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This section provides an overview for tool changers as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 36 tool changer manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked tool changer companies as of January, 2025: 1.American Grippers Inc, 2.Norgren Automation Solutions LLC, 3.RAD.
Table of Contents
A tool changer is a tool changing mechanism and system used to add tool changing functions to articulated robots and processing machines (machining centers, etc.).
The tool changer is a mechanism and system used to add a tool changing function to an articulated robot or a machining center.
Some tool changers are equipped with an air blow function to remove dust from the tool clamping area in addition to tool loading and unloading. Some tool changers can supply compressed air, water, or electrical signals to the tool.
In the past, tool changers were mostly used to change tools on processing machines, but as the introduction of articulated robots increases, tool changers for articulated robots are becoming more common.
Tool changers are used on machining centers to perform various machining operations automatically without the need for human tool change. The tool changer automatically performs tool change, tool height measurement, and runout measurement. This reduces the need for human operators to change tools, check tool height and runout after tool change, and furthermore, by automating parts loading and unloading, it is possible to fully automate the parts machining process.
In articulated robots, this tool changer is generally used to change the hand at the end of the robot. Robot hands have various functions such as gripping by air chuck, rotation by motor, and vacuum suction. Therefore, for articulated robots, tools are available that can be supplied with compressed air, water, vacuum, or electrical signals. By using a tool changer, a single robot can perform multiple tasks, thus helping to improve the efficiency of the use of articulated robots.
There are various types of tool changers, but most of them use compressed air to clamp or pull up the tool.
For machining tools, an air cylinder is mainly used to hold the tool in place by pulling up the knob on the tool's mounting section. Many of the tool mounting parts are tapered (BT and other standards are available), and contact with the taper maintains repeatability of the tool position.
In addition, the tool stocker, together with the tool stocker, is called an ATC (auto tool changer) in machining centers and is treated as a single system. There are different types of stockers, such as disk type and chain-driven type.
For articulated robots, each company has its own clamping mechanism driven by compressed air, often using cams. Fluid supply parts, such as compressed air, water, and vacuum, use seals such as O-rings to prevent leakage. Contact probes are used for electrical signals.
Robot hands are designed by automatic machinery manufacturers to suit their applications, and stockers and other parts are manufactured accordingly, so few are sold as standard products.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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OnRobot US Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Odense, Denmark, is a robotics manufacturer of tools and software for collaborative automation on various tasks, such as packaging, quality control, materials handling, machine tending, assembly, and surface finishing commonly used in industrial settings. They offer a range of products, including end-effectors, grippers, sensors, and tool changers that can be integrated with cobots from various manufacturers. They were recognized with awards such as the Gold Innovators Award and the Red Dot Design Award, and are certified by Universal Robots.
Norgren Automation Solutions LLC, founded in 1947 and located in Saline, Michigan, is a manufacturer of material handling equipment. The company offers a diverse range of products, including grippers, shovels, modular tooling, tool changers, and vacuums. These products have applications across industries requiring efficient and precise material handling, automation, and manipulation. The company’s products play a key role in tasks such as material transfer, sorting, packaging, assembly, and bulk material movement in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and industrial automation.
ATI Industrial Automation is a global engineering-based developer specialising in robotic accessories, robot arm tooling, torque sensing systems, robotic collision chargers, etc. that improve robotic productivity. It was founded in 1989. Many mechanical, electrical, and software engineers work at ATI. All of their products meet the requirement of ISO9001 certifications. Products manufactured at their company are subjected to strict quality assurance and inspection guidelines before they are sent to clients. Their products are widely employed in different markets, including electronics, nuclear, applied research, and aerospace.
American Grippers Inc. is a manufacturer of various type of industrial actuators and grippers to work with industrial robots. The company was founded in 1997 and is based in Trumbull, United States. The company comprehensive portfolio includes various types of gripper such as pneumatic grippers, linear actuators, pneumatic rotary actuators, collision sensors, multi-motion actuators, robotic tool changers etc. The company products are comprehensively used in robots for packaging, assembly, loading and unloading. The company pledged to excellence is exemplified through customer-centric approach, continuous innovation, and diligence to delivering tailor-made solutions.
RAD, founded in 1981, is a manufacturer of robotic end effectors, including collision sensors, compliance devices, grippers, and deburring tools that is based in Tipp, Ohio. Their products are used for applications such as in collision detection, alignment, object manipulation, surface finishing, and for tool automation. The company is ISO-9001:2015 certified, and sells directly to Fortune 100 companies, serving the manufacturing industry such as robotics, automotive, aerospace, logistics, and precision engineering.
