Central tool store, CTS – "With CTS, spindle hours increased 25% more than what we expected."

Central tool store is an FMS-integrated system for centrally delivering and managing cutting tools for CNC machine tools. It enables the use of small tool magazines, eliminates human errors and reduces capital invested in tools.
central tool storage

CTS system promotes high utilization rates of machine tools by eliminating machining breaks caused by manual tool change. CTS system also makes the complex management and dispatching of tools logical and transparent thanks to its graphical user interface.

CTS system automates tool logistics of a flexible manufacturing system. Based on the production flow, needed tools are transported to the magazines of machine tools and idle or worn out tools are transported to the central storage for further use or for tool maintenance.

Seamless software

CTS system is supported by software that seamlessly integrates to FMS control software and the machine tool controls. In practice this means that Fastems MMS and CTS software integrate and are able to prognose tool usage in real-time based on running production and production orders. CTS software dispatches tools and automatically maintains machine tool magazines. Machine control integration enables machine tool to start machining even if all needed tools are not in its magazine – first tools in the NC program are required and the CTS delivers the rest during machining. Expensive special tools are not needed for each machine since the CTS automatically delivers special tools when required.

Central tool store advantages

Spindle time of machine tools is increased, because tool availability no longer limits machining.
Reduced tool handling costs.
Reduced tool inventory costs.
Longer unmanned periods.
Fewer tools are needed, because tools are easily shared between machine tools.
No need to stock multiple copies of special tools.
Full tool life utilization.