Auto Fast Change (AFC) Tool Systems

December 11, 2018
Auto Fast Change (AFC) Tool Systems

ARNO Werkzeuge USA introduces its new Auto Fast Change (AFC) Tool Systems for Swiss-style machining. Manufacturing Swiss tooling since the 1940s, ARNO has comprehensive understanding of the needs and issues that machining operations face with their Swiss-style auto lathes and turning machinery.


The new Quick-change tool system from ARNO USA provides faster setups and reduces the downtime with in-process tool changes in Swiss-style machining operations. It also eliminates the need for external plumbing to facilitate cooling. The mess and problems created by excess chips and debris mixed-in with coolant inside the machine is minimized as well. The ARNO AFC comes pre-configured with built-in through-coolant capabilities. In total, there are five inlets for porting the coolant on the AFC toolholder block that operators can use to direct coolant flow.

Anyone who uses Swiss style auto lathes knows there is great difficulty in changing tools and inserts easily. Quarters are very tight, and these machines contain many tools that are in close proximity. Physically getting inside these machines is awkward for tool changeovers.


The AFC system is comprised of a two-piece, universal toolholder mounted inside the machine. A separate quick-change toolholder slides into the end of the stationary block and locks in to place simply by giving two screws a quarter-turn each. The simplicity of the ARNO AFC design makes changeovers extremely easy, fast and efficient for Swiss-style machining.

Related Glossary Terms

  • coolant

    coolant

    Fluid that reduces temperature buildup at the tool/workpiece interface during machining. Normally takes the form of a liquid such as soluble or chemical mixtures (semisynthetic, synthetic) but can be pressurized air or other gas. Because of water’s ability to absorb great quantities of heat, it is widely used as a coolant and vehicle for various cutting compounds, with the water-to-compound ratio varying with the machining task. See cutting fluid; semisynthetic cutting fluid; soluble-oil cutting fluid; synthetic cutting fluid.

  • quick-change toolholder

    quick-change toolholder

    Cutter holder that permits rapid tool changes. Generally associated with automatic or semiautomatic machining operations. See toolholder.

  • toolholder

    toolholder

    Secures a cutting tool during a machining operation. Basic types include block, cartridge, chuck, collet, fixed, modular, quick-change and rotating.

  • turning

    turning

    Workpiece is held in a chuck, mounted on a face plate or secured between centers and rotated while a cutting tool, normally a single-point tool, is fed into it along its periphery or across its end or face. Takes the form of straight turning (cutting along the periphery of the workpiece); taper turning (creating a taper); step turning (turning different-size diameters on the same work); chamfering (beveling an edge or shoulder); facing (cutting on an end); turning threads (usually external but can be internal); roughing (high-volume metal removal); and finishing (final light cuts). Performed on lathes, turning centers, chucking machines, automatic screw machines and similar machines.

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