Otsuka Hi-Tech ATC-50 Gear Drive Tool Changer (80ST) KM/HSK100

Otsuka Hi-Tech ATC-50 Automatic Tool Changer Gear Drive ATC(80ST) KM/HSK100

The Otsuka Hi-Tech ATC-50 (80ST) is a mechanical gear-driven Automatic Tool Changer (ATC) indexing and transfer unit engineered specifically for large-frame machining centers, horizontal boring mills, and high-load production cells. Configured for dual KM / HSK-A100 / HSK-T100 taper standards, the ATC-50 features an 80 mm stroke/station cam-drive mechanical arrangement (80ST) optimized to handle heavy tool assemblies without losing positional repeatability or spindle hand-off concentricity.

Unlike lightweight pneumatic or direct-belt exchange arms, the ATC-50 utilizes an enclosed globoidal roller cam and hardened helical gear transmission. This ensures rigid, positive-engagement tool exchange cycles under severe cutting vibration, thermal shifts, and high inertias associated with large multi-edge boring heads and facing cutters. The mechanical motion profile handles simultaneous pull-out, 180° rotation, and push-in sequences with smooth acceleration/deceleration damping, minimizing mechanical shock on spindle drawbars and machine headstocks.

Model Details

• Manufacturer: Otsuka Hi-Tech Co., Ltd. (Japan)
• Model Number: ATC-50
• Internal / Series Designation: ATC(80ST)
• Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): ATC-50-80ST-KM/HSK100
• Drive Configuration: Globoidal Cam & Precision Gear-Driven Transfer Transmission
• Tool Interface Compatibility: KM Modular / HSK100 (DIN 69893-1 Form A / ISO 12164)

Technical Specifications

Key Features

1. Enclosed Globoidal Cam Mechanism: Delivers zero-backlash, mechanically synchronized 180° tool-swap kinematics, eliminating tool-drop risks during emergency stop cycles or pneumatic pressure drops.
2. Heavy Taper Handling (KM/HSK100): Sized for high-mass tool holders up to 25 kg per arm pocket, featuring mechanical gripper safety locks that resist centrifugal deflection.
3. Robust 80ST Stroke Dynamic: Engineered with an 80 mm linear travel stroke to clear large-diameter flanges and dual-contact spindle faces cleanly before initiating rotational indexing.
4. Integrated Multi-Sensor Interlocks: Houses inductive proximity sensors and limit switches for continuous stroke-end, arm-home, tool-grip, and magazine-lock handshaking with host CNC systems (Fanuc, Siemens, Heidenhain, Mitsubishi).
5. Sealed Gearcase Architecture: IP65-rated mechanical housing with synthetic oil-bath lubrication to prevent ingress of aggressive water-soluble coolants, cast iron fines, and abrasive swarf.

Applications

• Marine Propulsion & Shipyard Machining: Large-scale milling of marine diesel cylinder blocks, pump housings, rudder stocks, and intermediate shaft couplings requiring long-reach HSK100 tooling.
• Oil & Gas Valve & Frac Block Manufacturing: High-volume milling, drilling, and reaming of forged valve blocks, blowout preventers (BOPs), and subsea manifolds.
• Aerospace Structural Component Machining: Processing heavy titanium and Inconel bulkheads, engine mounting pylons, and wing ribs requiring large-diameter face mills.
• Heavy Earthmoving & Construction Equipment: Rough boring and precision facing of excavator slewing rings, loader frames, and transmission casings.
• Energy & Power Generation: Heavy-duty machining of wind turbine hub cast components, steam turbine casing sections, and hydro-generation flanges.

Part Number Cross-References

• Otsuka Hi-Tech Base Model: ATC-50 / ATC50
• Series/Configuration: ATC-50(80ST)-HSK100 / ATC-50-KM100
• Surplus / Industry Cross Codes: ATC-50-109921, 80ST-HSK100-ATC
• Interchangeability Note: While mounting flanged brackets may vary based on OEM column casting, the internal gear drive, mechanical indexing cam shaft, and arm pickup assemblies match standard Otsuka 50-series dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “80ST” designate on the Otsuka ATC-50?

The “80ST” designation refers to the 80 mm mechanical stroke of the transfer arm. This specifies the linear extraction travel distance the arm pulls the tool shank directly out from the spindle taper and magazine pocket before performing the 180° swing exchange.

Can this unit support both HSK-A100 and KM100 tooling?

Yes. The gripper carrier finger geometry on this specific Otsuka model is configured to accommodate both the Kennametal KM modular connection flanges and standard DIN 69893/ISO 12164 HSK-100 tool holders. Always verify the flange V-groove depth of your specific holders during installation.

What maintenance is required on the gear drive mechanism?

The internal cam and gear train require periodic oil-level checks via the integrated sight glass. The synthetic gear oil (ISO VG 220/320) should be changed after the first 500 hours of dynamic operation and every 4,000 operational hours or 12 months thereafter. Gripper fingers and spring packs should be inspected monthly for tension and coolant-sludge buildup.

What is the advantage of a mechanical gear-drive ATC over a hydraulic/pneumatic unit?

A mechanical gear-and-cam drive provides positive, synchronous coordination between linear extraction and rotation. Unlike purely pneumatic systems, speed and positional timing are physically locked to the rotation of the cam shaft, which prevents arm runaway, eliminates backlash, and ensures the arm cannot drop a heavy 25 kg tool during an unexpected loss of line air or electrical power.

What is the exact condition of this unit?

This item is New Unused Surplus. It has never seen machining or production service. It has been held in climate-controlled industrial surplus storage, with only minor handling marks or cosmetic paint shelf wear on external brackets, and 100% mechanical integrity throughout all internal gears, cams, and shafts.