Application of Tree Graph Method for Reducing the Total Time of Tool Changing in Milling and Boring Machine Tools

Abstract

With a view of increasing the productivity on CNC machine tools one of the main solution is to reduce, as much as possible, the auxiliary time consumed with the set-up and replacement of the tools and work pieces engaged in the machining process. Reducing the total time of the tool changing process by the automatic tool changer system can be also achieved through minimizing the number of movements needed for the actual exchange of the tool, from the tool magazine to the machine spindle (the optimization of the tool changing sequences). This paper presents a new design method based on the tree-graph theory. We consider an existing automatic tool changing system, mounted on the milling and boring machining centre, and by applying the new method we obtain all the possible configurations to minimize the tool changing sequence of the automatic tool changer system. By making use of the method proposed we obtain the tool changing sequences with minimum necessary movements needed to exchange the tool. Reconfiguring an existing machine tool provided with an automatic tool changer system by making use of the proposed method leads to obtaining the smallest changing time and thus high productivity.