Automatic Tool Change (ATC)
Automatic tool change (ATC) ensures quick, accurate and reliable tool change during machining. It is a key element of production automation and significantly increases the productivity of TOS VARNSDORF CNC machine tools by minimising non-productive times during manual tool change. Machines can be equipped with optional magazine types – chain, meander or rack – depending on the required capacity and machine specifications.
The system includes a manipulator with a rotating two-arm hand, which ensures quick tool change between the magazine and the machine spindle. The system can be alternatively designed with a robotic tool change, which is particularly suitable for a larger number of tools and different positional working spindle changes – application of automatically positioned milling heads.
System principle and design
The ATC system comprises:
- Tool magazine (chain, meander or rack)
- Manipulator
- Placed on a stand or rack and equipped with a rotating two-arm hand ensuring accurate and quick tool transfer.
- Implemented by an angular robot equipped with a rotating two-arm hand enabling different positional working spindle changes.
The search for a specific tool is based on the coded bed in the magazine, which ensures reliable identification and precise positioning. The system enables automatic tool change even in milling heads, both horizontally and vertically.
The magazines facilitate easy access and independent control, are highly reliable and require minimal maintenance.
System capacity and customisation
The number of storage locations can be flexibly adapted to the specific operational needs of the production. The standard configuration offers 40, 60, 80, 120 up to 210 positions, or a different number according to customer requirements.
ATC system options
- Chain magazine – compact solution for high-speed tool change
- Meander magazine – ideal for medium capacity and space-saving layout
- Rack magazine – modular system with expansion options for high tool capacity
Main advantages of the ATC system
- Optional magazine types depending on tool number and size
- Automatic tool change, even for milling heads
- Robotic tool change, especially when using milling heads
- Change in vertical or horizontal position depending on machine type
- Customised solution according to the customer-specific requirements
- Production effectiveness increased through reduced downtimes
- Various designs of tool magazines
- Tool change in vertical or horizontal position
- Customised solution according to customer request
