News | March 23, 2000

Westec 2000: Kennametal Debuts Re-Invented Tool Dispenser

Source: Kennametal, Inc.

Shop-floor tool dispensers based on "candy machine" technology have been around for a while. The machines can help control tool use and reduce tooling inventories while making it easy for shop-floor personnel to obtain the tooling they need.

But "candy machines" have some drawbacks, too, chief among them the fact that they were not designed to dispense cutting tools.

Designed specifically to handle cutting tools, the ToolBoss tool management system from Kennametal establishes 24-hr tool control and provides comprehensive reporting capabilities on tool consumption.

Enter Kennametal, Inc. (Latrobe, PA), which debuted its ToolBoss E-storage and tool management system at Westec 2000. Designed from the ground up to handle inserts and long tools, the machine eliminates re-packaging of tools for dispensing by using industry-standard tool packaging. It also allows users to return tools for re-use or rework—a capability lacking in candy machines, according to Kennametal.

The ToolBoss uses Automated Tool Management Software (ATMS) that lets tracks tool consumption and can limit access to tooling by machine, job, or user. The system is compatible with shop-floor networking and EDI systems, and can be expanded to handle enterprise-wide tool management. Multiple ToolBoss units also can be linked to provide more tool storage.

Kennametal Inc., P.O. Box 346, Latrobe, PA15650. Phone (800) 446-7738.

Edited by Jim Destefani