Tool Changer Update
Posted by
Fred Smith
on 2009-04-03 06:41:45 UTC
We released a video of our tool changer project last summer. After a lot of development and testing, it is now complete.
During the process, we ran extensive tests of tool changes in the same slot and ended with a combination of geometry and material that barely shows any wear after 500-1000 toolchanges. The tooling system is based on the High Tech Systems rapid changer. It is available with 3/8 dia( ER-16 collet and larger) and 3/4 dia straight shanks ( R-8 collet), and 3/4-16 threaded which fits Sherline and Taig spindle nose. The system is all mechanical and does not use a drawbar, so it is very easy to install and setup. We have completed a set of DeskCNC tool change macros, and expect that a similar set will soon be available for Mach3( it's quite a bit more complicated to setup and requires a knowledge of VB, which is not needed in the DeskCNC setups).
I have a couple more recent videos that show PCB trace isolation milling, and enclosure panel engraving, done with a Sherline spindle.
PCB: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U755sLfnxUw
Engraving: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vemv24jdxo4
This one may also be of interest to some group members. It shows automatic tool length measurment of all the tools in the rack.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBz_HQ6vcT8
Info about the toolchanger is at this link:
http://www.cadcamcadcam.com/toolchangesystem.aspx
Fred Smith - IMService
http://www.imsrv.com
During the process, we ran extensive tests of tool changes in the same slot and ended with a combination of geometry and material that barely shows any wear after 500-1000 toolchanges. The tooling system is based on the High Tech Systems rapid changer. It is available with 3/8 dia( ER-16 collet and larger) and 3/4 dia straight shanks ( R-8 collet), and 3/4-16 threaded which fits Sherline and Taig spindle nose. The system is all mechanical and does not use a drawbar, so it is very easy to install and setup. We have completed a set of DeskCNC tool change macros, and expect that a similar set will soon be available for Mach3( it's quite a bit more complicated to setup and requires a knowledge of VB, which is not needed in the DeskCNC setups).
I have a couple more recent videos that show PCB trace isolation milling, and enclosure panel engraving, done with a Sherline spindle.
PCB: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U755sLfnxUw
Engraving: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vemv24jdxo4
This one may also be of interest to some group members. It shows automatic tool length measurment of all the tools in the rack.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBz_HQ6vcT8
Info about the toolchanger is at this link:
http://www.cadcamcadcam.com/toolchangesystem.aspx
Fred Smith - IMService
http://www.imsrv.com