Dual-Purpose Automatic Tool Changer

The Transforming Tooling robot from Norgren Automation Solutions (NAS) (Saline, MI) lowers press room and stamping downtime 50% by eliminating prestaging. Choose from the controller’s library of jobs and the robot does the rest: returns the tool it was using to its storage location on the die, moves to the tool it needs for the next job, and retools itself.

When the robot’s two, four, six, or eight arms (your choice) are actuated to the desired location, pneumatic clutches lock them in place at 150 ft-lbs. The result is a rigid tooling system similar to conventional end-of-arm robotic tooling solutions. When an application requires a material change, the arms automatically switch from vacuum cup to gripper end-effector as required and lock in place.

The tool changer frees up floor space by performing multiple tasks in the same location and enhances safety by eliminating manual changeovers.

Norgren Automation Solutions, 1325 Woodland Dr, Saline, MI, 48176, 734 429 4989, www.autoinplant.imi-precision.com

From the Video: 

IMI Norgren’s Ron Slone, Joe Khattab, Mike Filipiak, Rick Koski, Mike Charlton, Rich Hamann, and Carlos Horta Caicedo explain how the programmable Tooling Transformation automatic tooling change system works.