DESTACO, a Dover Company was founded in 1915, is a global manufacturer of automation, workholding, and containment solutions, headquartered in the United States. The company's product portfolio includes clamps, grippers, end effectors, and robotic tool changers. They are a worldwide supplier in the design, manufacture and support of clamping, gripping, linear/rotary transferring and robotic tooling solutions for workplace and flexible automation needs. Their customer base covers a wide range of industries requiring a global customer service network offering consistent solutions and program support.
Global Tooling & Supply, founded in 1996 and located in Springfield, Oregon, is a supplier of tooling and abrasive products. The company’s broad range of products includes molder tooling, jointer and planer tooling, high-production planer tooling, grinding room supplies, and saw blades. These products are used in industries involving woodworking, manufacturing, and material processing. The company’s products are used for tasks such as shaping, finishing, and preparing materials for applications in sectors such as furniture manufacturing, construction, and metalworking.
Anubis 3D Industrial Solutions Inc., established in 2014 and headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, is an industrial component additive manufacturer and 3D printing service provider. The company's products include a wide range of end-of-arm tooling and robot accessories, as well as on-demand industrial components such as prototypes or low-volume production parts. It also provides 3D printing services that include selective laser sintering, stereolithography, and hybrid solutions. The company's services include custom manufacturing, including testing and design validation.
Acubez Modular Automation Ltd. is a manufacturer of modular automation equipment founded in 2018 in Ashdod, Israel. The company produces various CNC machine tending modular platforms, as well as modular add-ons for lifting or gripping capabilities, and end-of-arm tools (EOATs) for working with different materials or workpieces. In addition to its products, the company also offers additional design, personnel training, and maintenance services. Its clients are mainly in the industrial manufacturing, material processing, and logistics sectors.
Effecto Group S.p.A., established in 2016 and headquartered in Via Roma, Italy, is a manufacturer of products and services related to gripping and clamping. The company offers pneumatic and hydraulic vises, manual and automatic indexing chucks, rotary actuators, pressure intensifiers, and more. It also organizes events, meetings, conferences, and seminars aimed at professional training. Its pneumatic and electric grippers can clamp and grip workpieces. It serves a wide range of industries, such as automotive, aerospace, medical, food processing, life sciences, and more.
Walther-Präzision, founded in 1951 and based in Haan, Germany, is a manufacturer of mono, multi-couplings, and docking systems. Its products include low-pressure mono clutches, multi-clutches without actuation assistance, and docking systems. The company also sells tool changers, built-in elements for machine tools, and accessories like dust caps, blow guns, and compressed air spiral coil hoses. The company is ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and ISO 14001 certified and manufactures its products using several materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, and brass, in over 400,000 variants.
Balconi Presseccentriche S.p.A., established in 1939 and headquartered in Italy, is a manufacturer of mechanical presses and servo presses. The company offers presses for progressive tools, transfer presses, and impact extrusion presses, catering to diverse industries such as automotive, household appliances, and metal packaging. Its plunger system ensures slide precision guiding for enhanced part accuracy. The company also provides supplementary equipment such as feeders, shears, and roll-forming lines. Its expertise includes producing specialized machinery for various applications, including blanking and fin die presses.
LANG GmbH & Co. KG is an ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturer of CNC systems and machines that was established in Hüttenberg, Germany, in 1972. The company primarily produces laser technology products for welding, cutting, or marking operations, and milling technology products for machining or engraving processes. It also offers digitizing systems for recording and replicating the shapes or surfaces of physical objects, along with CAD/CAM software to complement its portfolio products. The company chiefly serves its clients in Europe’s semiconductor, wafer manufacturing, and microscopy industries.
BL AUTOTEC, founded in 1987 as a member of the Bando Chemical Co., Ltd. group with headquarters in Japan, is a manufacturer of robotics and automated equipment and components. The company's products include automatic tool changing components for robotics, rotary joints developed for positioners and turntables, couple joints used to connect and disconnect pneumatics and electric signals, and lock-up RCC devices commonly used for mounting tools to robotic arms. BL AUTOTEC also supplies a range of tools that include torque sensors, deburring tools, and finishing tools.
