The RapidChange ATC uses the spindle to unscrew the current tool and screw on a new tool.

It requires:

• A spindle with speed control
• Ability to run in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions

This tool changer supports:

• Tool tray magazines with or without a dust cover and laser
• Multiple tool trays without covers and IR sensors

Up to 30 tool slots can be mounted on the machine table.

Wiring the RapidChange ATC to MASSO

Selecting the Tool Changer

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

Setting Up the Tool Changer

Parameters

• Number of Slots
  Number of tool positions (up to 30 supported)
• Cover Open Delay (ms)
  Time MASSO waits for the dust cover to open
  If using a sensor, this is the timeout before an alarm
• Spindle Start Position
  Z machine coordinate before starting the spindle and engaging the tool
• Unload RPM
  Spindle speed used when removing a tool
• Load RPM
  Spindle speed used when installing a tool
• Z Engage Position
  Engagement height of the collet nut (typically ~0.5 mm below nut level)
• Engage Feedrate
  Feedrate used when entering the tool slot
• Collet Clearance Offset
  Z machine coordinate used when moving between tool slots
• Retorque Count
  Number of additional tightening cycles after loading a tool
  • 0 = no retorque
  • Recommended: 1
• Tool Check-1 Z Position
  Used to confirm tool unload/load
• Tool Check-2 Z Position
  Used to confirm correct threading of the tool
• Safe X & Y Position
  Position to move away from the tool changer before closing the cover
  (Typically the Auto Tool Zero position)
• Slot 1 to Slot 30
  X and Y machine coordinates for each tool slot

Tool Changer Inputs and Outputs

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: IR beam detector
  • HIGH = beam broken
  • LOW = beam clear

Outputs

• Tool Changer - Output 1: Dust cover control
  • HIGH = open

  • LOW = close

     

Tool Changer Logic

Tool Change Request

• M06 command is executed
• System checks current tool
• If same tool, no change is performed

• System verifies tool is assigned to a slot

   

Unloading Tool

1. Output 1 goes HIGH ? open dust cover

2. Wait for cover open delay and Input 1 to go LOW

    • If not, trigger alarm

3. Move Z axis to home position
4. Move to current tool slot (X, Y)
5. Move to Spindle Start Position
6. Start spindle CCW at Unload RPM
7. Wait for spindle spin-up
8. Move to Z Engage Position at Engage Feedrate
9. Move to Tool Check-1 Z Position (rapid)
10. Stop spindle
11. Check Input 1 = LOW

• If not, tool unload failed ? alarm

   

Loading Tool

1. Move Z to Collet Clearance Offset
2. Move to new tool slot (X, Y)
3. Move to Spindle Start Position
4. Start spindle CW at Load RPM
5. Wait for spin-up
6. Move to Z Engage Position
7. Move to Tool Check-1 Z Position (rapid)

8. Check Input 1 = HIGH

    • If not, tool load failed ? alarm

9. Move to Tool Check-2 Z Position
10. Check Input 1 = LOW

 • If not, tool cross-threaded ? alarm

Repeat tightening for Retorque Count

Completion

• Stop spindle
• Wait for spin-down
• Move Z to home position
• Move to Safe X & Y position
• Close dust cover (Output 1 LOW)
• Tool change complete

Recovery from Failed Tool Change

If a tool change fails:

1. Check the tool number shown on the MASSO screen
2. Manually complete the tool change

Steps:

• Go to F4 Tools screen
• Double-click the current tool
• Press Auto Tool Zero
• Confirm warning and proceed

• Tool length will be measured and updated

   

Resume Machining

• Use Jump to Line
• Do not restart on the tool change line

• Ensure restart begins after the correct tool is loaded

   

IMPORTANT NOTES

• MASSO recreates conditions before the restart line
• If restarting too early, the previous tool may be reloaded
• Adjust restart line forward if needed