Automatic tool changer

An Automatic tool changer or ATC is used in computerized numerical control (CNC) machine tools to improve the production and tool carrying capacity of the machine. ATC changes the tool very quickly, reducing the non-productive time. Generally, it is used to improve the capacity of the machine to work with a numbers of tools. It is also used to change worn out or broken tools. It is one more step towards complete automation.[1]

Description

Simple CNC machines work with a single tool. Turrets can work with a large number of tools. But if even more tools are required, then ATC is provided. The tools are stored on a magazine. It allows the machine to work with a large number of tools without an operator. The main parts of an automatic tool changer are the base, the gripper arm, the tool holder, the support arm and tool magazines.[2] Although the ATC increases the reliability, speed and accuracy, it creates more challenges compared to manual tool change, for example the tooling used must be easy to centre, be easy for the changer to grab and there should be a simple way to provide the tool's self-disengagement. Tools used in ATC are secured in toolholders specially designed for this purpose.[3]

Types of ATC

Depending on the shape of the magazine, ATC can be of two types: Drum Type changers are used when the number of tools is lower than 30. The tools are stored on the periphery of the drum. Chain type changers are used when the number of tools is higher than 30. But the tool search speed will be lower in this case.[4]

Automatic Tool Changer Mechanism

After receiving the tool change command, the tool to be changed will assume a fixed position known as the "tool change position". The ATC arm comes to this position and picks up the tool. The arm swivels between machine turret and magazine. It will have one gripper on each of the two sides. Each gripper can rotate 90°, to deliver tools to the front face of the turret. One will pick up the old tool from turret and the other will pick up the new tool from the magazine. It then rotates to 180° and places the tools into their due position.

Functions of ATC

The use of automatic changers increases the productive time and reduces the unproductive time to a large extent. It provides the storage of the tools which are returned automatically to the machine tool after carrying out the required operations, increases the flexibility of the machine tool. makes it easier to change heavy and large tools, and permits the automatic renewal of cutting edges. .[5]

See also

References

  1. ↑ OBREA, C[laudiu] F[lorin]; PASCU, M[arius]; MIHAILA, L[ucian]; FUNARU, M[arian (2012). "DESIGN OF AN AUTOMATIC TOOL CHANGER SYSTEM FOR MILLING MACHINING CENTERS" (PDF). DAAAM International. 23 (1): 1139–1142. Retrieved 23 March 2015.
  2. ↑ scribd. "Automatic tool changer". scribd. Rahul Singh. Retrieved 23 March 2015.
  3. ↑ Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems and Automation. "COMPUTER NUMERICAL CONTROL OF MACHINE TOOLS" (PDF). lms.mech.upatras.gr. Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems and Automation. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 23 March 2015.
  4. ↑ IGNOU. "Tooling for CNC machines" (PDF). ignou.ac.in. IGNOU. Retrieved 23 March 2015.
  5. ↑ NITC. "Tool Management in Advance Manufacturing Systems" (PDF). www.nitc.ac.in. Dept. of M.E. Retrieved 23 March 2015.
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