The machining center has been developed from the basic CNC milling machine. It combines all the features and functions of the CNC milling machine. The only difference from the CNC milling machine is that the machining center has automatic tool changing device, which can realize the automatic tool changing function during processing. But NC milling machine has no automatic tool changing device, which can not realize the function of automatic tool change, which is the only difference between CNC milling machine and machining center.
The composition of automatic tool changing device in machining center
The automatic tool changing device of machining center is composed of tool magazine, manipulator and driving mechanism. The tool magazine is used to store the tools needed in the process. There are many types of tool banks, mainly classified according to the shape, such as the Douli type magazine, disc magazine and chain magazine, etc. the capacity of these repositories is several to hundreds of tools. In the market, there are two kinds of tool storehouses used in the common processing centers, namely, the Douli type and the disc type. However, chain type tool base is not used by any manufacturer because of its high price. Here is a small edition to introduce the way of tool change.
The way of changing the tool of the Douli type magazine
The tool changing method of the Douli type magazine is relatively simple, and there is no mechanical arm for such magazine, so it is not necessary to use the mechanical arm to complete the tool change. The tool changing mode of its magazine is that the magazine moves to the spindle to realize the tool change. This kind of tool has the advantages of high cost performance, convenient maintenance and simple structure, and the disadvantage is that the speed of tool change is slow.
The way of changing the tool of disc magazine
The tool changing mode of disc magazine is more complicated, mainly by the manipulator to complete the tool change action, and the manipulator takes the tool 180 ° from the magazine and rotates it into the spindle to complete the tool change. This kind of tool magazine has the advantage of fast tool changing, and its disadvantage is complex structure, inconvenient maintenance and high failure rate.
Although the tool changing mode, tool selection mode and tool structure of these tool banks are different, they are controlled by numerical control system, and the selection and exchange of tools are realized by motor, air pressure or hydraulic and manipulator.
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