Though ITI Tooling Co. Inc. introduced the Varia Rapid-Change Tooling System some four years ago, the company's product manager—Lee Hebenstreit—says word of this technology has not yet spread throughout the markets it could help. That's why the company produced a 22-second video showing the Varia tool changing system in action.
Hebenstreit explains the process and provides some additional insight behind the Varia system in this brief video report. ITI Tooling, Ramsey, N.J., offers the Varia for horizontal and vertical CNC lathes. Varia, like most modular toolholding systems, allows operators to preset additional toolholder heads while the machine is in operation and have these replacement heads ready for immediate exchange. While the video depicts a tool change in a leisurely 22 seconds, Hebenstreit says an operator can exchange a preset tool in roughly 7 seconds.
Related Glossary Terms
- computer numerical control ( CNC)
computer numerical control ( CNC)
Microprocessor-based controller dedicated to a machine tool that permits the creation or modification of parts. Programmed numerical control activates the machine’s servos and spindle drives and controls the various machining operations. See DNC, direct numerical control; NC, numerical control.
- toolholder
toolholder
Secures a cutting tool during a machining operation. Basic types include block, cartridge, chuck, collet, fixed, modular, quick-change and rotating.
