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Manual “Semi-Automation” for MC Machining
TSUDAKOMA’s Simple Pallet Changer for Small Machining Centers, “PCH-3000”
18/02/2026
Takehiro YosozumiFactory Director
In production environments engaged in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing, longer setup times increase machine downtime and significantly impact overall productivity. “We would like to introduce external setup, but automatic pallet changers (APCs) and robots are too expensive.” “We want to improve productivity even with BT30-class small machining centers.” The “PCH-3000,” a manual pallet changer for small machining centers developed by TSUDAKOMA Corp. (hereafter TSUDAKOMA), addresses these challenges.
Turn Setup Time into Machining Time Manual Pallet Changer for Small Machining Centers (BT30 Compatible)
External setup refers to preparing and changing workpieces outside the machine while machining is in progress. The “PCH-3000” is a manual pallet changer designed to improve the utilization of small machining centers (MCs). With this system, workpieces are set up on an external pallet and, once machining is complete, the entire pallet is manually slid into position and exchanged. High-precision positioning is achieved through manual sliding alone. Without relying on complex automated equipment, the system significantly increases machine utilization while keeping capital investment low. This solution is particularly well suited for factories engaged in high-mix, low-volume production where frequent setup changes are required.
Design Leveraging TSUDAKOMA’s Precision Technology
TSUDAKOMA is a manufacturer of peripheral equipment for machine tools and has earned a strong reputation over many years for its NC rotary tables and machine vises. Since 1937, its Machine Tool Division has actively developed peripheral devices that enhance the performance of existing machine tools. By leveraging the company’s accumulated expertise in high-precision indexing and positioning, together with its high-rigidity design know-how, stable workpiece accuracy is ensured. Its structure offers excellent repeatability and rigidity, enabling reliable use in mass-production machining.
▲ New additions to TSUDAKOMA’s lineup of peripheral equipment for machine tools
(Left) AWC combining an NC tilting rotary table, a 5-axis machine vise, and a workpiece exchange unit
(Right) Compact machining center “TSUDAKOMA i-CUBE TiC Series,” operable on a 100V power supply
Shorten Setup Time and Improve Machine Utilization — While Reducing Operator Workload
The key features of the “PCH-3000” are as follows:
✔︎ Significantly increases machine utilization
By enabling external setup, workpiece changeover can be performed in parallel with machining, significantly reducing machine downtime.
✔︎ Reduces operator workload
Operators no longer need to lean into the machine for setup work, reducing physical strain. Safety is also improved when handling heavy workpieces or loading fixtures.
✔︎ Easy to implement
External setup is possible without the use of automatic pallet changers or robots. The system operates on air pressure only (no electrical wiring required). No complex wiring or initial configuration is necessary, and anchor installation is not required.
✔︎ Retrofit-ready for existing machines
The system can be installed on machines currently in operation.
【Example of Productivity Improvement Using the PCH-3000】 Applicable Machine: Small Machining Centers (BT30) Asia Maintenance (AMA), in collaboration with TSUDAKOMA, provides comprehensive support to customers using TSUDAKOMA products. We serve as the primary point of contact for all customer inquiries, including retrofitting existing machines and consultations on custom specifications.
The “PCH-3000” is a productivity-enhancing solution designed to maximize the potential of small machining centers.
▲ The pallet, with the workpiece mounted, can be manually slid as a single unit.
Conventional Type PCH-3000 Machining time (per cycle) 8 minutes 8 minutes Setup change time 4 minutes 10 seconds Daily output (8 hours) 40 pcs 58 pcs 
45% Productivity Increase by Reducing Machine Downtime and Setup Time!
• Compatible with FANUC and Brother models (installation experience with other manufacturers’ machines is also available)
• Also compatible with BT40 (please contact us for details)
• Jig mounting on pallets, as well as the design and manufacture of dedicated jigs, are available
Installation and Maintenance Support for TSUDAKOMA Products in Thailand — Provided by AMA
▲ From left: Mr. Nakadera and Mr. Okawa of TSUDAKOMA; Mr. Yosozumi and Mr. Sakakura of AMA
TSUDAKOMA Corp.
Satoshi Okawa
Director, Head of Machine Tool-Related Business Operations
Koichi Nakadera
Sales Section 2, Machine Tools Sales Department
ASIA MAINTENANCE CO., LTD.
Takehiro Yosozumi
Factory Director
Keishi Sakakura
Sales Department / General Manager
We welcome visitors. For more information about the “PCH-3000,” our simple pallet changer for small machining centers, please contact us using the form below.
