Documentation

Linear Tool Changer Configuration

The linear tool changer logic lets you set up sliding and pick-and-place tool racks. Each slot is positioned independently, so tools can sit in one row or several, anywhere on the table.

Applies to

MASSO G3 and G3 Touch, mill

Screen

F1-Setup › Tool Changer

Slots

Up to 30 (4 by default)

CAUTION

Wrong tool changer settings can cause unexpected moves and damage the tool changer. While setting up, use Feed Rate Override to slow the machine down.

INFORMATION

Tool slots can be placed outside the soft limits to protect them from accidental damage. The Auto Tool Zero position must stay inside the soft limits.

Linear tool changer with tools in a row

Settings

Linear Tool Changer settings window

Distances and feed rates use the units set in F1-Setup › General Settings.

Setting	What it does	Coordinates
Number of slots	Use the arrows to set how many slots are shown. Up to 30; 4 by default.	–
Tool Change Feed Rate	Feed rate used to slide tools in and out of the holders. The slide distance is set by Tool Change Offset. All other moves are at rapid speed. 0 stops the slide moves entirely.	–
Tool Holder Z Clearance	Z height after dropping off a tool and before moving to the next slot. The move between slots is at rapid speed and may pass over other holders, so set it high enough.	Machine
Pick and Place Z Position	Z height for picking up or placing a tool on pick-and-place changers. Z moves to and from it at rapid speed.	Machine
Tool Clearance Offset	Where the spindle goes first to start a tool change, before dropping off the tool. Positive or negative values set the approach direction. From here the spindle moves at rapid speed to the Tool Change Offset.	X, Y relative to slot
Tool Change Offset	Where the spindle starts sliding into or out of a slot, at the Tool Change Feed Rate. Sliding changers normally use one axis (X or Y); using both makes the tool enter at an angle. Set to X0, Y0 for pick-and-place.	X, Y relative to slot
Slot # X, Y	Centre of each tool slot. Slots can be anywhere on the table, including outside the soft limits, and in several rows for pick-and-place.	Machine

How offsets are calculated

Clearance position (X, Y) = Slot position (X, Y) + Tool Clearance Offset (X, Y)
Change position (X, Y)  = Slot position (X, Y) + Tool Change Offset (X, Y)

Examples

Example 1: sliding changer

Tool 1 is in slot 1, tool 2 in slot 4. On T2 M06 the spindle:

Moves to the clearance position of slot 1.
Moves to the change position.
Slides at the feed rate to drop off tool 1.
Moves to slot 4 and loads tool 2.
Returns to its original position.

Example 2: sliding changer, other direction

Tool 1 is in slot 1, tool 2 in slot 3. Same sequence as example 1, with coordinates set by these slot positions and offsets.

Example 3: pick and place

Tool 1 is in slot 1, tool 2 in slot 7. The spindle:

Moves directly over slot 1.
Lowers and drops the tool vertically.
Moves to slot 7 and picks up tool 2.
Returns to the machining position.

Example 4: same clearance and change offset

When Tool Clearance Offset and Tool Change Offset are the same, the intermediate move is skipped and the spindle goes straight into the tool change motion.