Manual tool change spindle and automatic tool change spindle. And the type and size of the cutting tool applied determines the type of machining center used.
1) Manual tool change spindle
It uses a collet to clamp the tool in the taper of the spindle. This method is low in cost and has excellent performance. But the downside is that the tool change needs to be done online, usually over a period of two to three minutes each time.
2) Automatic tool change spindle
It is integrated with the CNC to achieve no manual high-speed tool change. During the use of the ATC spindle, the tool is pre-installed in the tool holder. The tool holder is usually clamped in the spindle motor by a spring clamping system. The shank is then released by compressing the retaining spring and opening the clamping system. This is usually done using a pneumatic actuator. The tool is preset in the offline state to use the fixture to ensure accuracy without interrupting production. The typical tool change time of the ATC spindle is less than 5 seconds. Clearly, ATC spindles offer higher productivity in applications that require multiple tools.
