New Mechanical Tool changer preview w/video

[imserv]

This is a rack style tool changer, mounted on an IMService Servo CNC router. The spindle is a Sherline Milling head, and the Tool changer is a High Tech Systems Quick Switcher.




The following is a video of the tool changer in action:

YouTube - IMService CNC tool changer

YouTube - IMService CNC tool changer

Fred Smith - IMService
http://www.imsrv.com

[jalessi]

Are the High Tech Systems Quick Switcher's still availible?

I have checked there site numerous times and the are always out of stock.

[imserv]

The Sherline model is available from IMService.

We can also provide Taig (3/4 threaded, not ER-16) and 3/4 straight shanks that
are targeted at the X2 size mills and others that use R-8 collets.

IMService quick switcher and accessories

Fred Smith - IMService

[imserv]

The IMService automatic tool changer systems are now available for sale. The racks are available with 1" or 2" tool length clearances. The 1" tool length clearance can be mounted on the back of the table on our CNC routers and is located behind the spindle, Z-Axis, and bridge when not in use. The system comes with installation and setup instructions, test programs, and tool change macros for DeskCNC. We expect that a Mach3 Tool change macro will be available soon.

http://www.cadcamcadcam.com/toolchangesystem.aspx

We have done extensive testing and design modifications to assure that this product meets our standards for commercial reliability, durability, and functionality, yet is priced for the small business, hobby, and educational customers.

As an example, in the early designs the tool holders were deposited in the tooling slots and could wander slightly out of position under heavy cutting and vibration conditions. The designs were modified to assure a positive locking condition at all times. We also tested many materials. Some were too hard, some too soft. The final material was tested with 500-1000 tool changes with no visible wear of the tool storage rack. We felt this was a minimum, and expect that the rack life will equal or exceed the tool holders.

We will have an operating tool changer system on display at NAMES in Toledo, OH on April 18-19th.

I have linked to a few more videos to show some of the capabilities of the system.

Automatic tool length measuring

YouTube - Automatic Measuring of Tool lengths with a CNC ATC tool changer system in DeskCNC

YouTube - Automatic Measuring of Tool lengths with a CNC ATC tool changer system in DeskCNC

Milling and engraving plastic enclosure panel

YouTube - usb dro milling and engraving with ATC on IMService 121204 CNC router

YouTube - usb dro milling and engraving with ATC on IMService 121204 CNC router

Isolation trace milling on a PCB

YouTube - CNC milling traces on an IMService 12 x 12 CNC router with automatic tool changer

YouTube - CNC milling traces on an IMService 12 x 12 CNC router with automatic tool changer

[Ricardoco]

Hi there, Ive followed the link you gave to the imservice tool changer http://www.cadcamcadcam.com/toolchangesystem.aspx
and it gives a price of $249 reduced to $199 but i cant seem to work out what that price includes, i know its probably obvios, call me stupid but i cant see what is included for that price,and if shipping to uk is possible and a price for that.
Also to allow me to choose my spindle i cant see what fitting it would require or has, can you or anyone please shine a little more light on this for me..

All the best Rick (UK)

[ee_t]

Originally Posted by Ricardoco Hi there, Ive followed the link you gave to the imservice tool changer http://www.cadcamcadcam.com/toolchangesystem.aspx and it gives a price of $249 reduced to $199 but i cant seem to work out what that price includes, i know its probably obvios, call me stupid but i cant see what is included for that price,and if shipping to uk is possible and a price for that. Also to allow me to choose my spindle i cant see what fitting it would require or has, can you or anyone please shine a little more light on this for me.. All the best Rick (UK)

Looks like just the rack. You can see the quick change spindle attachment types on the right, first drop down.

[Ricardoco]

Like thats not misleading, ive asked three friends of mine what they thought and all were surprised when i suggested that was just for the Rack. Well what will be will be lol

Thanks

[A_hobbyguy]

Originally Posted by Ricardoco Hi there, Ive followed the link you gave to the imservice tool changer http://www.cadcamcadcam.com/toolchangesystem.aspx and it gives a price of $249 reduced to $199 but i cant seem to work out what that price includes, i know its probably obvios, call me stupid but i cant see what is included for that price,and if shipping to uk is possible and a price for that. Also to allow me to choose my spindle i cant see what fitting it would require or has, can you or anyone please shine a little more light on this for me.. All the best Rick (UK)

The "fitting" is a 3/4-16 female thread that's used on a Sherline mill. There's an adapter that let's you put the quickchanger (the piece with the red collar) in any collet.

For $199 you get the rack only. Setup and machine it yourself for less? Not worth it IMO.

Can you tell that I also called them before coming here for more info?

[imserv]

Originally Posted by Ricardoco i cant see what is included for that price,and if shipping to uk is possible and a price for that. Also to allow me to choose my spindle i cant see what fitting it would require or has, can you or anyone please shine a little more light on this for me..

The base price includes an assembled rack, G-code based tool change macro samples and setup instructions. The rack design and tool change macro have been extensively tested for reliable tool pickup and release. The rack material has been tested with over 500 tool changes per pocket with little or no visible wear, and no degradation in function.

The item description was updated to help clarify what is included.

Except for the rack itself, all the components are available seperately. the link above was provided to enable those interested to quickly configure the needed parts to place an order. The individual rapid changer components are available under the Mill tooling components category of the same web store.

Mill tooling link

The rapid changer has 3 options ( see the drop down on the selection), a 3/4-16 internal thread which fits older Taig, Max NC, and Current Sherline spindles, a 3/4 hollow shank for machines with for example R-8 collet systems, and a 3/8 solid adaptor that fits the rapid changer to a spindle with an ER-16 or larger collet system.

Hopefully that will help answer your questions.

Fred Smith - IMService
http://www.imsrv.com

[diyengineer]

Could this be adapted to a spindle that uses a ER20 collet?

[chris123]

Is it in stock yet?