Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a tool change system for a vertical lathe or the like which, among other things, greatly reduces the nonproductive time of the machining head. During machining with a first tool, a second tool is selected from a storage library and is transported over to the ram housing from which the ram and cutting tool are supported. The new apparatus includes advantageous arrangements for eccentrically mounting right-hand and left-hand tools in the machine ram. Provision for eccentric mounting of the tools enables a much heavier and stronger ram to be employed. The apparatus also includes special modifications for clamping tool blocks on opposite sides, rather than in the center only as is more typical, for applications involving exceptionally high loading of the tool block. The mechanism for opposite side clamping of the tool block includes novel balancing or equalizing means assuring that the clamping forces are effectively applied at the desired, spaced points on the tool block, with a single actuating means.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim