3. Automatic tool changing

 

Fig. 4.6.5 Automatic tool changer

The tools from the magazines and spindle are exchanged by a tool changer arm (Fig. 4.6.5). The tool change activity requires the following motions:

1. The spindle stops at the correct orientation for the tool change arm to pick the tool from the spindle.
2. Tool change arm moves to the spindle.
3. Tool change arm picks the tool from the spindle.
4. Tool change arm indexes to reach the tool magazine.
5. Tool magazine indexes so that the tool from the spindle can be placed.
6. The tool is placed in the tool magazine.
7. The tool magazine indexes to bring the required tool to the tool change position.
8. Tool change arm picks the tool from the tool magazine.
9. Tool change arm indexes to reach the spindle.
10. New tool is placed in the spindle.
11. Tool change arm moves back to its parking position.

 

3.1 Advantages of automatic tool changer

• Increase in operator safety by changing tools automatically
• Changes the tools in seconds for maintenance and repair
• Increases flexibility
• Heavy and large multi-tools can easily be handled
• Decreases total production time