Four-position tool changer offered

Toyoda Machinery offers a four-position tool changer or revolver within the tool magazine on its machining centers equipped with matrix magazines.

When tools are staged in the revolver for the current part process, time usually lost waiting for pocket indexing is nearly eliminated. The large-capacity magazines allow storage for multiple part processing and additional backup tooling as required.

When the part program starts, tools in the magazine are called in process order and staged in the revolver, indexing in as needed during the part process cycle. As soon as a tool completes its cycle, it transfers back into the magazine to its assigned pocket. Any ready tool waiting for a place in the revolver then is transferred to the open pocket in the revolver.

The manufacturer's OP Supporter software provides tool management and an overview of all the tools within the magazine at the machine CNC screen. The proprietary software monitors tool time usages and keeps track of the tool loading station, revolver, backup tools, and all stored tools while the machine is still running.