Tool changing mechanism in cnc machine

Tool Changing Mechanism in CNC Machine

1. TOOL CHANGING MECHANISM IN CNC MACHINE

2. INTRODUCTION A simple CNC machine will be made to work with a single tool. More complex machines are capable of working with larger numbers of tools. However, for a machine to use more tools an ATC must be provided. The array of tools are stored within a magazine which allows the machine to access a wider variety of them without the need for an operator. ATC is used to improve both the production and the tool carrying capacity of a computerised numerical control or CNC machine tool. It does this by allowing the machine to work with various different tools. As such it is part of the process to achieve full automation.

3. Types of Automatic Tool Changer Tool-changing Mechanisms on Turning Center. Drum-type tool-storage.

4. improvements of atc ATC increases the machine tool’s productive time. It significantly reduces the times for changing worn tools. It provides storage of the cutting tools, which are returned automatically to the machine tool after carrying out the required operations. New cutting tools are automatically delivered to the machine by the tool-changing system. The rotating magazine holder can provide tool-storage capacities ranging from 60 to 240 cutting units, with up to 24 different types of tool geometries.

5. AUTOMATIC TOOL-CHANGING MECHANISMS ON TURNING CENTER. Cutting units can be stored in either a drum or a disc type of storage device. A typical example of the storage facilities and their automatic tool-changers. The rotary tool-changer swivels between the tool magazine and the machine’s turret. Each gripper can rotate through 90o, to deliver tools to the front face of the turret. The tool-changer simultaneously removes the cutting tools from the disc magazine and the turret and then it rotates through 180o. The new tool is delivered to the turret and accurately positioned in the correct orientation, whilst the used tool is replaced in its correct turret position for either re-use or replacement. The tool-changer arm is withdrawn from the working area of the machine and starts the cutting cycle. A gantry-type of tool-changer with a twin-gripper assembly can be used for high-speed tool-changing where space in the area of the machine is limited .

6. CHARACTERISTICS Magazine should be capable of storing required nos. of tools to carryout all the operations on a machining centre . It should be compact and simple to reduce its cost and space requirement . It should not be protruding the working space of the machine for preventing it from disturbing tool space at the time of tool changing. It should allow manual transfer of tool easily and safely at the time of loading and unloading the tools.

7. ACTUAL SETUP OF AUTOMATIC TOOL CHANGER

8. 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.

9. ADVANTAGES OF AUTOMATIC TOOL CHANGER Low Skill Requirement:  CNC machine operators require little training and skill when compared to manual machine operators. Capability :  This technology uses computer precision to go beyond the limitations of manual capabilities. More complex and intricate operations are possible with CNC machining . Continuous Use:  Unlike manual labor, CNC machinery (barring any malfunction or maintenance issue) can work continuously over any period of time without a break. This greatly increases productivity and efficiency. Consistency and Precision :   With computer software, the design of any given product only needs to be programmed once. The CNC machine can then perfectly replicate that design, for any order quantity.

10. DISADVANTAGES OF AUTOMATIC TOOL CHANGER Cost:  CNC machines are more expensive and require a greater initial investment than machines that can be operated manually. However, as this technology becomes the standard, supply is increasing resulting in costs gradually decreasing. Skills Loss:   As the demand for manual machine operators decreases, fewer and fewer new students adopt those skills. This could eventually lead to the complete loss of long-preserved skills. Unemployment:  Automation decreases the need for manpower, and fewer laborers are hired. That said, the need is now shifting to software engineers and mechanical engineers, and education and training will have to adjust to meet that need. For more information on the skills gap in the manufacturing industry, reference this blog post .

11. conclusion Automatic tool changer is often used to improve tool carrying capacity of CNC machine. CNC machine with automatic tool changer increases the machine tool’s productivity time reduces the times for changing worn tools. The utilizations of tools and machines and throughput of each part type are three important performance measures that must be managed for efficient production .