How does an automatic tool changer work?

How does an automatic tool changer work?

Once set up on your CNC machine, an automatic tool changer follows a quick set of steps to swap tools in and out. Here's how it works.

1. The tool change command is given to the machine via the computer.

2. The tool to be changed assumes a fixed position known as the “tool change position.”

3. The ATC spindle moves to that position to pick up the tool.

4. The z-axis moves between the machine tool rack/rotary to pick up/drop off tooling.

5. Internally, the spindle opens or closes the chuck to exchange tooling before returning back to work.

In a matter of seconds, an ATC enables you to switch tools automatically without any need for human involvement (apart from programming the change).

What are the benefits of an automatic tool changer?

An automatic CNC tool changer has numerous significant benefits in the shop, including:

• Ability to switch between a large number of tools without requiring a human operator

• Increased accuracy

• Increased efficiency

• Reduced labor cost

• Reduced downtime and total production time

• Increased tool storage capacity

• Increased machine versatility

• Increased safety for employees and equipment

• Ability to change larger and heavier tools with ease

• Increased edge finish due to more appropriate tooling per process

  
  

Increase your efficiency and production quality with help from Leapion

    At Leapion, our in-house engineering talent has extensive expertise in motion control and always aims to provide hobbyists and shop owners alike with unmatched precision, efficiency, and versatility.

    We offer a variety of CNC machine automatic tool changers as well as many accessories that are compatible with ATCs, including dust docks, containment skirts, aggregate and c-axis attachments, and more. Our tool changers are available in both linear and rotary solutions with  5 or 10 positions on most models, with the option to start with 5 and update to 10 at a later date if needed.

    Whatever your goals may be, we are dedicated to helping you produce outstanding results at a fraction of the labor and cost.

    Here are a few of the reasons Leapion is able to develop and produce such revolutionary CNC technology:

• Experienced in-house engineering talent

• The ability to totally fabricate and test designs onsite

• The ability to place the designs into production in-house

    Shop our unmatched collection of CNC routers in Leapion today to experience CNC the way it was meant to be.