Fastems will introduce its Flexible Pallet System Stationary (FPS-S) at AMB 2026, offering manufacturers a compact and flexible pallet automation solution designed to provide an entry point into CNC automation with the option for future expansion.
The modular FPS-S is designed to make efficient use of available floor space while offering a clear path for expansion from a tower-like system to a full-scale, multi-machine Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS).
In its base configuration, the FPS-S combines a stationary pallet handler with one or two 4- or 5-axis CNC machine tools. The system is designed to increase spindle utilisation, support lights-out manufacturing and ensure consistent production quality.
The FPS-S can automate more than 90 machine tool brands and can also be integrated with machine tools without an automatic pallet changer (APC), including vertical 5-axis milling machine tools.
Sven Schewe, Vice President EMEA at Fastems, stated that, “Flexible automation helps our customers grow over long term. In fact, over half of our customers extend their systems later when they need additional capacity. FPS-S provides an ideal entry point for manufacturers looking to gain experience with automation and then scale into a full, linear FMS.”
360-Degree Design Maximizes Floor Space Efficiency
FPS-S is available in size classes of 500, 1,000 and 1,500 kgs, supporting pallet sizes of up to 630 x 630 mm.
Its modular architecture features a unique 360-degree layout concept, allowing machine tools, storage modules and loading stations to be positioned on any side of the system. This enables customized configuration and efficient space usage even in small or crowded facilities. At AMB, Fastems will demonstrate an FPS-S 500kg configuration accommodating nine 400 x 400 mm pallets.
Designed to Grow with Production Requirements
One of the key advantages of the FPS-S is its scalability. Starting with one or two machine tools, manufacturers can gradually expand the system into a complete linear FMS that connects multiple machine tools.
To take high-mix manufacturing two steps further, FPS can also integrate advanced automation solutions for cutting tools and robotic fixture loading – enabling extremely long lights-out manufacturing cycles. FPS-S follows a proven automation approach: manufacturers can begin by automating selected parts of their production and then expand the system as capacity requirements increase.
More Intelligence, More Insights
Like all Fastems automation solutions, FPS-S is powered by Manufacturing Management Software (MMS), designed specifically for planning, controlling and monitoring high-mix manufacturing environments.
The key benefits include:
- Efficient production planning with significantly reduced effort, especially when responding to rush orders or production changes,
- Faster machine setups through automated NC program management, proactive tool checks and intelligent pallet management,
- Smooth introduction of new parts with minimal disruption to ongoing production, and
- Complete production visibility through intelligent data collection, KPI tracking and advanced analytics.