To enable easy and automatic fitting and replacement of a tool on an engraving head and checkup thereof by providing a process of determining the time when the tool on the engraving head is to be replaced and a process of fitting a tool for replacement automatically when replacement of the tool is determined as necessary in the foregoing process.
An automatic tool replacing device 50 of an engraving apparatus 10 is fixed to a headstock 12 with a bracket 52 interposed and a vertical and horizontal position of the device 50 to an engraving head 36 and a position thereof to a swivel slide are regulated by a slide mechanism. The swivel slide has a large number of flat faces having projections for positioning and studs and can position a plurality of independent tool holders, which can be fitted automatically, at a high speed and accurately corresponding to the geometric shape of a cartridge type tool. Each part is controlled by a control device 46 connecting an air source and judging replacement of the tool and a tool for replacement is stored at a vacant position confronting the tool to be replaced, while it is judged by an index position proximity sensor whether a tool to be fitted is appropriate or not.
BORNHORST KENNETH F JR
AUBERRY ERIC R
HELSER ERIC
KLINGER JIM
