What is a CNC tool changer?

CNC is the abbreviation of Computer Numerical Control. CNC tool changer is a device that can automatically complete tool change operations in CNC machining equipment. In the process of CNC precision machining, many different types of tools are often required to complete different machining processes, such as drilling, milling, boring, etc. Without CNC tool changer, manual tool change is not only inefficient, but also prone to errors, affecting the accuracy and quality of precision parts machining.

CNC tool changer is mainly composed of tool magazine, tool exchange mechanism and control system. Tool magazine is a place to store tools, and its forms are various, and the common ones are disc tool magazine, chain tool magazine, etc. The disc tool magazine has a simple structure and a relatively small tool capacity, and is generally suitable for small CNC machining equipment; the chain tool magazine can accommodate more tools and is often used in large CNC machining centers, which can meet the needs of complex precision parts processing for a variety of tools.

The tool exchange mechanism is responsible for accurately replacing the tools in the tool magazine to the machine tool spindle. Common tool exchange methods include robot tool change and non-robot tool change. The robot tool change is fast and flexible, and is widely used in CNC precision machining. It quickly exchanges the tool on the spindle with the tool in the tool magazine through the grabbing and placing actions of the robot. Tool change without a robot is relatively simple, and tool exchange is usually achieved through the movement of the tool magazine and the spindle, but its tool change speed is relatively slow.

The control system is the "brain" of the CNC tool changer, which is responsible for controlling the operation of the entire tool change process. During the CNC machining process, when the tool needs to be replaced, the control system will issue a tool change command according to the pre-written program. The instruction is first transmitted to the tool magazine, which rotates the specified tool to the predetermined position according to the instruction, and then the tool exchange mechanism starts to move, removes the old tool and replaces it with a new one. The whole process is carried out under the precise control of the control system to ensure the accuracy and stability of tool change, which is crucial to ensure the accuracy of CNC precision machining.

The CNC tool changer plays a huge role in CNC machining. It greatly improves machining efficiency and reduces machining auxiliary time. When machining precision parts, there is no need to frequently change tools manually, which saves a lot of time and makes the machining process more coherent. At the same time, since the tool change process is automatically completed by the equipment, the errors that may be caused by manual operation are avoided, the machining accuracy is improved, and the quality of precision parts is ensured.

In short, the CNC tool changer is an indispensable and important part of CNC machining. It realizes the automatic replacement of tools through the coordinated work of the tool magazine, tool exchange mechanism and control system, provides efficient and accurate support for CNC precision machining and precision parts machining, and promotes the continuous development of the CNC machining industry. With the continuous advancement of science and technology, the CNC tool changer is also continuously innovating and optimizing, and will play a more important role in the field of CNC machining in the future.