Pascal Corporation, founded in 1974 and based in Hyogo, Japan, is a manufacturer of automation equipment and systems. Its product range includes work clamping systems, gas springs, injection mold machines, and pallet clamps, catering to various industrial applications. Additionally, it offers die casting machines, press machines, auto couplers, and a selection of robot products, including expansion clamps, gas balancers, and tool changers. Its offerings find utility across industries, enhancing manufacturing processes, ensuring precision, and optimizing efficiency in workholding, and material handling. Since 1999, the company has maintained ISO9001 certification for its quality management system.
Kosmek Ltd. is a manufacturer of production and automation products and systems that was established in 1986 in Tokyo, Japan. The company’s products include quick mold change systems, work clamping systems, and robotic automation systems. These are primarily used by clients in the metal or plastic fabrication, automation, and mechanical engineering sectors. The company also offers product customization, installation, and consultation services for customers with unique project specifications. Some of its notable clients include Panasonic, Mitsubishi, and Honda.
CKD Corporation, established in 1943 under the name of Japan Aircraft Electric Co., Ltd., is a Japanese manufacturer of automation machinery and manufacturing components, headquartered in Komaki, Aichi. Their diverse portfolio includes pneumatic and fluid control components, fine system components, drive components, and labor-saving components. The company has also developed various types of automation machinery, such as transparent object inspection systems, pharmaceutical products packaging machines, and more. These products find applications in various industries, for example their automated food packaging systems are designed for maintaining food quality and hygienic conditions. Their fluid control components are used in the solar cell manufacturing process.
IPR – Intelligente Peripherien für Roboter GmbH, founded in 1989 and located in Eppingen, Germany, is a manufacturer and seller of automation components. The company offers a broad range of products, including grippers, tool changers, load limters, and compensation modules. These products have a range of uses in industries that employ robotic automation. The company’s products are used for efficiency, flexibility, and safety in applications like material handling, assembly, packaging, and other industrial processes that involve interaction with objects and tasks requiring precision. IPR – Intelligente Peripherien für Roboter GmbH caters to industries spanning manufacturing, packaging, aerospace, defense, and pharmaceuticals.
Suzhou CRG Robotics Technology Co., Ltd, founded in 2016 in Kunshan, China, is a manufacturer and supplier specializing in end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) solutions. The company develops and manufactures grippers such as robot quick changers, sprue grippers, air nippers and vacuum grippers. Their products find application across various industries including plastic injection molding, automotive, and medical sectors both locally and globally. As a one-stop solution for end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) solutions, the company also offers custom solutions depending on the customers' requirements. The company is ISO9001:2008 certified.
Kondo Seisakusho Co., Ltd. based in Gamagori-city, Aichi-prefecture, is a manufacturer and supplier of specialized industrial equipment. The company's product range includes Parallel Hand, Fulcrum Hand, Chuck, Rotary Joint, and Autohand Changer Aligning Device. These tools play a role in various industrial processes, aiding in operations such as precision alignment, material handling, component installation, and machinery synchronization. They serve industries that require precision equipment and alignment. Additionally, the company offers services in quality assurance, design, manufacturing, and customer support.
Bystronic Inc, is the United States is the service partner established in 2020 by Bystronic Maschinen AG, sheet metal processing technologies global developer, manufacturer, and supplier. The company offers solutions that include automation of the complete material and data flow of the cutting and bending process chain, intelligent connectivity of its laser cutting systems, and pressbrakes with automation, software, and service solutions. Its products include tube laser cutting machines, laser automation equipment, and bending equipment with automation solutions. It also offers a range of operating software and an integrated smart factory solution.
Applied Robotics, Inc. is a provider of specialized automation end-of-arm tooling and connectivity solutions. It is headquartered in Glenville, New York, and was established in 1999. The company specializes in delivering a comprehensive range of robotic end-of-arm tooling and connectivity solutions. Its products include automatic tool changers, manual tool changers, collision sensors, compliance devices, pneumatic grippers, soft grippers, palletizing grippers and deburring tools. Applied Robotics also offers services such as custom design and, engineering and training. The company's products are used in many industries, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, and food and beverage.
Amtru AG, established in 1985 and headquartered in Wiesendangen, Switzerland, is a manufacturer of deburring tools and components. The company offers customized tools, component designs, and process analysis. It supports system design, pneumatic component selection, and programming of machining processes. In sales, it assists with tool selection along with customer site discussions and provides marketing materials. The company excels in robot applications for deburring, grinding, and polishing, offering various pneumatic and electric tools and accessories like flexicut, swingcut, and scraper tools for aerospace, automotive, and general industries.
