MASSO Documentation

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Linear Tool Changer (Type 2)

Two types of linear tool changers are supported, each with different control logic for inputs and outputs. Review both Type 1 and Type 2 to determine which best suits your machine.

Selecting the Tool Changer

Go to the Tool Changer window
Select Linear Tool Changer (Type 2)
Double-click to open settings

INFORMATION: The Tool Setter Air Blast is used to clean dust or chips from the tool setter after a tool change and before measurement. It is not used during the tool change process.

Setting Up Tool Changer Logic

Refer to the Tool Changer Logic setup page for detailed configuration instructions.

Tool Changer Inputs and Outputs

Syntax

“Tool Changer - Output 1” refers to a tool changer output
“Tool Changer - Input 1” refers to a tool changer input

Any tool changer input or output can be assigned to any available input or output on MASSO. The numbering does not correspond to a specific physical port.

INFORMATION: If your machine does not use one or more inputs listed below, leave them unassigned. The tool changer logic will ignore unused inputs and continue operation.

Inputs

Tool Changer - Input 1: Spindle drawbar status (LOW = clamped, HIGH = unclamped)
Tool Changer - Input 2: Tool in place status (LOW = alarm condition)
Tool Changer - Input 3: Dust hood UP OK (HIGH = hood is UP)

Outputs

Chuck Clamp (M10/M11): Controls spindle drawbar (LOW = clamp, HIGH = unclamp)
Tool Changer - Output 1: Dust hood control (HIGH = hood moves UP)
Tool Changer - Output 2: Air return (remains HIGH for 6 seconds after tool change)
Tool Changer - Output 3: Spindle clean air blast

INFORMATION: From MASSO software version 3.48, if Tool Changer - Output 2 is not assigned in the F1 Setup screen, the 6-second delay will be automatically skipped.

Tool Changer Logic

When a tool change command is executed:

Spindle turns OFF and waits for the Spin Down Delay
System checks if the current tool is assigned to a slot in the F4 Tools screen
System checks if the requested tool is assigned to a slot
Z axis moves to the homing position
Output 1 goes HIGH to raise the dust hood
- Waits up to 6 seconds for Input 3 (Dust Hood UP OK)
X and Y axes move to the tool unload position
Z axis moves down to the tool unload position
Chuck Clamp goes HIGH to unclamp the tool
- Waits up to 6 seconds for Input 1
Input 2 (Tool in place) must go LOW
- If not, a “Tool Error” alarm is triggered indicating a tool is stuck
Output 3 (spindle clean air blast) goes HIGH
Z axis moves up to clearance position
Output 3 goes LOW when clearance position is reached
X and Y axes move to the new tool position
Z axis moves down to the tool load position
Output 3 goes HIGH during descent
Output 3 goes LOW when in position
Chuck Clamp goes LOW to clamp the tool
Waits up to 6 seconds for Input 1
Input 2 (Tool in place) must go HIGH
If not, a “Tool Error” alarm is triggered indicating no tool detected
Axis moves to clear the tool
Z axis moves to the homing position
Output 1 goes LOW to lower the dust hood
Waits up to 6 seconds for Input 3 to go LOW
Output 2 goes HIGH for 6 seconds (used for spindles requiring air return)

INFORMATION: All input and output signals can be inverted by selecting them in the list and pressing the spacebar. These settings are automatically saved.

INFORMATION: Each tool must be assigned to a tool slot in the F4 Tools and Work Offset screen. If a tool is not assigned, a tool error alarm will occur during a tool change.

INFORMATION: Tool changers can be placed outside soft limits to protect them from damage. However, the Auto Tool Zero position must remain within soft limits.