Thermwood Corporation offers a bulk tool changer for its line of CNC routers. The system consists of a separate chain driven tool holder with fifty tool positions. The chain is driven by an AC servomotor and offers high-acceleration, high-speed bi-directional motion. It can move from any position to any other position in five seconds or less. Reposition times of two seconds or less are common.
A single machine can be equipped with two bulk tool changers providing up to a hundred different tools. The changer can accommodate tools up to three inches in diameter.
The macro programs that perform the tool change occur as a separate thread in the multi-tasking control so other program functions that do not require head movement, such as playing audio files or obtaining operator input, can occur at the same time the tool change is happening.
The bulk tool changer is available on all three and five axes machines and can be retrofitted to existing machines equipped with a 91000 SuperControl.
For more information, contact Cliff Crawford, Thermwood Corporation, P.O. Box 436, Dale, IN 47523, 812-937-4476.
