The capacity and layout of the tool magazine for CNC drilling and milling machines vary widely depending on the specific machine. However, based on the required capacity and tool retrieval method, the main types of tool magazines can be categorized as follows:
  
1. Single-disc tool magazine and tool change mechanism without robotic arm
  
The single-disc tool magazine, commonly known as the "bamboo hat-style tool magazine" (resembling a large bamboo hat), can generally store 16 to 24 tools. Too many tools would make the "bamboo hat" too big to fit. When changing tools, this bamboo hat-style tool magazine moves the entire magazine towards the spindle. When the tool on the spindle enters the magazine's slot, the spindle moves upwards to disengage from the tool, and then the magazine rotates. When the tool to be changed is aligned directly below the spindle, the spindle moves downwards to allow the tool to enter the spindle's taper hole. After clamping the tool, the magazine returns to its original position.
  
2. Chain-type tool magazine and tool change robot
  
The chain-type tool magazine is characterized by its large capacity for storing tools. Typically, it can hold more than 20 tools, and some can store up to 100 tools. It transfers the tools to be changed to the designated position through a chain. The robotic arm loads the tools onto the spindle, and all tool change actions are facilitated by a structure that combines an electric motor and mechanical cams. The structure is simplified and the operation is reliable, but the price is high.
  
The tool change time for the bucket-style tool magazine is 5 to 7 seconds, while the tool change time for the robotic arm is 2 to 3 seconds. Although the tool change time of the bucket-style tool magazine is slower than that of the robotic arm, it is still only 5 to 7 seconds. For Chinese enterprises, this efficiency is completely acceptable. Therefore, the key to choosing which type of tool magazine to use depends on how many tools your processing objects generally require.
  
Regarding the quality of the tool magazine itself, given that tool magazines are now produced professionally and socially, no matter how large the manufacturer of CNC machine tools is, their tool magazines are all purchased. Therefore, regardless of the size of the CNC machine tool manufacturer, in terms of the tool magazine and tool change device, they are all starting from the same line.