supports pallet sizes from 400 to 1,000 mm and connects up to three machines through a central storage and load station. This creates a defined material flow and reduces manual pallet handling, which is relevant for repeatable machining of prismatic aerospace components such as housings, brackets, and structural details.

Reproducible pallet-based setups

Each pallet is permanently linked to a specific fixture and part configuration. Validated setups are stored in the system and returned to the machine without modification, supporting consistent first-part results across shifts.

MMS-controlled job release and sequencing

All machining operations are released through MMS only after verification of:

• approved NC program version
• required tool set and remaining tool life
• correct pallet and fixture
• assigned machine capacity

Jobs that do not meet these conditions remain blocked until they are fully prepared. This protects process stability and avoids incomplete machining cycles.

Documented production history

Pallet transfers, machine loading, and job completion are recorded automatically. Each component remains linked to its pallet identity and process status, creating a consistent production record.

Stepwise introduction of automated capacity

FPC allows automation to be introduced without reorganizing the entire workshop. A second and third machine can be connected while keeping the same pallet structure and control method. This supports gradual capacity increases within existing aerospace and defence production environments.

Basis for unattended machining of approved part families

For parts with prepared resources and validated setups, FPC enables unattended operation for defined periods while maintaining the same control and documentation logic.

Typical use in aerospace and defence supply chains

FPC is suited for:

• suppliers introducing pallet automation under existing quality frameworks
• horizontal machining of prismatic components in small batches
• environments requiring documented and repeatable setups with limited floor space

📞 CONTACT

For questions regarding phased automation, machine grouping, or pallet-based process control, please use the contact link.