Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: cnc-it on July 12, 2009, 03:01:26 PM

Title: Automatic tool changer with mach
Post by: cnc-it on July 12, 2009, 03:01:26 PM

Hi I am a complete beginner with Mach and I am used to running Fanuc controlled machine centres.
A friend has just bought a Bridgeport 412 VMC with a 12 pot rotary tool changer.
I noticed that it uses a Fanuc Macro B program to operate the tool changer. I'm pretty sure that relays can be operated from a  macro B program to work air solenoids etc.

My question is how does  Mach 3  work a tool changer and are there any limitations or can any type of tool changer be used.

John.

Title: Re: Automatic tool changer with mach
Post by: Chaoticone on July 12, 2009, 04:44:06 PM

John, it can be done but the best way to go about doing it will be up you guys. If you have enough IO with parallel ports it can be done with Macros. If you need more I/O, you may want to let a PLC handle the toolchanges and shake hands with Mach. That can be done too. It is deffinatly doable though.

Brett

Title: Re: Automatic tool changer with mach
Post by: ger21 on July 12, 2009, 05:03:29 PM

There's a video on creating a toolchange macro here.
http://www.machsupport.com/videos/

Title: Re: Automatic tool changer with mach
Post by: cnc-it on July 13, 2009, 03:01:01 AM

Thanks Brett and Ger that was the answer I was hoping for :).
Will check that video, time to get learning!!

John.