Pallet changer for a machine tool, a pallet changing method and a machine tool

A pallet changer for changing pallets between a table in which when a pallet having a major surface is mounted thereto, the major surface extends in a plane parallel to a vertical axis, and a pallet loading station in which when the pallet is held thereon, the major surface extends in a plane parallel to a horizontal axis, comprising:

• the major surface configured to have a workpiece clamped thereto;
• a changing arm provided for rotation between the table and the pallet loading station about a rotational axis upwardly inclined relative to the horizontal axis by 45 degrees;
• and
• two arm portions, each provided at a respective one of two opposite ends of the changing arm, each of the two arm portions configured for gripping a gripped member of the pallet, the gripped member protruding from a lowermost surface of the pallet when the pallet is mounted to the table such that the major surface is oriented so as to extend in the plane parallel to the vertical axis.