Design and Control of Automatic Tool Changer for Machine Center

Abstract

Automatic tool changer (ATC) device is an essential part in CNC Machining centers, which can make the machining centers smoothly running using the tool magazine and automatic tool changer control system. In order to reduce the non-cutting during work, improve productivity and reduce production costs, machinery part and control system of ATC are designed based on the disk tool magazine and tool change process of machinery arm. In this system, PLC is used as brain to magazine the tool moving, automatic tool selection, cutter spindle sleeve rollover and exchanging control. Results show that the designed automatic tool changer device and control system have the characteristic of stable performance, precise control, simple operation, and convenient monitoring. From the view of industrial applications, this system has well practical value.