January 11, 2008 – ATS Systems introduces the new ML Series Barfeed

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA – January 11, 2008 – Addressing the skilled help shortage common in today’s machine shops, ATS Systems today announced totally-redesigned barfeeders, the ML series. The new ML-565 and ML-580 barfeeders are intended to make setup fast and easy for even inexperienced operators.

Both barfeeders feature a remote handheld with a built-in setup wizard to make programming new jobs easy. They automatically adjust all mechanical setup functions. For customers with compatible lathes, their Direct Connect feature eliminates entirely setup programming for repeat jobs. Vice President Ken Erkenbrack states “the most technically advanced feature is also the simplest; Direct Connect allows the operator to program all of the barfeed jobs directly in the lathe’s CNC control. No interaction with the barfeeder is required to recall a repeat job and an unlimited number of application programs can be stored for future use.”

All ML barfeeders are servo driven. The ML-565 has 5mm to 65mm bar diameter capacity, and the ML-580 has 5 to 80mm capacity. A larger model, the ML-5102 handles bars to 102mm diameter and shares many of the same features. Assembled in California, the ML series will be available this month and will eventually replace all of ATS’s “SMW Spacesaver” brand barfeeders. Three year warranties are standard.

ATS Systems was formed in 2006, when ATS Workholding purchased SMW Systems. The firm’s sales and service staffs throughout the U.S. and Canada provide free, in-shop application reviews, install products, and teach manufacturers their safe use. Their headquarters is based in Rancho Santa Margarita, California.