Demmeler Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG., a company founded in 1961 and headquartered in Bayern, Germany, is a manufacturer of clamping and welding, rotary tables, and manipulators. The company offers a range of products, including 3D welding tables, Sets, Table accessories, and more. It also offers a wide range of support services, including a service hotline, spare parts deliveries, and direct on-site assembly. Its 3D clamping systems and welding tables help customers reach its purposes. In 2018, it was awarded the Bavarian State Prize for its 3D clamping system. Moreover, it provides automation solutions for industrial, craft, and production purposes.
ZIMMER GROUP, established in 1980 and headquartered in Rheinau, Germany, is a manufacturer, distributor, and supplier of automation, machine, and furniture components globally. Its diverse product range includes grippers, industrial shock absorbers, clamping and braking elements, robotics, and linear systems, serving industries such as automation, machine tooling, and furniture. The company's endowments have earned them accolades, including the German Innovation Award, German Brand Award, IF Design Awards, and RedDot Design Awards. Furthermore, it hold various certifications like ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 50001:2018, reflecting its adherence to quality in the industry.
WINKEL GmbH was founded in 1981 and is located in Illingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany is a manufacturer and supplier of heavy load linear systems. The company offers an array of product portfolios, including telescopic tables with telescopic forks, precision angle rollers axial rollers adjustable via eccentric, and PUMA pallet stacker cranes among others. Additionally, it extends services like product inquiries, quality management, and product registration. These precision products cater to diverse applications in material handling, aerospace engineering, and factory automation.
Nitta Corporation is an Osaka-based manufacturer and distributor of various industrial products founded in 1885. The company offers power transmission and mechatronic products, as well as intermediate components like tubings and fittings. These are used in conveyor machines, hydraulic systems, and medical devices. The company also produces industrial parts, such as molded rubber products like gaskets or diaphragms, as well as air filters and monitoring equipment like particle counters or decontamination devices. Nitta Corporation maintains a network of manufacturing facilities and sales locations in 22 countries across four continents.
DAB Technology, based in Singapore, has been a supplier and a distributor of vacuum solutions since its incorporation in 1997. Its product range includes palamatic tube lifters, crane systems, dabhandy lifting solutions, and various vacuum components like ejectors, suction cups, and pumps. The company also provides industrial cleaning tools, safety wear, and cleaning equipment. The company is the sole distributor of international brands such as Palamatic, DVP, Hovmand, FBK and more in Asia Pacific, and operates from several branches in Malaysia, Thailand, China, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
Product Engineering Services S.A. is a manufacturer of industrial automation systems and equipment established in 1991 and based in Saint-Ghislain, Belgium. The company offers collision sensors for maintaining the flow of traffic between material handlers on a facility floor, and robotic tool changers for passing and switching tools between fixed robot arms. It also offers end-of-arm tooling products such as grippers and pincers, and rotary unions for functioning as swivel joints. The company’s products are used mainly by clients in the industrial automation and manufacturing sectors.
Robot System Products, established in 2003 and located in Vasteras, Sweden, is a supplier of peripheral equipment. The company’s broad range of products includes tool changers, swivel tool changers, hose packages, valve units, and grippers. These products are used across industries to enhance automation processes by facilitating efficient tool changes, ensuring proper supply of air and fluids, and providing object manipulation. Industries such as manufacturing, automotive, electronics, and logistics benefit from the company's solutions. The company is also ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certified for quality management and environmental management.
Ranking as of January 2025
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | American Grippers Inc |
8.2%
|
| 2 | Norgren Automation Solutions LLC |
7.9%
|
| 3 | RAD |
6.5%
|
| 4 | DESTACO, A Dover Company |
5.7%
|
| 5 | ATI Industrial Automation |
5.2%
|
| 6 | OnRobot US Inc. |
4.9%
|
| 7 | Walther-Praezision |
4.6%
|
| 8 | Balconi Presseccentriche S.p.A. |
4.4%
|
| 9 | IPR – Intelligente Peripherien für Roboter GmbH |
3.5%
|
| 10 | Effecto Group S.p.A. |
3.3%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the tool changer page as of January 2025. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
8 | 29.6% |
|
Japan
|
6 | 22.2% |
|
Germany
|
5 | 18.5% |
|
Italy
|
2 | 7.4% |
|
Canada
|
1 | 3.7% |
|
Israel
|
1 | 3.7% |
|
China
|
1 | 3.7% |
Taiwan
|
1 | 3.7% |
|
Singapore
|
1 | 3.7% |
|
Sweden
|
1 | 3.7% |
202 products found - Page 2
202 products - Page 2
Sunk Japan Co., Ltd.
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