Tools 101 – 104

Multi Spindles allow up to four additional spindles to be added to the Z-axis. Together with the Main Spindle, this provides a total of five spindles that can be configured in MASSO.

Each spindle is mounted to a common Z-axis and moved into position using an Up/Down signal. This movement is typically controlled using a pneumatic cylinder.

Spindle Configuration

Each Multi Spindle is configured in the Multi-Head Settings page and can be enabled or disabled as required.

Each spindle includes:

• Dedicated tool number

• Individual X and Y offset values

• Corresponding tool entry in the F4 Tools & Work Offsets table

The X and Y offsets are measured from the Main Spindle centre point, or another suitable reference point chosen by the user.

Differences in Z-axis tool length are managed using the MASSO F4 Tool Table.

Refer to the special note for Multi-Head users in the M06 G-code command.

Tool Numbers

Multi Spindles use the following tool numbers:

Tools 101–104 are selected using the M06 tool change command.

Instead of the main spindle selecting the tool, the corresponding Multi Spindle is activated.

Spindle Select Outputs

Each spindle has a dedicated Spindle Select output that can be assigned to any MASSO TTL output.

These outputs are used to:

• Move the spindle into position

• Retract the spindle when not required

• Direct spindle control signals to the selected spindle

Spindle VFD Run Status Input

A Spindle VFD Run Status input is provided to monitor when the spindle is running.

This prevents MASSO from switching to another spindle while the VFD is still running.

The input must be configured so that:

• Logic LOW = VFD idle

• Logic HIGH = VFD running

Most VFDs provide this signal using either:

• Open collector output

• Relay output

Configuration

To configure Multi Spindles:

1. Enable each Multi Spindle you intend to use.
   Only enable the spindles that are installed on your machine.

2. Assign a TTL output for the Main Spindle Select.

3. Assign a TTL output for each Multi Spindle Select.

4. Assign an input as Spindle VFD Run Status.

5. Configure your VFD to output a signal when the VFD is running.

6. Enter the X and Y offset values for each enabled spindle in the Multi-Head Settings page.

Offsets should be referenced from the Main Spindle centre point, or another suitable reference location.

INFORMATION

When MASSO starts and performs homing, the X, Y, and Z axes are homed with all head units retracted.

After homing:

1. The Main Spindle moves into position.

2. If Auto Tool Zero is enabled as part of the homing routine, the spindle will perform a touch-off measurement.

3. The Main Spindle then retracts.

4. The last loaded tool is lowered into position.

Multi-Spindle Logic

Example command:

T101 M06

When a tool change command is issued:

1. MASSO checks which spindle is required.

2. If the tool number is 1–100

   • The Main Spindle is selected.

   • If the spindle uses an ATC, the tool change operates normally.

3. If the tool number is 101–104

   • The corresponding Multi Spindle is selected.

Wiring Multiple Spindles

Spindle Select Output

The Spindle Select output can be assigned to any spare TTL output.

This output controls the movement of the spindle assembly, usually using pneumatic cylinders.

• Output HIGH ? Cylinder pushes the spindle down into position

• Output LOW ? Cylinder retracts the spindle

The output also directs spindle control signals to the selected spindle.

Spindle Control Methods

Method 1 – Dedicated VFD for Each Spindle

The spindle control signals (Speed, Forward, Reverse) are switched to the required spindle.

Each spindle has its own VFD.

Method 2 – Single VFD with Power Switching

The machine uses one VFD, and the 3-phase power is switched to the selected spindle using a 3-phase contactor relay unit.

Example Wiring Diagram

Setting Tool Z Offset

To set the Z offset for Multi Spindle tools:

1. Open the F4 Tool Table.

2. Double-click the required tool number.

3. Click Auto Tool Zero to measure the tool.

The tool only needs to be measured once, unless the tool installed in the spindle is changed.

If Auto Tool Zero is not configured, a Zero option will be shown instead.
 

In this case, the tool length must be set manually.

Measuring Tool Length

Each Multi-Spindle tool is considered fixed length once installed and measured.

For this reason, MASSO does not perform Auto Tool Zero during tool changes for Multi-Spindle tools.

The Main Spindle will continue to use Auto Tool Zero normally if it is enabled.