Development of Automatic Tool Changer of SMA Tool Holder

Micromanufacturing is a useful system for reducing energy consumption. For micromanufacturing, tool clamping and workpiece clamping are important components to realize the machining process. Therefore, a shape memory alloy (SMA) ring type tool holder is developed. In addition, this holder needs cooling and heating processes to execute the tool clamping process. This study suggests a cooling/heating device based on peltier elements. The device will be applied to the heating/cooling process of an automatic tool changer (ATC) for the SMA tool holder. This study introduces the configuration and operating principle of the proposed ATC system. The description and prototype evaluation of this system were given. Plastic bolt and aluminum block were selected to enhance the cooling performance, and the installed tool was changed in 17 s during the experiments.