Changing tools on a machine tool is often a long and difficult procedure. First the machinist must uncouple the tool holder. This usually involves either a drawbolt or keeper key. Then he must dislodge the tool holder, which usually involves a hammer. The machinist must next remove the tool holder and replace it with the next tool and recouple it. This procedure can easily take five minutes, or more. Because changing tools can be a hassle there are quite often times that an improper or inappropriate tool is used.

With a quick change tooling system the time required to change tools can be reduced to seconds. Typically a locking nut or collar is loosened, the tool adapter is removed and replaced with another tool adapter, and the nut is retightened. Use of a quick change tooling system will drastically increase efficiency by reducing the time to change tools, as well as make it easy to use the proper tool for the job. A 30% increase in productivity is not an uncommon occurrence.

The use of a quick change tooling system has some, not insignificant, side benefits. The machinist no longer has to pound on the spindle to dislodge the tool. By not having to beat on the spindle with a hammer, the life and accuracy of the spindle bearings is greatly increased. In most quick change tooling systems a master holder is inserted into the machine spindle, and is not removed. All the tool changes involve removing and inserting adapters into the master holder. This eliminates wear on the machine tool spindle due to tool changes.

 

PDQ Marlin Tool Inc - 105 Marc Drive - Cuyahoga Falls, Oh - 44223
1-800-821-8010 - Fax 330-920-0972 - sales@pdq-marlin.com