CREDIT: ZIMMERMANN
With the FZ rack magazine ZIM Rack, Zimmermann has developed a compact tool changer for its portal milling machines which can be expanded to accommodate several thousand tools. This modularity allows clients to tailor the system precisely to their production without requiring additional storage space.
Tool availability plays a major role in ensuring uninterrupted production for customers. Whether it’s a machine demanding challenging materials or very different components, the right tools must be available quickly and easily due to the high level of wear or diversity. To solve this need, Zimmermann created its own tool changer.
The basic version offers 60 positions and can be expanded in increments of 30 up to several thousand. The operating principle is independent of the number of tools. Thus, the operating personnel have enough space to change all the tools before starting work and to work with them uninterrupted until the next shift. This eliminates the need for a separate storage area.
The tools are stored horizontally in the holders and can be removed via a manipulator. Unlike a conventional chain system, not all tools are moved, but only the necessary ones. Customers can adapt the ZIM Rack to their production. Since both the machine and the changer are from the same source, Zimmermann provides better and faster support when needed.