System and method for identification of tools and parts of tools for a fabricating machine

Abstract

A system for identifying tools and/or dies (1, 2, 4) of machine tools and especially of punch presses includes at least one identification marking (6, 7, 8) for each tool and die (1, 2, 4), a scanning device (19) for reading the markings (6, 7, 8), and an evaluation unit for analyzing the scanned data. The markings (6, 7, 8) are removably attached to their associated tools and dies (1, 2, 4) and, when detached, they are accessible to the scanning device (19) for the scanning process. In executing a procedure utilizing the aforementioned system, the markings (6, 7, 8) associated with the tools and dies (1, 2, 4) are detached from these tools and dies (1, 2, 4) and are subsequently scanned. The scanned data can be processed by the machine tool computer to facilitate its efficient operation.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.