Machine Tool Manual Tool Exchange Error Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manual tool exchange during machining operations can lead to erroneous tool holder inputs, causing automatic tool change operations to be interrupted, resulting in machining operation interruptions and reduced machine tool availability.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool system that includes a tool information storage to track used tools, a manual operation device with an alarm system, and a tool change control part that checks if the tool holder is used in an NC program before allowing manual operation, preventing the tool magazine from being driven to the attachment/detachment position if the tool is scheduled for use, and alerting the operator of potential errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual tool exchange is performed during machining operation, then tool exchange flexibility is improved, but machining operation reliability deteriorates due to possible erroneous inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The control device provides feedback by displaying information about which tools are scheduled to be used and their timing. This allows the operator to see the consequences of manual tool exchange actions before they occur, enabling correction of erroneous inputs and preventing interruptions to automated machining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary checking by displaying scheduled tool usage information before the manual tool exchange is executed. This advance warning allows the operator to prevent erroneous exchanges that would conflict with upcoming automated tool changes.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation device allows free tool holder selection, then ease of operation is improved, but error prevention capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display device provides immediate feedback showing whether a selected tool holder contains a tool that is scheduled for use and when it will be needed. This feedback maintains operational ease while preventing errors by making the consequences of selection visible to the operator.
3Productivity
If automatic tool change operation is executed after manual tool exchange, then automation efficiency is improved, but machining operation continuity deteriorates due to possible interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary verification by displaying information about scheduled tool usage before allowing the manual tool exchange to proceed. This prevents conflicts between manual and automatic tool change operations, ensuring machining continuity while maintaining automation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by warning the operator of upcoming automatic tool changes before they occur. This prevents the manual operation from interfering with the automated sequence, eliminating the need to interrupt machining operations to resolve conflicts.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool (1) includes a tool information storage (9) storing therein used tool information for, when an NC program execution part (5) executes an NC program, specifying a tool used for machining, and a magazine operation panel (18) includes an announcement part (18b) for announcing an alarm to an operator. When receiving an operation signal from an input part (18a) while the NC program execution part (5) is executing an NC program, a tool change control part (11) checks the used tool information stored in the tool information storage (9), and in the case where a tool held by a tool pot (17a) corresponding to the operation signal is not used for machining, moves the tool pot (17a) to a tool attachment/detachment position (17c), and in the case where the tool is used for machining, causes the announcement part (18a) to announce an alarm indicating that it is unavailable.