There is no standardized usage for this term concerning the wood processing. The manufacturer Biesse uses the term e.g. instead of plate changer

It refers to a certain type of revolver tool changer on CNC machining centres, in which the tools are arranged in a circle, facing outwards; thus, in a "star-shaped" manner and have their own motor. The change of the tools in the motors had to happen manually, because there was no tool interface yet.

Later, as tool holders like ISO30 or ISO40 were introduced to the market, the term revolver tool changer was used for changing systems, where the tool holders are embedded in the periphery of an upstanding, disc-shaped changer, so that the tools point outwards in the radial direction. This systems were available also with tool holders pointing outwards. Due to the star-shaped form this system was called "star-changer" (or rotational changer), but neither the system nor the term are used anymore.

With the launch of horizontally positioned disc tool changers the common revolver tool changer was nearly eliminated. Occasionally it is used equally to the term tool changing systems.

The manufacturers Bre.Ma. and Re.M are producing systems, which they call revolver tool changers to distance their systems from disc tool changers. These systems consist of a disc in an upright position with fixed aggregates. It is able to spin, so that the aggregate can be positioned in front of the drive screw.

During the 1990s the manufacturer Jonsdorf, that is not existent anymore, produced a system with fixed aggregates, too.

Advantages

• When using a separate motor for each tool, changing times are minimal.
• When using rotational changers with tools pointing outwards the diameters between the tools holders may be quite small, but nevertheless it is possible to hold big tools.
• Compared to disc changers and chain changers, the restrictions of tool diameters due to the system are low and have to match the maximum possible tool diameter or one place has to be left free.

Disadvantages

• Seperate motors and rotational changers with tools pointing outwards:
• Technically elaborate and expensive changers
• High amount of space
• The manual re-equipping of the seperate motors is very time-consuming
• Rotational changers with tools pointing inwards: Due to the order only tools with low diameter can be used or places have to be left free.
• Changers with fixed aggregates: Due to the manual change and the fixed tools and aggregates a re-equipping is time-consuming.

Alternative terms

• Star-changer (also rotational changer)
• Rotational changer (now rarely used and misleading)
• Turret (more common in metal working)
• Drum changer Drum tool changer