Automatic Tool Changer with Drum Style Magazine

Automatic tool changers type CTM are suitable for applications on NC milling machines, vertical and horizontal machining centers, CNC lathes, transfer machines, laser and plasma cutting machines. In addition, they are effectively applied on wood and granite routing machines and machines designed specifically for cutting extruded aluminum, according to Indexing Technologies.

CTM tool changers are manufactured in four standard frame sizes and accommodate most types of tool holders. Each CTM tool changer consists of:

• A dual motion cam operated exchanger that performs the high speed and mechanically synchronized movements for grasping, extracting, exchanging and inserting the tools simultaneously between the spindle and the magazine, plus the release of the tool grippers. This entire high-speed cycle is operated by one 3-phase, self-braking motor.
• A mechanical exchange arm with dual rapid release gripper hands and built-in safety interlocks.
• The tool storage magazine, on which all tool holder pockets are hinged to enable a 90° tilt during a tool exchange, are assembled on a mechanical cam driven indexing table operated by a 3-phase self-braking motor, with an optional servomotor drive available on some models. The tool holder tilt unit is pneumatically operated as is the tool taper cleaning head actuated as the used tool is inserted back into the magazine. A built-in switch system provides precise tool holder identification and is used for management of the migrating tools. In addition, a dedicated tool holder to tool pocket identification management system is available upon request.

"All CTM tool changers are fabricated using pre-engineered sub assemblies that are manufactured using state of the art steels, alloys and plastics so that they are durable yet lightweight," said a company spokesperson. "In many instances the tool changer assembly is attached directly onto the machine without affecting the machines performance.

"The main characteristic of these self-contained CTM tool changers is the high-speed tool exchange cycle itself, which is determined by the pre-engineered cam mechanisms. The cams motion law has been studied and applied in the best way to obtain a fast and harmonic motion of the exchange arm. This exchange time varies from 0.6 to 5 seconds depending upon the frame size of unit, the tool weights and the length of the exchange arm."

For more information contact:

Indexing Technologies Inc.

37 Orchard Street

Ramsey, NJ 007446

201-934-6333

info@indexingtechnologies.com

www.indexingtechnologies.com