PARKSON APC-400B Fully Cam-Driven Automatic Pallet Changer | 7-Second Exchange, No Hydraulic System, 800 kg Combined Capacity
In multi-station precision machining, vertical and horizontal machining centers (VMCs/HMCs), and highly automated production lines, waiting for pallet changes and maintaining hydraulic systems are key constraints on machine-tool output and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). With a conventional single table, the spindle sits idle while operators load and unload parts, set up and indicate fixtures, or clear chips. Traditional hydraulically driven pallet changers also require maintenance for oil leaks, temperature-related operation anomaly, and periodic filter replacement.
Drawing on extensive expertise in advanced precision transmission and mechanism integration, PARKSON (Parkson-Wu Industrial Co., Ltd.) introduces the APC-400B fully cam-driven automatic pallet changer. A servo motor and precision reducer drive an integrated three-dimensional cam profile that mechanically coordinates three actions: raise the pallet 45 mm, rotate it 180° to exchange positions, and lower it into position. The result is a smooth, rapid exchange in just 7 seconds. By separating cutting from workpiece loading and positioning, the hydraulic-free design, stable mechanism, and high payload help machining centers move toward continuous, unattended flexible manufacturing (FMS).
Key Features and Technical Advantages
1. Fully Cam-Driven Mechanical Integration: Smooth, Rapid Exchange in 7 Seconds
- Integrated mechanical cam linkage: A single servo power source drives a precision-ground three-dimensional cam profile to raise the pallet by 45 mm, rotate it 180° for exchange, and lower it accurately into position. The mechanically coordinated movement avoids the idle delays associated with separate cylinders and sensor waiting in conventional systems.
- Minimized non-cutting time: The complete exchange takes only 7 seconds, minimizing the auxiliary time used for pallet changes, shortening cycle time, and significantly improving machine utilization and OEE.
- Consistent operation over millions of cycles: The cam profile provides smooth S-curve acceleration and deceleration. Its low-impact start and stop are not affected by ambient conditions or hydraulic-pressure fluctuations, supporting long-term reliability.
2. Hydraulic-Free, All-Electric Drive: No Hydraulic Maintenance, Energy Savings, and a Cleaner Factory
- No hydraulic piping required: A servo motor and precision reducer drive the exchange mechanism electrically. No dedicated hydraulic power unit, solenoid valves, or complex high-pressure piping is required inside the machine, freeing valuable space.
- Avoids thermal distortion and oil-leak risks: The design eliminates common hydraulic-system problems such as oil seepage, pipe leaks, and oil mist. It also removes heat accumulation from the hydraulic system that could affect the machine's thermal accuracy, helping maintain a clean factory and stable machining.
- Lower maintenance and operating energy: Energy use is zero in standby, and there is no scheduled hydraulic-oil, seal, or filter replacement. This reduces maintenance-related downtime and supports smart-manufacturing and low-carbon sustainability goals.
3. 800 kg Combined Capacity Across Two Pallets: Rigid Support for Multi-Station Fixtures and Heavy Cutting
- High load capacity and vibration resistance: The APC-400B uses standard 400 × 400 mm tables, each rated for a 400 kg load and 800 kg combined across both sides. Heavy multi-station precision vises, dedicated pneumatic or hydraulic fixtures, and large workpieces can be exchanged while maintaining dynamic stability.
- Parallel preparation and procession at two stations: While the machining side is cutting at full speed, an operator or robot can load raw material, clear chips, and perform initial inspection at the open external station. This overlaps setup with machining and maximizes spindle cutting time.
- Compatible with a wide range of workpiece processes: The structure provides stable support for both high-speed cutting of light alloys and rigid cutting of cast-iron or steel housings.
4. Compact Precision Cam and Reducer Transmission: Space-Saving for Easy Machine Integration
- High-torque, high-rigidity reduction train: A precision reducer with a 1:30 ratio and a drive gear with a 1:2.31 ratio provide a total reduction ratio of 1:69.3 for high torque and smooth power output, with responsive startup and acceleration.
- Compact integrated structure: The compact mechanism minimizes installation interference, helping machine-tool OEMs optimize space and integrate standardized modules during machine design.
- Ready for flexible manufacturing systems: Standard signals and mechanical interfaces connect with automatic doors, RGV/AGV shuttles, unmanned transport systems, and six-axis articulated robots to expand into a flexible manufacturing cell.
Product Specifications
| Item | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Model | PARKSON APC-400B Fully Cam-Driven Automatic Pallet Changer |
| Table Size | 400 × 400 mm |
| Drive System | Servo motor + precision reducer |
| Gear Ratio | 1:2.31 |
| Reducer Ratio | 1:30 |
| Total Reduction Ratio | 1:69.3 |
| Pallet Exchange Time | 7 sec (including lifting and 180° rotation) |
| Lifting Stroke | 45 mm |
| Payload Capacity | 400 kg × 2 = 800 kg (400 kg per side; 800 kg combined) |
| Hydraulic System | Hydraulic-free design |
| Operating Temperature | 18–40°C |
| Applicable Machines | CNC vertical/horizontal machining centers, five-axis machines, and dedicated precision automation machine tools |
Best-Fit Applications
- Vertical and horizontal machining centers (VMCs/HMCs): Rapid two-station exchange overlaps rigid in-machine cutting with external loading and unloading, increasing machine capacity.
- Automotive powertrain and chassis components: High-volume, short-cycle production of transmission housings, reducer cases, brake calipers, and suspension or steering brackets.
- Flexible manufacturing systems and production lines: A standardized pallet-changing unit that integrates with external robot loading, AGV/RGV transport, and automated storage.
- Precision molds and complex multi-side machining: Used with four-sided or multi-station precision fixtures to machine multiple parts and features in continuous operations, improving process consistency.
PARKSON Industrial Co., Ltd. is committed to precision, stability, and durability. The APC-400B fully cam-driven automatic pallet changer supports everything from a standalone high-efficiency changer to a multi-machine FMS line, and from manual setup to unattended production. It removes non-cutting wait time in conventional machining centers and helps customers balance production, increase machine utilization, and advance toward smart manufacturing.
PARKSON Industrial Co., Ltd. | Intelligent Manufacturing Without Limits, Creating the Future