KMT Cutting Systems launches new tool changer for robotic routers

Citation

(2006), "KMT Cutting Systems launches new tool changer for robotic routers", Industrial Robot, Vol. 33 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2006.04933caf.002

KMT Cutting Systems launches new tool changer for robotic routers

KMT Cutting Systems launches new tool changer for robotic routers

Keywords: Robotics

KMT Cutting Systems (formerly ABB I-R Waterjet Systems) has launched a new tool change station for the company's range of six-axis robotic cutting box routing systems for finishing polymeric and moulded automotive parts (Plate 2).

Plate 2 KTM Cutting Systems have launched a new tool change station

A key aspect of the design of the new tool change station is that it allows tools to be changed while the routing system is in operation and offers an automatic update of tool parameters when a tool is changed, ensuring very high accuracy is maintained. In addition, tool administration software allows the system to define a number of tools to be used in various cutting operations, recording their position on the tool change station, which can carry 6 or 12 tool holders, so that even in the event of a tool breakage, the system knows where to go on the tool change station to find a replacement tool.

The normal position for the new tool change station is on the outside of the box, where the tools are protected from the dust created by the routing process. When a tool is to be changed as part of a cutting program, the routing system automatically rotates the tool change station mounted on a smoothly turning, vertical axis turntable through 180° to present the tool holders in the correct position inside the box for the robotic routing head to change tools. When the tool change has been completed, the tool bar is rotated again through 1808 to the outside, thus reducing the time the tools are exposed to the dust to a minimum. Compressed air is used to clean the tool change station in its external position.

The automatic updating of tool parameters has been facilitated by the addition of a tool length measuring system that provides an accurate length for each tool in the system. When installing a new tool on the tool change station, the length is compared to a nominal value and any variance is taking into account when the tool is later used in the routing process, ensuring very high accuracy after each tool change. The measurement system is also utilised to gauge whether or not there has been a break in the tool, performing measurements at programmed intervals and alerting the system if a tool break occurs.

The versatility of the tool administration software on the new tool change station means that a tool does not necessarily have to be unloaded in a particular location during a tool change. The software is sophisticated enough to tell the system where a particular tool is stored, so that the system will later “remember” where to find this tool. After a tool break, the system will automatically look for a further tool of the same type to continue operation without any interruption. The system automatically measures a tool after change to ensure that a tool of the right length is loaded, hence avoiding any crash in the system. The numbers of cycles a tool should be used before it needs to be changed can also be programmed into the system to remove the risk to the routing process and the quality of the parts it produces.

The tool change station is ideally combined with a code plug connected to the fixture, which will tell the system with its unique code what cutting program to load and use. The code plug reduces the danger of an incorrect tool being loaded onto the spindle as the tools and tool parameters to be used are defined the cutting program.

The cutting box routing range from KMT Cutting Systems ensures high position accuracy for the router with very efficient waste disposal. The systems are easy to install and customise and come with a global support package second to none, providing technical, service and parts coverage in virtually every country in the world.

Routing is a dry cut process that utilises an electrically powered routing head with a spindle-mounted bit, which is spun at very high speeds up to 50,000rpm to trim edges and form holes and slots in a wide range of polymeric materials. Routing can also be used to cut materials to a pre-defined depth. The method gives a very accurate material separation and produces a high quality cut edge, with only a light burr that can be easily removed if necessary. The cutting box routing range utilises the renowned Jäger range of spindles providing high quality performance for this exacting application.

For further information visit web site: www.kmtcutting.com