Abstract: In a tool changer system comprising one or more tool grippers together with a pressure foot insert change pod supported on a U-V slide which is independent of the machine work table. The slide services a tool magazine mounted on the machine tool in close proximity to the work table. Because the tool changer is independent of the machine table, the selection and retrieval of the next tool to be used is performed while the machine tool is working in a work cycle. Similarly, the replacement of the used tool back into its storage location is also performed while the machine tool is working. Exchange of the pressure foot insert is also done as part of the tool change process in part during the tool change work cycle. Time is saved because the machine tool work need not be interrupted and the machine tool table need not be moved to accommodate the tool change.

Abstract: A tool changer system is disclosed comprising one or more tool grippers together with a pressure foot insert change pod supported on a U-V slide which is independent of the machine work table. The slide services a tool magazine mounted on the machine tool in close proximity to the work table. Because the tool changer is independent of the machine table, the selection and retrieval of the next tool to be used is performed while the machine tool is working. Similarly, the replacement of the tool back into its storage location is done while the machine tool is working. The exchanging of the pressure foot insert is done as part of the tool change process. Time is saved because the work table does not have to be moved to position the tool changer under the spindle. In fact, the work table may be moved to the next work location while the tool changer changes the tool in the spindle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the speed and efficiency of a drilling machine during the drilling of holes in printed circuit boards includes automatically setting a dwell time according to one or more predefined drilling parameters. A plurality of dwell times which vary in accordance with the predefined parameters are stored in a computer memory device. A drilling machine controller automatically selects an optimal dwell time from the memory device according to the drilling conditions of a particular drilling operation so that the shortest feasible dwell time is used for obtaining a desired degree of hole placement accuracy and hole quality for the drilling operation. The apparatus is a drilling machine system that includes a controller which contains dwell times that vary in accordance with the diameter of a drill tool.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method of rapidly drilling holes in a workpiece on a drilling machine having first and second spindles holding first and second drill tools, a first and second pressure foot mounted on the first and second spindles and a work table mounted beneath the spindles on which workpieces can be mounted.

Abstract: A drilling machine and method of operation for drilling through holes in a workpiece while minimizing penetration of the drill tool into a back-up material which supports the workpiece. Before placing the workpiece on the machine, the vertical position of the back-up material is mapped. After selection of the drill site, the mapped position of the backup material proximate the drill site is retrieved. Using this information, a computer controller determines an absolute vertical position for a lower limit of the drill stroke. This lower limit is independent of the top of the workpiece or the thickness of the workpiece, thus eliminating the need to determine either of those values. The drill stroke is terminated once the drill tool reaches the lower limit, which is a nominal depth below the mapped position of the back-up material, insuring that a hole is completely drilled through the workpiece, while minimizing penetration of the back-up material.