Abstract: A machine tool includes a cover body for separating at least a machining area from the outside. The cover body has an opening for allowing the machining area to communicate with the outside and includes a door for opening and closing the opening. The cover body does not include a transparent window for allowing the machining area to be visually checked from the outside. The cover body can be formed to be of a sufficient strength throughout and, if an unexpected accident occurs, structures within the machining area can be reliably prevented from being shot out of the machining area.

Abstract: A tool magazine (40) is able to move among a machining position where a tool (2) attached to a spindle (30) machines a workpiece, a tool exchange position where the tool (2) attached to the spindle (30) is exchanged, and a retreat position where an automated workpiece carrying device is not disturbed in placing or removing of the workpiece with respect to a workpiece placing part (20). The workpiece is placed on the workpiece placing part (20) from above or removed upward from the workpiece placing part (20) by the automated workpiece carrying device.

Abstract: A multi-spindle machining machine with a tool changing mechanism contains a base; a carrier including a seat to move in Z axis, a rotary shaft fixed on the seat laterally to drive the seat to rotate in A axis, and a fixing holder coupled to an end portion of the rotary shaft to fix a work piece; a tool changing mechanism including a mount mounted to the rotary shaft to rotate with the rotary shaft and a monitor fixed on the seat to measure a length of the tool clamped on a driving spindle, and including a plurality of slots to receive the tools respectively; a working head moving above the carrier and the tool changing mechanism in X and Y axes and including the driving spindle mounted on a lower end thereof to rotate axially, and the lower end of the driving spindle allowing to engage and disengage the tool.

Abstract: A subsea tool changer comprises a housing; a rotatable carousel rotatably mounted within the housing and adapted to receive a plurality of selectively removable tools; a tool changer that can select a predetermined one of the plurality of tools from the carousel; and a power drive adapted to provide a predetermined function to a tool selected by the tool changer, the power drive further comprising a first power drive interface. In typical use, a selectively removable tool is placed onto the rotatable carousel which is rotated so that a desired selectively removable tool is positioned adjacent to a tool driver which is then mated with the desired selectively removable tool. The tool changer and mated selected removable tool are moved outward toward an outer boundary of the housing and the tool changer extended at least partially outside the housing outward towards a predetermined tool working position.

Abstract: A horizontal machining center includes: a table driven in first and second directions (directions indicated by arrows 530p and 530q, respectively) allowing the table to approach and move away from a spindle, respectively; a magazine having a plurality of tool gripping claws; and a coupling mechanism for coupling the table and the magazine together and moving the magazine in one of the first and second directions when the table is driven in the other of the first and second directions. When a tool attached to the spindle is removed from the spindle, the table is driven in the first direction, and when a tool accommodated by the magazine is attached to the spindle, the table is driven in the second direction. A horizontal machining center having a simple structure and prevented from having a bulky structure can thus be accomplished.

Abstract: Electrospindle device (100) including: at least one electrospindle (2) extending about a vertical axis X-X?; the electrospindle (2) including a motor, a rotating shaft for transmitting the motion, functionally associated with the motor, and an engagement portion (6) for a toolholder (3) in which a tool (40) rotatably actuated by the shaft (39) is mounted; the tool (40) being actuated directly by the shaft; at least one toolholder support element (5) including at least two toolholders (3); each toolholder extending along a vertical axis; e toolholder support element (5) is rotatably mounted so as to rotate for bringing each toolholder (3) into alignment with the engagement portion (6). The device further includes at least one device for rotating the toolholder support element (5).

Abstract: A machine tool is provided with a tool magazine including a guiding plate, a turntable and holders. The guiding plate includes an annular groove with a semi-circular section and a semi-oval section. The semi-circular section is defined by a radius. The semi-oval section is defined by a semi-major axis identical to the radius of the semi-circular section and a semi-minor axis shorter than the semi-major axis. The turntable includes claws extending from the periphery. Each of the holders is pivotally connected to a related one of the claws and includes an end for holding a tool and another end formed with a ball movably located in the annular groove. Thus, some of the holders of which the balls are located in the semi-circular section of the annular groove close while the other holders of which the balls are located in the semi-oval section of the annular groove open.

