This is a tool changing position which is located at the front side of CNC processing centers. Seen from a technical point of view, it is a pickup tool changer, even if only one position is available.

It can be used as an additional position to supplement the tool changer, e.g. for particularly large tools.

As another function, the pick up can be used for loading tool changers located in the back from the front side of the machine. This has several advantages:

• The operator can place the tools in an easily accessible position in front of the machine.
• There is no danger of confusion by inserting tools into the wrong exchange position since the operator can only insert one tool at a time and the machine automatically assigns the correct position in the tool changer.