The Automatic Tool Changer reduces the time a project must remain on the machine by automatically changing cutting bits between cuts, thus eliminating the need for the CNC operator to change and calibrate tools by hand.

04.09.2009 – ShopBot Tools, a world leader in the design, manufacture and sale of affordable, high-performance CNC systems, has introduced an automatic tool changer as an option for their professional/industrial line of CNC systems.

ShopBot’s automatic tool changer (ATC) is powered by an HSD ES915 5hp spindle and is being sold as an option or an after-market addition to their PRSalpha CNC system. The ATC system includes the spindle, a pneumatically assisted Z axis, six or eight-position tool bank, fixed-position Z-zero plate, chuck holder, pneumatically operated dust skirt and ATC interface card. A four-foot-wide PRSalpha CNC can accommodate a six-position linear tool bank to hold cutters for the ATC, and a five-foot-wide or larger PRSalpha can accommodate an eight-position linear tool bank. Installation of an ATC on a PRSalpha will not alter the tool’s rapid transit speeds of 1,500 inches per minute and cutting speeds of up to 600 inches per minute. ShopBot’s new eCabinet/ShopBot link, which allows ShopBot’s to process eCabinet production files, will fully support the use of this new ATC.

“Many of our current and future customers have asked us for an affordable, easy to use automatic tool changer,” said ShopBot president Ted Hall. “We listened to their suggestions, and we’ve designed an accessory that is powerful and robust and maintains the ShopBot philosophy of combining the best features of quality, value and ease of use.”

The Automatic Tool Changer reduces the time a project must remain on the machine by automatically changing cutting bits between cuts, thus eliminating the need for the CNC operator to change and calibrate tools by hand. The ATC allows the PRSalpha to cut complete projects where different tooling is required to make different types of cuts – like cabinets and furniture – or where different bits are needed for roughing and finishing passes – like signs and complex 3D carvings. Additionally, a machine equipped with an ATC the can perform operations normally done on other pieces of equipment eliminating the need for additional machines in the shop.

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