Abstract: A machine tool having an automatic tool changer (ATC). The machine tool includes a gantry, a spindle extending from the gantry, a configurable work area, and an ATC adjacent to a front wall of the machine tool. The ATC includes a rotary tool magazine and a plurality of receptacles oriented radially around the rotary tool magazine configured to hold a plurality of cutting tools having cutting edges. The cutting edges of the cutting tools point radially inwardly around the rotary tool magazine, and the cutting tools are removed directly from the automatic tool changer by the spindle and brought to a part to be machined. A tool sensor may be located between the ATC and the spindle to take measurements of the cutting tool. The ATC includes at least one receptacle configured to hold a cutting tool.

Abstract: A machine tool including a base frame, a workpiece table, a machining unit, and a connection portion is disclosed. The base frame has a machining area. The base frame includes two left and right side frames and a connection frame connecting the two side frames. The workpiece table is arranged on the base frame in the machining area. The machining unit is arranged on an upper portion of the base frame and includes a spindle device. A connection portion connects the machining unit and the base frame in a detachable manner.

Abstract: A machine tool with a chain magazine has a chain guide which extends in the x, y, and z-directions. It also has a magazine chain, which has chain members, which are connected to one another by means of universal joints and in each case have a tool receiver. The magazine chain is guided by means of the chain guide. The chain magazine is moveable in the z-direction for tool changing operations.

Abstract: Provided is a horizontal machine tool with a base frame including a base part and a saddle supporting part vertically standing on the base part; an X-axis saddle mounted on the back face of the saddle supporting part and capable of sliding in the left-right direction via an X-axis translation mechanism; a Y-axis saddle mounted on the X-axis saddle and capable of sliding in the up-down direction via a Y-axis translation mechanism; and a spindle device mounted on the Y-axis saddle and capable of sliding in the front-rear direction via a Z-axis translation mechanism. The horizontal machine tool is adapted such that a workpiece supporting member is installed on the base part in front of the saddle supporting part. This configuration can reduce the size and weight of the entire construction.

Abstract: A machine tool comprising a tool spindle and a workpiece clamping mechanism moveable relative to one another on a linear X-axis in a controlled manner, wherein the tool spindle can be moved in a controlled manner in relation to a machine frame on Y and Z-axes which are perpendicular to the X-axis and to each other and can be pivoted in a controlled manner around a C-axis parallel to the Z-axis, and wherein a workpiece gripper, which can be moved in common with the tool spindle, is assigned to the tool spindle, and that the tool spindle can travel with the workpiece gripper to a magazine wheel on the Y, Z and C-axes and can be aligned with recesses on the magazine wheel, movement on the X, Y, Z and C-axes effecting transfer of a workpiece between the workpiece gripper and the workpiece clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A machine tool, wherein the front face of a base of the machine tool is formed in a single plane and a jig for fixing a workpiece to be machined with a tool is installed extending forwardly from a vertical intermediate front part of the base that defines an area between right and left lateral end front parts of the base having the vertical overall length portions or the vertical roughly overall length portions at right and left end parts of the front face formed in the single plane is formed detachably from the other portions of the base. The jig for fixing the work machined with the tool may be installed in the state of being extended from the vertical intermediate position of the front face in a forward direction.

Abstract: A multi-spindle machining machine with a tool changing mechanism comprising a base; a carrier including a seat to move in Z axis, a rotary shaft fixed on the seat laterally to drive the seat to rotate in A axis, and a fixing holder coupled to an end portion of the rotary shaft to fix a workpiece; a tool changing mechanism including a mount mounted to the rotary shaft to rotate with the rotary shaft and a monitor fixed on the seat to measure a length of the tool clamped on the driving spindle, and including a plurality of slots to receive the tools respectively; a working head moving above the carrier and the tool changing mechanism in X and Y axes and including a driving spindle mounted on a lower end thereof to rotate axially, and the lower end of the driving spindle allowing to engage and disengage the tool.

