At their “World of Tools 2024” in-house exhibition in Nuremberg, the Hoffmann Group unveil their new GARANT Automation loading system Turntable to the general public. The GARANT Turntable is a compact loading system for handling clamping devices on CNC milling machines and machining centres. The mechanical start/stop pin system makes operating it really easy – no programming skills required. The system can be run even without an automation interface, which means that even older units can be upgraded at little expense. With a footprint of less than 2.5 square metres, the GARANT Turntable will fit into the smallest spaces. The GARANT Turntable 18 can shift up to 18 clamping devices per cycle with a combined weight of up to 25 kilogrammes per handling operation. Thanks to the flexible system interface, usable clamping devices include not only vices but also clamping pillars, fixtures or pallets. The loading system will also be available with 24 slots and a maximum of 20 kilogrammes per handling operation later this year. Both loading systems are available for order already.

The GARANT Turntable allows upgrading even older CNC milling machines and machining centres with automation in order to unlock their hitherto untapped potential. This is thanks to the fact that the GARANT Turntable has an alternative to the automation interface: it can be operated using the actuator installed on the control panel and an external loading bay controller. The actuator starts the machining process; the external controller opens and closes the loading bay.

The GARANT Turntable is the Hoffmann Group’s second automated loading system. Borries Schüler, Executive Head of Product Management & Engineering at Hoffmann SE, says: “What we have here is a very simple system with a clearly defined field of application. It complements our GARANT Basic robotic cell, which is designed for use with lathes and milling machines as well as for handling raw parts – but only up to 12 kilogrammes. Together with our broad range of tools and products, we’re dedicated to expanding the solutions and services we offer to cover the full scope of industrial production. We’re aiming primarily to cater to medium-sized enterprises. Rest assured, there are lots of new things coming.”

The GARANT Turntable equips the machine either through a loading window on the side or from the front through the machine door. For front-loading, the system is moved in front of the machine using a locator unit; when not in use, it is simply moved to the side. The system facilitates operation in equip mode with 6, 9 or 18 or with 8, 12 or 24 clamping devices. This way, a number of clamping variants are possible.

Operating the GARANT Turntable takes only a few touches. Set the start/stop pin, choose equip mode, reference axes and move to home position at the touch of button, switch to automation mode and start.

Because the GARANT Turntable can also be used without an automation interface, is only 1500x2200x1500 millimetres in size (width/height/depth) and weighs only 1200 kg, the system can be flexibly deployed for any CNC milling machine or machining centre. A choice of leasing offers and tailored financing options ensure that the GARANT Turntable can be used even when money is tight.

To support its customers from end-to-end in automating their production, the Hoffmann Group is focusing both on expert application advice and on process consulting and the associated requirements in terms of tools, clamping technology, measurement technology, setup times and secondary downtimes. Here, the Hoffmann Group also works with external partners such as Renishaw, Nachi, Schunk and ZeroClamp.

Focusing on production automation for SMEs
The Hoffmann Group has made it its mission to support and become the first port of call for small and medium-sized enterprises looking to digitalise and automate their manufacturing. SMEs that automate simple tasks in order to reduce their employees’ workload and utilise their machines more efficiently can gain competitive advantages, overcome skills shortages and maintain their ability to act and remain calm even when the order situation is volatile. The Hoffmann Group offers loading systems for the automated equipping of tool machines without an automation interface, solutions for process monitoring, and machining, clamping and measurement technology specifically for this target group. Hoffmann’s own experts as well as automation partners provide all the necessary recommendations, advice and process analysis.