Quick Change Installation and Operation Manual
Document #9620-20-A-General TOC and Introduction-08
Pinnacle Park • 1031 Goodworth Drive • Apex, NC 27539 • Tel: 919.772.0115 • Fax: 919.772.8259 • www.ati-ia.com • Email: info@ati-ia.com
A-8
3. Product Overview
3.1 Tool Changers
There are many different types of Tool Changers, Manual, Heavy Automation, Rail, Hollow Wrist, etc,
which are specically suited for the application they are designed for. A Tool Changer enhances the
exibility and reliability of a robotic cell. Robotic Tool Changers are used in automated Tool change
applications as well as manual Tool change operations. Robotic Tool Changers also provide a method for
quick Tool change for maintenance purposes.
Automatic Tool Changers provide added exibility to robot applications by allowing one robot to change
end-effectors, such as grippers and vacuum tooling. The Quick-Change products are pneumatically or
electrically operated devices consisting of a Master Plate and Tool Plate using a patented stainless steel
locking mechanism. Add-on utility modules provide electrical pass-through of, DeviceNet™, Ethernet,
PROFINET™ or PROFIBUS™ bus network signals, high current and servo signals, as well as air, vacuum,
and uid pass-through.
Tool Changers can be equipped with sensors to detect when the Tool Changer is in the locked/unlocked
positions and if the Tool plate is present. Some models require an optional Sensor Interface Plate (SIP) plate
to mount the lock and unlock sensors. If required, the use of a SIP is highly recommended for achieving the
highest level of safety and reliability.
The ATI Tool Changer has been designed to provide extremely long life with little maintenance.
3.1.1 Manually Actuated
ATI’s Manual Tool Changers provide a cost effective solution for quickly changing tools by hand.
They feature a unique design that combines high strength, excellent repeatability and a lever or
screw-cam locking mechanism with multiple fail-safe features, which resists vibration and prevents
loosening. The Manual Tool Changers also feature quick-action locking for manual operation.
These robust and compact Manual Tool Changers can handle payloads up to 80 pounds (36 kg) as
well as pass pneumatics and electrical signals.
3.1.2 Quick-Change (Round Body style)
The Quick-Change robotic Tool Changer has been designed to incorporate high strength in a small,
low-weight package. The Tool change system consists of two primary parts: the Master plate and
the Tool plate. The Master plate is mounted to a robot while the customer supplied end-effector
is typically attached to the Tool plate. The Master plate is typically mounted to the robot with an
optional interface plate. Many models have integrated pass-through air ports.
3.1.3 Heavy Automation
The Heavy Automation Robotic Tool Changer line has been developed for resistance welding and
medium-duty to heavy-duty material handling. Because a Tool Changer uses specic modules
to pass utilities such as uids, electrical, and pneumatics, it can be custom congured to handle
numerous applications.
3.2 Utility Couplers
The Utility Coupler from ATI was developed for heavy-duty, automated industrial applications where there
is a need to change tools that pass utilities such as air and electrical signals. Unlike other traditional manual
methods of connecting multiple lines, the ATI Utility Coupler is especially congured for coupling lines and
restoring operations more quickly. The modular body design is capable of mounting any of ATI’s standard
add-on utility modules and is designed to improve cycle time as well as add exibility to any production
cell. The Master-side connection can feature an unique compliance mechanism that allows for large tooling
misalignments. The Utility Coupler can be provided with an ATI locking mechanism or a drive cylinder.
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