Abstract: A machine tool, wherein the front face of a base of the machine tool is formed in a single plane and a jig for fixing a workpiece to be machined with a tool is installed extending forwardly from a vertical intermediate front part of the base that defines an area between right and left lateral end front parts of the base having the vertical overall length portions or the vertical roughly overall length portions at right and left end parts of the front face formed in the single plane is formed detachably from the other portions of the base. The jig for fixing the work machined with the tool may be installed in the state of being extended from the vertical intermediate position of the front face in a forward direction.

Abstract: A workpiece is machined using a first cutting tool and subsequent cutting tools in a predefined time sequence. The sequence of cutting tools defines a sequence of previous and subsequent cutting tools, with each previous cutting tool being replaced by a subsequent cutting tool in the course of the machining operations. Each previous cutting tool, which is replaced by a subsequent cutting tool, is deposited at a defined storage place in a tool magazine. When being put back into the tool magazine, the previous cutting tools are distributed to the storage places in a spatial sequence which is different from a spatial sequence at the start of the machining operations and which substantially corresponds to the time sequence.

Abstract: A multi-spindle head exchangeable machine tool is provided with a plurality of multi spindle heads movably mounted on an annular rail. When a workpiece is machined by driving a rotary tool by a machining unit, multi spindle heads of the plurality of multi spindle heads being out of use can be separated from the machining unit. Further, a connecting device is provided with an inner slider, ball bearings fitted to an outer periphery of the inner slider, an outer slider, and a coil spring to press the outer slider toward a stopper member.

Abstract: A disclosed example tool changer for changing a tool on a spindle of a machine tool comprises a tool drum having a plurality of tool holders to hold tools. The example tool changer also includes an axle carrier on which the tool drum is rotatably supported to align the tool holders with the spindle. A first coupling portion is rotatably supported on the axle carrier. At least one first gear stage is provided via which the first coupling portion is connected to the tool drum. The first coupling portion is adapted to be coupled or uncoupled with a second coupling portion rotatably supported on a spindle stock of the machine tool and connected to the spindle of the machine tool via at least one second gear stage. The tool drum is adapted to be driven, when the first and second coupling portions are in a coupled state, by the spindle of the machine tool via the at least one second gear stage, the second and first coupling portions and the at least one first gear stage to align the tool holders.

Abstract: A tool changer includes a spindle including a first collet, an auxiliary arm having a second collet, a tool-pan having a plurality of tool-seats, and an auxiliary tool-magazine. The auxiliary tool-magazine comprises a main body, a turnplate rotatable relative to the main body, a first tool-carrier attached to the turnplate, and a second tool-carrier attached to the turnplate.

Abstract: A machine tool having an automatic tool changer (ATC). The machine tool includes a gantry, a spindle extending from the gantry, a configurable work area, and an ATC adjacent to a front wall of the machine tool. The ATC includes a rotary tool magazine and a plurality of receptacles oriented radially around the rotary tool magazine configured to hold a plurality of cutting tools having cutting edges. The cutting edges of the cutting tools point radially inwardly around the rotary tool magazine, and the cutting tools are removed directly from the automatic tool changer by the spindle and brought to a part to be machined. A tool sensor may be located between the ATC and the spindle to take measurements of the cutting tool. The ATC includes at least one receptacle configured to hold a cutting tool.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a punching machine having a tool bearing, a drive spindle coupled to the tool bearing, and a drive system configured to move the tool bearing axially along a lifting axis and to rotate the tool bearing about the lifting axis, the drive system having a motor system having a stator and a rotor internally coupled to the stator and a spindle nut coupled to the rotor and cooperating with the drive spindle, wherein the spindle nut is at least partially disposed within the stator.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a system of actuation of drive coupling to engage and disengage the drive to rotary tool holders in turrets, which are commonly used in turning centers, machining centers and lathes. The system of the present invention includes a driving means, a coupling means and an actuation means to enable smooth transmission of actuation force and modular design of the system. By using a standard off-the-shelf motor in conjunction with a cam, capable of delivering smooth movement to a linkage, the system allows for the engagement and disengagement of the coupling mechanism from the drive-end of the tools.

