Question:
The main purpose of an Automatic Tool Changer (ATC) in CNC machining process is to reduce:
The main purpose of an Automatic Tool Changer (ATC) in CNC machining process is to reduce:
Show Hint
Automation features like ATCs (Automatic Tool Changers) and APCs (Automatic Pallet Changers) are designed to reduce non-productive idle times, which increases overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Updated On: Jul 4, 2026
- Machining maintenance
- Cutting speed
- Tool change time and idle time
- Material hardness
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
The total cycle time (\( t_{\text{total}} \)) required to process a workpiece on a CNC machine tool is divided into two primary categories:
\[
t_{\text{total}} = t_{\text{productive}} + t_{\text{non-productive}}
\]
Where:
• \( t_{\text{productive}} \) is the active cutting time when material is being removed.
• \( t_{\text{non-productive}} \) (or idle time) includes auxiliary tasks such as loading parts, rapid tool positioning, and swapping tools for different operations (e.g., switching from a drill bit to an end mill).
Step 1: Identify the function of an Automatic Tool Changer (ATC). In complex machining operations, a single part may require drilling, tapping, face milling, and boring. Performing these tool swaps manually requires stopping the spindle, opening enclosure doors, unlocking the tool holder, swapping the tool, and resetting length offsets, which increases machine idle time.
Step 2: Relate the mechanism to production efficiency. An ATC automates this process using a tool magazine and a mechanical transfer arm. The CNC program commands the arm to swap tools directly within seconds while maintaining pre-registered tool offset coordinates. This significantly minimizes tool change time and non-productive machine idle time, maximizing active spindle utilization.
• \( t_{\text{productive}} \) is the active cutting time when material is being removed.
• \( t_{\text{non-productive}} \) (or idle time) includes auxiliary tasks such as loading parts, rapid tool positioning, and swapping tools for different operations (e.g., switching from a drill bit to an end mill).
Step 1: Identify the function of an Automatic Tool Changer (ATC). In complex machining operations, a single part may require drilling, tapping, face milling, and boring. Performing these tool swaps manually requires stopping the spindle, opening enclosure doors, unlocking the tool holder, swapping the tool, and resetting length offsets, which increases machine idle time.
Step 2: Relate the mechanism to production efficiency. An ATC automates this process using a tool magazine and a mechanical transfer arm. The CNC program commands the arm to swap tools directly within seconds while maintaining pre-registered tool offset coordinates. This significantly minimizes tool change time and non-productive machine idle time, maximizing active spindle utilization.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Top TS PGECET Mechanical Engineering Questions
- A mass 'M' is attached at the end of a string whose length is 'L' and whirled at a constant speed in vertical circle. Generally, the tension in the string is minimum when the mass is
- For a triple threaded screw, the lead is 30 mm and the mean diameter of the screw is 80 mm, then the pitch of the screw is
- If the coefficient of friction between tyres and the road is 0.6, what is the angle of banking for a highway curve of 500 m radius designed to accommodate cars travelling at 180 km/h?
- The loss of potential energy of an elevator coming down from the top of the building to a stop at the ground floor is
- The loss of potential energy of an elevator coming down from the top of the building to a stop at the ground floor is:
View More Questions
Top TS PGECET Computer Integrated Manufacturing Questions
- It is required to cut screw threads of 2 mm pitch on a lathe. The lead screw has a pitch of 6 mm. If the spindle speed is 60 rpm, then speed of the lead screw is:
- Which type of coordinate measuring machine is most suited for large heavy work pieces?
- A computer program written in a high level language is called as
- A collection of wires that connect several devices in the computer integrated manufacturing system is
- What is the primary purpose of direct numerical control in the context of CAD/CAM integration?
Top TS PGECET Questions
- If \( P = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 1 & 1 \\ 0 & 1 & 2 \\ 0 & 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix} \) is the modal matrix of \( A = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 2 & 2 \\ 0 & 0 & 3 \end{pmatrix} \) then the sum of all the elements of \( P^{-1}AP \) is
- If the system of equations \( kx + y + z = k - 1 \), \( x + ky + z = k - 1 \), and \( x + y + kz = k - 1 \) has infinite solutions, then \( k \) is
- The value of the integral \( \int_C (2xy - x^2) \, dx + (x^2 + y^2) \, dy \) where \( C \) is the boundary of the region enclosed by \( y = x^2 \) and \( y^2 = x \), described in the positive sense, is
- Let \( f(x) = \log x \). The number \( C \) strictly between \( e^2 \) and \( e^3 \) such that its reciprocal is equal to \( \frac{f(e^3) - f(e^2)}{e^3 - e^2} \) is
- The solution of the differential equation \( (D^2 + 2)y = x^2 \) is
View More Questions