Pogo(TM) Flexible Workholding Systems Bring Quick-Change Machining

Cincinnati Milacron helps aerospace and defense manufacturers boost its machining productivity with innovative Pogos-a gridwork of "intelligent" extendible workholders that adjust to, support and hold large, contoured part shapes. Provided by Milacron on a turnkey basis as part of integrated machining systems, Pogo(TM) technology automates workholding and set-up to bring quick-change, agile manufacturing capability to large, high-value parts. Designed for flexible workholding, a Pogo system can be used for multiple parts, sizes and shapes and for prototyping as well as production. Pogo's flexibility avoids the high costs, dedicated fixtures and long set-up times traditionally required for machining large, variable-geometry parts and structures. System flexibility can save 50% and more on tooling costs, while fast part-changeover can raise machine tool in-cut time.

Pogo systems employ a gridwork of pneumatic actuators-the Pogos-as the machining table and fixture. The effect is similar to a bed of nails, except each Pogo is individually adjustable and programmable to conform to part shape. Pogo actuators are available in four programmable stroke lengths-17", 23", 29" or 35"-and feature a pneumatic end effector "cup" that swivels to conform to surface geometry. A vacuum of 50 Ibs. per cup holds the part immobile. Reversing the airflow creates an "air bearing" for support in maneuvering the part during loading. Absolute position magneto-strictive transducers enable extendible positioning accuracy to ±0.003" and adjustment to next setting with no homing required.

Each actuator handles loads of up to 800 pounds, while distribution of load over hundreds of actuators permits processing of large and heavy parts. Bed modules, each 5 x 10 ft., allow Pogo systems to be configured to nearly any length and width, and either horizontal or vertical position. Beds have a grid of "plug and play" actuator pockets that are pre-plumbed and prewired with air, vacuum and electrical connections.

Each actuator has it own controller, which is networked to a system controller. Distributed architecture enables the systems controller to simultaneously command a thousand or more Pogo(TM) actuators and interface with CAD/CAM and the machine tool. A Pogo system can be reconfigured to another programmed part shape in minutes. A Windows NT format provides the operator with a user-friendly interface. Pogo systems can be easily programmed by interpolating CAD/CAM part data to determine an actuator's extension distance to the part shape at the contact point.

For more information contact:

Texas
Patrick Hillary
Hillary Machinery, Inc.
1825 Summit #207
Plano, TX 75074
800-683-1516
972-578-1515
Fax 972-578-1519

Oklahoma
Ron Evans
Kansas Oklahoma Machine Tool
9511 East 55 Place
Tulsa, OK 74145
918-664-6064

Louisiana & Arkansas
Lee Eagan
Oliver Van Horn Co., Inc.
4100 Euphrosine Street
New Orleans, LA 70150
800-800-7070

El Paso/New Mexico
Juan Paredes
AIW Machine Div.
1310 Lomaland
El Paso, TX 79935