b'Sandvik CoromantMaximize machine utilization and productivity with quick-change tooling solutions.By Mark Backusmeasured has a major influence on ma- Quick-change tooling W hen manufacturers look for wayschine utilization. Relying on traditionalsolutions can increase to improve machining productiv- toolholders requires much longer stop- machine utilization in ity, they usually start with metal cuttingpages, more often, to change out toolsindustries that use complex efficiency. But machine utilization has anand set up a machineanywhere fromassemblies and longer tools, equally, if not more, important impactfive to 30 minutes depending on thesuch as aerospace engine on productivity. A stopped machine di- tools and application. That time lostcomponent production, by rectly affects production output, and thecan add up quickly to a lot of unproduc- reducing the time that it only time that a machine makes money istive, unprofitable hours that could betakes to measure, set up and change tools.when the green light is on. avoided.So what are the typical time killers thatFor this reason, quick-change tool-keep machining time and profitabilityholders are becoming an increasingly low? Setting up machines for a new batchpowerful way to reduce downtime and of components, measuring and touchingimprove productivity. Todays solutions off tools, adjusting coolant lines to getdo more than reduce time spent on mea-coolant to the cutting area and not hav- suring, setting up and tool changinging backup tools when a crash happensthey also can offer a range of features all contribute to lengthy downtime. Also,that improve metal cutting efficiency, machining operations can be interruptedtool life and maintenance.for changing out worn cutting tools, re-moving chips or changing components. Speed Up Setup TimesHow cutting tools are loaded andCNC lathes and sliding head machines 22JULY 2023QuickChange.indd 22 6/15/23 12:37 PM'