Importance

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Abstract

A quick change mounting system for machine tools provides tool-carrying fixtures having a system-standard dimensional referencing system and fluidically controlled tooling to effect the desired machining operations. The tool-carrying fixtures are mounted to and dismounted from a system-standard tooling plate that carries fluidic supply conduits and mutually operative connectors that effect connection and disconnection of the fluidic system in response to the mounting or dismounting of the tool-carrying fixtures on its mounting plate. A change from one tool-carrying fixture to another can be accomplished by dismounting the former tool-carrying fixture from its mounting plate and mounting a replacement tool-carrying fixture. Since the tool-carrying fixtures have a common tooling plate and the mounting plate defines a system-standard mounting interface in which all dimensional relationships are pre-established, bench fabrication and set-up of each tool-carrying fixture is possible to minimize machine system down time and costs traditionally associated with tooling changeover and set-up.

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First Claim