Abstract: A machine tool is provided with a bit-changing apparatus including a cam, a rocker, a roller, a linkage, a pulling element, a disc and clips. The cam is attached to the machine tool. The roller is attached to the rocker and movable against the cam. The linkage includes two connecting rods each formed with an end pivotally connected to the machine tool and another end pivotally connected to the rocker. The pulling element is provided between the rocker and the machine tool so that the roller is kept against the cam. The disc is rotationally supported on the rocker. Each of the clips is attached to the disc and used to clip a holder for holding a bit so that a selected bit can be engaged with a bit-driving unit of the machine tool.

Abstract: A machine tool is provided with a bit-changing apparatus including a cam, a rocker, a roller, a linkage, a pulling element, a disc and clips. The cam is attached to the machine tool. The roller is attached to the rocker and movable against the cam. The linkage includes at least one track attached to the machine tool, a sliding element attached to another end of the rocker and movable on the track, and a connecting rod formed with an end pivotally connected to the machine tool and another end pivotally connected to the rocker. The pulling element is provided between the rocker and the machine tool so that the roller is kept against the cam. The disc is rotationally supported on the rocker. Each of the clips is attached to the disc and used to clip a holder for holding a bit so that a selected bit can be engaged with a bit-driving unit of the machine tool.

Abstract: A tool magazine of an automatic tool changer applicable to a machine tool, comprises a magazine body and a plurality of tool holders each being slidably attached to the magazine body and holding a tool head. The tool magazine is characterized by that the tool magazine includes a tool-delivering mechanism for delivering the tool holder that holds the tool to a predetermined position away from the magazine body and disengaging the tool from the tool holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool comprising a machine frame, a first workpiece carrier unit, which is disposed on the machine frame and has a workpiece receiving means, at least one tool carrier unit, which is disposed on the machine frame and on which at least one tool for machining a workpiece held in the workpiece receiving means is disposed, and a working space, in which a workpiece held in the workpiece receiving means can be machined with the tool. The aim of the invention is to reduce the space required for using the tools available should be kept as small as possible.

Abstract: An improved milling machine makes use of individually controlled x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis carriages. These carriages provide positive and precise control of the position of the cutting tools and the blank to be cut. The tools are located in spindles that are moved in the x-axis. A work piece or blank is manipulated in the y-axis and the z-axis. The tools are offset in the x-axis. Lights on a work space door are used to signal the condition of the mill machine and the milling operation. A tool changer allows the tools to be changed to accommodate other materials. A camera or other sensor is used to detect the location and wear on the tools.

Abstract: A tool changing unit moves between a magazine position and a changing position to transfer a tool. A machine tool has a plurality of tool changing positions. One of the tool changing positions is selected in advance for changing the tools next time. The tool changing unit and the tool mounted on a tool spindle move to the selected changing position for changing the tools in the selected changing position. Accordingly, the tool changing unit and the tool spindle move respective short distances for changing the tools, thereby shortening the non-machining time of a machine tool combined with the automatic tool changer.

Abstract: A tool magazine for a machine tool has a magazine wheel (34) on whose periphery a tool holder (50) for mounting tools (56) is located. The positions and spacings between the tool holders (50) in a T-groove (48) on the periphery of the magazine wheel (34) are adjustable and fixable in their respective positions.

