ZOLLER | MAGAZINE 2019

65 Z.magazine 2019 AU TOMAT I ON INSPECTING A VARIETY OF TOOLS While tool manufacturers have many tools of the same type in mass production scenarios, regrinding and sharpening companies typically deal with many different kinds of tools. However, these tools can also be stored on pallets and inserted on the robotic station. Here as well, each tool is assigned a defined position on the pallet. This is done by filling the pallet with the reground tools. The tool data are saved for each pallet position. When the robot removes a tool from the pallet, the system knows immediately which tool was removed. The presetting and measuring machine then calls up the relevant measuring program and measures the tool according to specifications. The robots can even handle different tool shank diameters: Depending on the shank diameter, the robot may first insert a reducing sleeve into the tool holder. It holds the tool securely, with a perfect fit. If the tool diameter changes, the system is aware of this. The robot first exchanges the reduction sleeves, which are also on a pallet in the robotic cabin. Then the tool with the different shank diameter can be measured.