Device and method for replacing machining inserts

A method of replacing one or more machining inserts on a tool having a body and a head carrying at least one machining insert, each insert presenting at least one edge and a hole, and being held on said head by a screw passing through said hole, the method comprising the following steps:

• a) providing a positioner having a holder element suitable for receiving said body of the tool, and placing the body in said holder element;
• b) using said positioner to position said head so that the screw holding an insert that presents a blunt edge is in alignment with the main axis of a screw gun, and then unscrewing the screw with said screw gun;
• c) using a grip device to pick up said insert;
• d) providing a conveyor having a plurality of receptacles for inserts and having distributed therealong a first station with the grip device, a second station with a turning mechanism for turning inserts on themselves, a third station with an unloading mechanism for unloading inserts, and a fourth station with a feed mechanism for feeding inserts;
• e) using a transport mechanism to move said grip device between the positioner and the first station, and then using said grip device to put said insert down on the receptacle that is facing said first station;
• f) performing steps g), h), l) if said insert presents at least one sharp edge, or performing steps i), j), k), l) if said insert does not present any sharp edges;
• g) causing said conveyor to move so to bring said receptacle from the first station to said second station and then using the turning mechanism to cause said insert to turn on itself so as to position said sharp edge in a position of said blunt edge;
• h) causing said conveyor to move so as to return said receptacle from said second station to said first station;
• i) causing said conveyor to move so as to bring said receptacle from the first station to said third station, and then using an unloading mechanism to remove the insert from the receptacle on which said insert is to be found, so that the receptacle is empty;
• j) causing said conveyor to move so as to bring said receptacle from the third station to said fourth station, and then using a feed mechanism to place a new insert on said receptacle;
• k) moving said conveyor so as to bring said receptacle from said fourth station to said first station;
• l) using the grip device to take hold of said insert, and then using said transport mechanism to transport the grip device from the first station to the positioner, and then placing the insert on its location on the head in such a manner that the hole in the insert is in line with the rod of the screw gun;
• and
• m) placing a screw in said hole and then using the screw gun to screw the insert onto the head of the turntable.