Abstract: A machine tool is described, in particular a grinding machine, with a tool storage device. The tool storage device contains an outer magazine wheel (34) and an inner magazine wheel (58), which are independently concentrically rotatable in a controlled manner. The outer magazine wheel (34) preferably holds grinding tools (56), while the inner magazine wheel (58) preferably holds grinding wheel protectors (68). The grinding tool (56) and the grinding wheel protector (68) are removed from the tool storage device and are returned to the latter by the tool spindle (30). The grinding tools (56) and grinding wheel protectors (68) can be exchanged independently in arbitrary combinations and possibly also simultaneously.

Abstract: A tool magazine is located adjacent to the work space of a machine tool. The tool magazine has a magazine wheel (34) that is rotatable in a controlled manner about a vertical axis and exhibits tool holders (50) on its periphery, in which tools can be held with the tool axis directed radially with respect to the magazine wheel (34) and can be removed with their shafts directed toward the inside of the magazine wheel (34). The horizontally aligned tool spindle is displaceable along the horizontal Y-axis and along the vertical Z-axis and can be lowered into the magazine wheel (34) from above, in order to directly remove the tools from the inside of the magazine wheel (34).

Abstract: An automatic tool changing method and an automatic tool changing device for a machine tool with a numerical controller capable of reducing the occurrence of impact due to tool exchange with a simple structure. A turret that rotates about a pivot shaft is provided on an arm and holds multiple tools. A swing cam CS that cooperates with a swing roller provided on the turret is provided on a spindle head. As the spindle head descends the turret rotates due to the action of the swing roller and the cam CS and exchanges tools. In order to lessen the impact that occurs at this time, the velocity of the spindle head is controlled. The ideal swing velocity pattern for the turret is obtained, and from this swing velocity pattern the swing position of the turret at each moment is obtained. From the swing roller and cam CS positions at this position the position of the spindle head 34 is obtained.

Abstract: There is provided a counter-rotating spindle transmission. More specifically, in one embodiment, there is provided a punching machine comprising a tool bearing configured to mate with a punching tool, a rotary/lifting drive coupled to the tool bearing to move the tool bearing axially along a tool bearing lifting axis and to rotate the tool bearing about the lifting axis, the rotary/lifting drive comprising a first motor coupled to drive a first spindle transmission coupled to the tool bearing, a second motor coupled to drive a second spindle transmission coupled to the tool bearing, and a drive controller configured to independently and simultaneously drive both the first and second motors selectively in a common rotary sense and in a contra-rotary sense, to jointly move the tool bearing both axially and rotationally.

Abstract: A machine tool is provided with at least one tool spindle which is travelling in a work space (11) and on which a tool receptacle for clamping tools is provided. The machine tool also contains a magazine for tools which can be introduced into the tool receptacle in the tool spindle, the magazine having a transport chain which can be moved back and forth in a transport direction and on which carriers are arranged for receiving tools. The carriers extend from the transport chain essentially transversely to the transport direction. At least one carrier has at least two storage spaces for tools.

Abstract: A tool magazine for a machine tool has a magazine wheel (34) on whose periphery a tool holder (50) for mounting tools (56) is located. The positions and spacings between the tool holders (50) in a T-groove (48) on the periphery of the magazine wheel (34) are adjustable and fixable in their respective positions.

Abstract: A tool changing apparatus automatically changes tools mounted on the spindle of a transfer machine module. The apparatus includes a tool gripper magazine that releasably holds at least two tools. A guillotine supports the tool gripper magazine for motion between a raised stand-by position clear of the spindle and a lowered tool change position closer to the spindle so that the tools in the magazine can be exchanged with a tool supported on the spindle. A carriage movably supports the guillotine on a support frame for motion between a forward position adjacent the transfer line and the spindle and a rearward position displaced from the transfer line. When the carriage is in the rearward position, the guillotine can be lowered to a position where it is easily accessible to an operator so that the tools in the magazine can be replenished.

Abstract: An automatic tool changer in which the load produced when a turret is rotation-driven is reduced, and abrasion in the balls and the like of a speed reducer, and mal-distribution of an axial pressing force are prevented. The speed reducer that drives the turret in the automatic tool changer is constructed by superposing a driving plate, a holder, and a driven plate in the order named. In the driven plate fitted with tools, there is formed a ball groove in a concave-convex shape having the number of cycles corresponding to the number of the tools. In the driving plate, there is provided a ball groove obtained by enlarging the ball groove of the driven plate in the angular direction and copying two cycles. The holder is provided with a plurality of guide holes in the radial direction, which hold their respective balls. The driving plate is rotated by spindle rotation, and the driven plate is driven at a reduced speed of (the number of tools/2) through the balls.

Abstract: Machining is possible in such a manner that an optional position of a workpiece is positioned just under a tool by rotation of a turn table in a C-axis direction, movement of the turn table in a Y-axis direction, and movement of a spindle in a Z-axis direction, so that a width of a main unit in a X-axis direction can be made shorter in comparison with machining by moving the turn table in the X-axis direction. Besides, the turn table located on a front side of the main unit, an ATC located on the rear side thereof, and a separated control panel located on the rear side of the ATC, independent from the main unit can also make the width of a machining center in the X-axis direction shorter.

Abstract: When exchanging a tool, a tool of a spindle is stored in an empty pocket of a tool magazine, and thereafter, upward movement of the spindle and rotation of the tool magazine are simultaneously executed. At this time, synchronous control is performed in order to prevent a collision between the spindle and the tool. When installing a next tool in the spindle, both downward movement of the spindle and rotation of the tool magazine are executed while synchronously controlling. The tool exchange time can be shortened with simultaneously executing the movements of the spindle and the tool magazine.

Abstract: Machining is possible in such a manner that an optional position of a workpiece is positioned just under a tool by rotation of a turn table in a C-axis direction and movement of a spindle on a Y-Z plane, so that a width of a main unit in a X-axis direction can be made shorter in comparison with machining by moving the turn table in the X-axis direction. Besides, the turn table located on a front side of the main unit, an ATC located on the rear side thereof, and a separated control panel located on the rear side of the ATC, independent from the main unit can also make the width of a machining centre in the X-axis direction shorter.

Abstract: An automatic tool changing device capable of cleaning a contact surface of a spindle, which is to be in contact with a tool holder, with a simple structure. The device includes a turret having a plurality of grippers on its outer circumference and holding the tool holder by means of the grippers. At the time of tool change, the grippers grip and pull out the tool holder fixed to the spindle. Rotation of the spindle causes the turret to rotate through a spindle gear, a turret gear, and a decelerating device, to thereby select a tool. At this moment, a coolant is spouted from a nozzle portion of a manifold toward a spindle taper hole in which the tool holder is interfitted and washes the taper hole. Due to the rotation of the spindle, the coolant is spouted onto the whole circumference of the taper hole, and the surface to be in contact with the tool holder is surely washed.

Abstract: A multi-function end effector includes a plurality of tool change mechanisms in a housing in which a spindle is also mounted for translation along an axis of the spindle. Each tool change mechanism has a gripper that releasably grips a tool holder in which a tool is mounted. The gripper of each tool change mechanism is movable between a stowed position to a tool-change position in which the gripper is coaxially aligned with the axis of the spindle for placing a tool holder held in the gripper in a position to be received by the spindle and for positioning the gripper to receive a tool holder from the spindle. The tools mounted in the tool holders include a drill bit, a countersink tool, and a fastener insertion tool. The end effector also includes a fastener feed system, a hammer device, and a sealant applicator.

Abstract: The machine tool comprises a vertical support (10) with a guide (11) arranged thereon for vertical movement of a workpiece carrier (13) holding a workpiece (15) along an X-axis. Two headstocks (24,30) are each movable along horizontal guides (27,28) in the Y-direction. The guides (27,28) form a frame, with its window (23) closed by a louver provided with passage openings for the headstocks (24,30). This arrangement creates a laterally closed machining chamber which comprises vertical walls and does not present any obstacles to falling chippings. Since the chippings need not be washed off, spray cooling may be used for minimum-quantity lubrication. In this manner, the liquid acting on the chippings is reduced.

