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Author Topic: Automatic tool changer with mach  (Read 11810 times)

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Offline cnc-it

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Automatic tool changer with mach
« 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.

Offline Chaoticone

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Re: Automatic tool changer with mach
« Reply #1 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
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Offline ger21

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Re: Automatic tool changer with mach
« Reply #2 on: July 12, 2009, 05:03:29 PM »
There's a video on creating a toolchange macro here.
http://www.machsupport.com/videos/
Gerry

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Offline cnc-it

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Re: Automatic tool changer with mach
« Reply #3 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.