Re: Auto tool changers - preloading

RayHex,

The something that you missed is that the
changer arrangement on many large CNC
machines uses a "fork" with two, or more,
tool slots between the tool carousel and
the machine spindle. One end of the "fork"
is pre-loaded with the next tool, while the
empty end is positioned ready to remove the
current tool from the spindle. This allows
the change to happen rapidly by plucking
the current tool from the spindle, spin the
"fork" 180 degrees, load the new tool, and
resume cutting. Then.... the carousel moves
to the correct location to store the tool
from the "fork".

Cheers,
Steve Stallings

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "Raymond Heckert" <jnr@a...> wrote:
> It wouldn't do any good to index to the tool position a couple of
steps
> before the M06 command, because, before the changer can put
the "new" tool
> in, it must first put the "old" tool back in the "rack". Or did I
miss
> something here?
>
> RayHex
>
> ----------
> > From: ballendo <ballendo@y...>
> >
> > Sounds like you're most of the way already...
> >
> > Yes, M06 and Txx. Most good programmers will list the "T" word at
> > least a few blocks ahead of the M06, so the toolchange turret
> > can "get ready"(rotate; talking 'bout mills here) so as to have
the
> > next tool in position for a quicker tool change when the M06
actually
> > initiates the physical change to the new tool.