Tööriistavahetus

Tööriistavahetus is an Estonian term that translates to "tool change" or "tool changer" in English. It refers to the process or the mechanism by which a machine tool automatically switches from one cutting tool to another. This capability is crucial in automated manufacturing environments, particularly in computer numerical control (CNC) machines like milling machines, lathes, and machining centers.

The primary purpose of a tool changer is to enable a single machine to perform a sequence of operations requiring different tools without manual intervention. This significantly increases efficiency, reduces downtime, and allows for the production of complex parts with multiple features. Tool changers can store a variety of tools in a magazine or carousel, and a robotic arm or other mechanical system is responsible for selecting, retrieving, and inserting the correct tool into the spindle.

There are various types of tool changers, each with its own design and operating principles. Common types include turret-based systems, often found on smaller lathes, and automatic tool changers (ATCs) with disc or chain magazines, typically used on larger machining centers. The speed and reliability of the tool change process are key performance indicators for these systems. The development of advanced tool changers has been instrumental in the evolution of high-volume, high-precision manufacturing.