What is the purpose of the side mount tool changer?

[l u k e]

(VF2)

Is it just to add space in the mill? Tool change speed?

Would you say it worth a extra $7300?

Thanks

[katiebo]

Originally Posted by l u k e (VF2) Is it just to add space in the mill? Tool change speed?

Those are two reasons. And to that greater tool capacity and no chips flying into the carousel.

[axis]

yes its worth every penny

[Geof]

Originally Posted by katiebo Those are two reasons. And to that greater tool capacity and no chips flying into the carousel.

The part I made bold is an important reason I went for side mount.

We have many jobs that use the same tools which repeat on a regular cycle. We tried leaving tools in the carousel and it was a disaster with chips getting on the tapers. The side mount solved that problem.

Also with a carousel if you are jumping around from tool 1 to 10 then back to 3 or something the tool change time is very long. The side mount changes much faster and it doesn't matter which tool is next.

[l u k e]

Very good, thanks guys! I'm narrowing this thing down.

[Donkey Hotey]

The only reason I got an umbrella tool changer is ceiling height. The umbrella equipped VF-2 will fit through a 7 foot door opening. The sidemount tool changer will not.

[katiebo]

Originally Posted by Donkey Hotey The only reason I got an umbrella tool changer is ceiling height. The umbrella equipped VF-2 will fit through a 7 foot door opening. The sidemount tool changer will not.

Thanks for this bit of info. That was my thought but I hadn't confirmed it yet.

[l u k e]

Yea, I'm still trying to get answers on the ole "door height" problem.

[Donkey Hotey]

Well, if door height is an issue (at all) I don't think you have any choice. The entire tool changer would have to come off the machine, then reassembled once inside. I suppose it's possible but not something my HFO was even willing to talk about during an installation.

With the umbrella tool changer, the only height issue is removing the Z axis motor and laying the upper cable guide down on its side. Then it'll just scoot under a 7' opening.

[l u k e]

I have an 8" door, am I screwed? (With a side mount)

[gizmo_454]

I am wondering a similar thing. We have doors with a 93" height. I would really like to get a VF2 in the door. Would the side mount fit? Better question: If I were to get the VF-2YT and the optional 40 tool SMTC, would it fit? For that matter, has anyone seen a VF-2YT with the 40 tool SMTC?

[thetrillionaire]

Originally Posted by l u k e I have an 8" door, am I screwed? (With a side mount)

Ain't nothing getting through that door!