Apparatus for identifying tools and for managing tool data

摘要

In a machine tool such as a machining center or the like having an automatic tool changing apparatus, the tool holders adapted to respectively hold the tools provided for the automatic tool change are equipped with transmitters for transmitting signals indicative of tool data including the tool discrimination data of the tools. The receiver which receives the transmitted signals from the transmitters is attached to the machine tool. When a transmitter approaches the receiver, the transmitted data is received by the receiver. The kind and other data concerning the tool stored in the tool holder to which a transmitter is attached can be discriminated by the control unit of the machine tool on the basis of the received data.