How Secure Orbit Inc. Improved CNC Efficiency with a MIDACO Manual Pallet Changer on Their Haas VF-4SS

How Secure Orbit Inc. Improved CNC Efficiency with a MIDACO Manual Pallet Changer on Their Haas VF-4SS

Secure Orbit Inc., located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, is a leader in the design, manufacturing, and installation of high-quality automated gate assemblies and perimeter security systems. For over 20 years, Secure Orbit has set the standard in residential, commercial, and industrial security with innovative engineering, precision machining, and a deep commitment to customer service. As a company that prides itself on solving complex security challenges, Secure Orbit consistently pushes the boundaries of what's possible in perimeter protection.

Their product line, ARMA Gate, is a prime example of their innovation. ARMA Gates are manufactured in modular segments for ease of transport and fast installation. At the heart of their design is patent-pending precision splice technology, which ensures structural integrity and seamless assembly. With automation-ready features and aerospace-grade aluminum construction, ARMA Gates are built for high-cycle vehicle entry points and engineered to exceed industry standards. Quick repairs and easy maintenance are guaranteed thanks to always-in-stock components, giving customers peace of mind and performance that lasts.

Reducing Machining Downtime to Meet Growing Demand

To keep up with rising production demands and uphold their reputation for delivering high-quality, precision-engineered products on tight timelines, Secure Orbit made a strategic investment by adding a MIDACO M5020FL Manual Pallet Changer System, which includes two 50" x 20" (1270 x 508mm) cast aluminum pallets, to their Haas VF-4SS vertical machining center.

With multiple concurrent projects and a growing volume of complex components required for their ARMA Gate assemblies and custom security solutions, minimizing spindle downtime became a top priority. By enabling operators to load and unload parts outside the machine while it continues running, the MIDACO pallet changer eliminates costly idle time between cycles.

This upgrade has significantly boosted their shop’s efficiency, allowing Secure Orbit to increase throughput, reduce part changeover delays, and better manage multiple projects on a single machine—all without sacrificing precision or quality.

“This is a {MIDACO} Manual Pallet Loading Machine for our HAAS VF-4SS,” says the Secure Orbit team in their video testimonial.

“What this machine will do is it'll allow us to keep our spindle turning more of the time. So while the machine is cutting chips on one fixture plate, we could have a second fixture plate outside of the machine, with part changeover occurring while the machine is running.”

By using the MIDACO system, they’ve drastically reduced dead spindle time, which is critical when producing components for ARMA Gate assemblies and other custom projects.

“And then when the machine cycle stops, that pallet slides out of the machine onto the pallet loader, the pallet that's now full of stock gets slid into the machine for its cycle, and the Cycle Start happens then it's rinse and repeat.”

But the benefits go beyond just efficiency—they’re also seeing greater flexibility in production scheduling.

“We're producing complete assemblies. You know, the additional benefit of having two pallets now that can be rapidly interchanging the machine is we can manage production on multiple projects simultaneously in the one machine, rather than having to have dead time doing project changeover. You know, it increases our flexibility in terms of production management. But you know, on top of increasing our production in general, it's a win-win really.”