Overview

In a Linear Traveling Tool Changer, the tools are mounted along the X axis and move with the X-axis gantry.

The tool tray becomes part of the tool change process, positioning tools for loading and unloading into the spindle.

Selecting the Tool Changer

• Go to the Tool Changer window
• Select Linear Tool Changer
• Double-click to open settings

This timer defines the duration (in milliseconds) of the air blast used to clean the tool setter before tool measurement after a tool change.

Assign an output for the Tool Setter Air Blast

Linear Tool Changer Settings

For a traveling tool changer:

• Tool tray fixed to X-axis must be ticked

• Load and unload tools without sliding must be unticked

   

Tool Changer Parameters

The tool changer settings window is divided into sections.

Some options will change depending on the tool changer type.

The following parameters are commonly used:

Number of Slots

Set between 4 and 30 tool slots

Tool Change Z Feedrate

Feed rate for Z-axis movement during tool change

Tool Change Feedrate

X and Y feed rate used for sliding tool changers - (Not used for traveling tool tray systems)

Tool Change Z Clearance

Safe Z height (machine coordinate) after dropping off a tool

Pick and Place Z Position

Z height (machine coordinate) used when placing or picking up a tool

Tool tray fixed to X-axis

Must be ticked

Load and unload tools without sliding

Must be unticked

Tool Slots

X Position - Defines the centre of each tool slot (machine coordinate)
 

Inputs and Outputs

If your machine does not use certain inputs or outputs, leave them unassigned. MASSO will ignore them during operation.

Syntax

• “Tool Changer - Output 1” refers to an output
• “Tool Changer - Input 1” refers to an input

Any tool changer input or output can be assigned to any available MASSO input or output.

Inputs

• Tool Changer - Input 1: Spindle drawbar status
  • LOW = clamped
  • HIGH = unclamped
• Tool Changer - Input 2: Tool in place status
  • LOW = no tool in spindle
• Tool Changer - Input 3: Spindle INDEX position

Outputs

• Chuck Clamp (M10/M11): Clamp/unclamp spindle tool
• Tool Changer - Output 1: Air return (HIGH for 6 seconds after tool change)
• Tool Changer - Output 2: Spindle clean air blast
• Tool Changer - Output 3: Spindle INDEX control

Type 1 - Sliding Tool Changer Logic

When a tool change command is executed:

• Spindle turns OFF and waits for Spin Down Delay
• System checks if current tool is assigned to a slot
• System checks if requested tool is assigned to a slot
• Z axis moves to the homing position
• Tool tray moves UP
• X and Y axes move to tool unload start position
• Z axis moves down to Pick and Place Z Position
• Z axis slides into the tool holder
• Chuck Clamp goes HIGH to unclamp
  • Wait up to 6 seconds for Input 1
• Z axis moves up to Tool Change Z Clearance
• X and Y axes move to the new tool position
• Z axis moves down to Pick and Place Z Position
• Output 2 (air blast) goes HIGH during descent
• Output 2 goes LOW when in position
• Chuck Clamp goes LOW to clamp
• Wait up to 6 seconds for Input 1
• Input 2 must go HIGH
• If not, trigger “Tool Error” alarm
• Z axis slides out of the tool holder
• Output 1 goes HIGH for 6 seconds (air return)
• Tool tray moves DOWN

Tool Tray

Refer to the Tool Tray installation guide for setup details.

Dust Hood

Refer to the Dust Hood installation guide for setup details.

Assigning Tool Slots

• Each tool must be assigned to a slot
• Only one tool can be assigned per slot

Manual Load Option

If enabled:

• The current tool is returned to its slot
• The spindle moves to the manual tool change position
• The machine waits for the user to change the tool - HERE

• Press Cycle Start to resume

   

- Currently not implemented

This open the Tool tray cover or moves the Tool Tray into position depending on you Tool tray setup

- Currently not implemented

This button calls an M6 command to change the current tool in the spindle to the tool shown in the tool edit page.

IT will return the current tool to the tool changer and pick up the new tool.

- Currently not implemented

Press this button for 3 seconds to unclamp the spindle chuck.

Press again to close