Abstract: In a method and device for automatically exchanging knife units of a knife ring slicing device, the knife changing magazine is moved relative to the knife ring into a knife changing position in which the knife receptacles of the knife changing magazine are axially aligned with the knife receptacles of the knife ring. The worn knives of the knife ring are moved axially into empty knife receptacles of the knife changing magazine. A relative movement between the knife changing magazine and the knife ring is carried out until the knife changing magazine and the knife ring are again in a knife changing position in which the knife receptacles with resharpened knife units are aligned with the knife receptacles in the knife ring. The resharpened knife units are introduced in the opposite axial direction into the knife receptacles of the knife ring from which the worn knife units had been removed.

Abstract: A automatically indexing tool magazine, of the type attached to machining centers that incorporate an automatic tool change function, able to hold a relatively large number of tools in a compact space as means of improving space efficiency. The tool magazine is comprised of a rotatable main table and multiple sub-tables rotatably attached to the main table in a uniformly spaced radial pattern, each sub-table being equipped with a number of tool pots likewise arranged in a uniformly spaced radial pattern. The tool pots serve as containers into which machining tools can be inserted or removed. The main table and sub-tables are rotatably indexed by means of respective main table and sub-table indexing mechanisms. The tool pot holding the tool designated for removal is transported to a tool removal position through the rotational indexing movement of the main table and appropriate sub-table.

Abstract: A machining device comprising five axial kinetic coordinate systems that can be controlled simultaneously, three axes of which are linear moving axes and two axes of which are rotary axes, with one axis of the five axes being provided with a tool rotating function, whereby said machining device is equipped with a cutting tool 51 and a friction stir welding tool 52. The current value observed when a large-diameter portion of said tool 52 contacts the work object is set in advance, and by observing the torque current of the rotary shaft of the tool 52 during friction stir welding, the insertion depth of the tool 52 can be controlled by maintaining the observed torque current above the preset current value, thus providing a good weld. A single device can provide both the cutting and the welding. Thus, it is possible to reduce equipment cost, installation space, plant area, lead time and production cost.

Abstract: A tool exchanging apparatus for a processing center, provided with at least one tool spindle (2), in which a tool (1) can be clamped and which can be moved in the direction of the spindle axis and at least also in a direction vertical to this direction, equipped with a tool magazine (3) and with two tool holding devices (4a) on a transporting device (4) with which the tool holding device (4a) can be moved to a tool exchanging position located in the movement region of the tool spindle (2), wherein one used tool (1) can be deposited from the tool spindle (2) and a new tool can be removed from the tool spindle (2). Each of the tool holding devices (4a), which are provided at least in pairs, is allocated to its own transporting device (4) so that the transporting devices can be moved back and forth independently of each other between the tool exchanging position and a tool receptacle (3a) of the tool magazine (3). The tool receptacles (3a) of the tool magazine (3) are movable in a circulating manner.

Abstract: Described herein is an oscillating-drawer device for loading and unloading tools into/from the tool magazine of a machine-tool.

Abstract: In a method and device for automatically exchanging knife units of a knife ring slicing device, the knife changing magazine is moved relative to the knife ring into a knife changing position in which the knife receptacles of the knife changing magazine are axially aligned with the knife receptacles of the knife ring. The worn knives of the knife ring are moved axially into empty knife receptacles of the knife changing magazine. A relative movement between the knife changing magazine and the knife ring is carried out until the knife changing magazine and the knife ring are again in a knife changing position in which the knife receptacles with resharpened knife units are aligned with the knife receptacles in the knife ring. The resharpened knife units are introduced in the opposite axial direction into the knife receptacles of the knife ring from which the worn knife units had been removed.

Abstract: An operating unit for a transfer tool machine comprises a turret head having a rotary plate, a plurality of tool holding devices arranged on the rotary plate, a supporting arm supporting the turret head on the tool machine framework and a mandrel which is driven by a reducing driving device also mounted on the machine tool framework.