With the FZ rack magazine ZIM Rack, Zimmermann has developed a compact tool changer for its portal milling machines which can be expanded to accommodate several thousand tools. This modularity allows clients to tailor the system precisely to their production without requiring additional storage space.
Tool availability plays a major role in ensuring uninterrupted production for customers. Whether it’s a machine demanding challenging materials or very different components, the right tools must be available quickly and easily due to the high level of wear or diversity. To solve this need, Zimmermann created its own tool changer.
The basic version offers 60 positions and can be expanded in increments of 30 up to several thousand. The operating principle is independent of the number of tools. Thus, the operating personnel have enough space to change all the tools before starting work and to work with them uninterrupted until the next shift. This eliminates the need for a separate storage area.
The tools are stored horizontally in the holders and can be removed via a manipulator. Unlike a conventional chain system, not all tools are moved, but only the necessary ones. Customers can adapt the ZIM Rack to their production. Since both the machine and the changer are from the same source, Zimmermann provides better and faster support when needed.
To see short video of the ZIM Rack, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0a4ygvGqEY
About the company
Zimmermann is based in Germany and is a leading global high-tech supplier of portal milling machines. These are characterized by huge workspaces, substantial machining dynamics and cutting performance. The company, founded in 1933 by Friedrich Zimmermann, now has over 200 employees worldwide. With its product range, our innovative company has one goal above all: to offer the right solution for our customers and thus be able to guarantee high economic efficiency. “Quality made in Germany and supported locally” is our motto. The company’s special machines are used worldwide in the automotive, aerospace, moldmaking, transportation, off-highway and mechanical engineering sectors. The company has its North American headquarters in Wixom, Michigan, near Detroit, where it operates a full tech center, offering engineering assistance, commissioning, parts and retrofit services, as well as multiple machines for demonstration purposes. Zimmermann Inc. is headed by President Cornelius Kiesel.
