Addressing the skilled help shortage common in today's machine shops, ATS Systems has redesigned its bar feeders to create the ML series. The ML-565 and ML-580 bar feeders are intended to make setup fast and easy for even inexperienced operators. Both bar feeders feature a remote handheld with built-in setup wizard. They automatically adjust all mechanical setup functions. For cutsomers with compatible lathes, their Direct Connect feature eliminates setup programming for repeat jobs. This feature allows the operator to program all of the bar feed jobs directly in the lathe's CNC control. No interaction with the bar feeder is required to recall a repeat jbo and an unlimited number of application programs can be stored for future use.

All ML bar feeders are servodriven. The ML-565 has 5 mm to 65 mm bar diameter capacity, and the ML-580 has 5 to 80 mm capacity. A larger model, the ML-5102 handles bars to 102-mm diameter and shares many of the same features.