Tool changing process for a vertical machining center
I.Tool loading: The tool is loaded into the tool magazine.
You can select any tool holder for tool loading. Place the tool in any available tool holder and record the tool holder number.
For fixed tool holder loading, place the tool in a pre-assigned tool holder.
II.Tool Selection: The operation of selecting a tool from the tool magazine.
Sequential Tool Selection:
Place the tools in tool holders according to the order of the machining process (i.e., the order of tool use). During use, remove the tools from the tool holders in the order they were placed, and return them to their original tool holders after use.
Random tool selection:
- Assign a unique code to each tool holder in the tool magazine. Place the tools corresponding to these codes in the respective tool holders. During programming, the tool’s location is specified using the address T, which corresponds to the tool holder code.
- Store tool numbers and storage positions or tool holder numbers in the computer’s memory or the programmable controller’s memory. When the tool storage address changes, update the computer memory accordingly. Equip the tool magazine with position detection devices so you can remove and return tools as needed.
III.Tool change
- The tool on the spindle and the tool to be replaced in the tool magazine are both randomly selected tool holders.
Tool magazine → tool selection → move to tool change position → robotic arm removes tool → installs tool into spindle, simultaneously installing the tool removed from the spindle into the tool holder for the next tool.
- The tool on the spindle is mounted in a fixed tool holder, while the tool to be replaced can be either a random-access tool holder or a fixed tool holder.
The tool selection process is the same as above. Before returning the tool removed from the spindle to the tool magazine during tool change, rotate the tool magazine to the position where it can receive the tool from the spindle.
- The tool on the spindle is a random tool holder, and the tool to be replaced is a fixed tool holder.
Tool selection is the same as above. Send the tool removed from the spindle to the nearest empty tool position.
