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Author Topic: atc setup 101  (Read 6908 times)

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Offline eloid

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atc setup 101
« on: August 31, 2014, 08:58:53 PM »
Hello im looking to purchase a atc spindle and have lots question?

1. How is the Pressure Switch controlled with mach or the bob?
2. How is the solenoid valve controlled?
3. How does mach know the tool change is completed

I understand there are marcos for changing the tools, If there anyone that can share how they setup there hardware
and can explain question 1-3

Offline mc

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Re: atc setup 101
« Reply #1 on: September 01, 2014, 05:48:32 AM »
It all depends on the tool changer.
If the ATC requires critical timing, then you'll need to use some form of external controller to act as an interface between Mach3 and the ATC, as Mach3 macros only have a 10hz update rate so critical timing points can easily be missed.
If it doesn't require critical timing, then it's just a case of connecting up the inputs and outputs.

Regardless of how it's connected, you need to write/modify a suitable toolchange macro to handle the required toolchange sequence, via whatever inputs/outputs are being used.

Offline eloid

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Re: atc setup 101
« Reply #2 on: September 01, 2014, 07:19:00 AM »
I dont think the atc needs to have  critical timing for my needs... i have read, you need  a pressure switch and 5/2 Monostable solenoid valve ...any pneumatic experts here to explain  how this solenoide works ...so i figure how to wire it?



Offline mc

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Re: atc setup 101
« Reply #3 on: September 01, 2014, 08:09:00 AM »
A 5/2 valve, is a changeover valve designed for reversing double acting actuators.
A quick google has thrown up this page - http://www.angelfire.com/ia3/jrtdogbone/pneumatic.htm
If you scroll down a bit, it's got a good diagram/animation/explanation.

It would help if we knew what ATC you're looking at, as it saves guessing about how it should be setup.

Offline eloid

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Re: atc setup 101
« Reply #4 on: September 01, 2014, 09:37:16 AM »
This is what I have been able to come up with in my search, my background is not pneumatics so I need some help

atc diagram

https://www.damencnc.com/images/products/fullsize/1384707087_Pneumatic%20Set%20for%20ATC.jpg


 clean shop dry air in (point 4)
 Compressed air filtering 5um (point 5 in diagram)
 Compressed air filtering 0.1um (point 6 in diagram)
Pressure regulator (point 7 in diagram)
Pressure Switch (point 8 in diagram)
 5/2 Monostable solenoid valve, including connector coil etc (point 9 in diagram)

 
The part I need help with is triggering the pressure switch and solenoid valve before and after the tool change with mach

Im using c32 bob  http://www.cnc4pc.com/Store/osc/product_info.php?cPath=33&products_id=182




« Last Edit: September 01, 2014, 09:44:26 AM by eloid »

Offline ger21

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Re: atc setup 101
« Reply #5 on: September 01, 2014, 09:57:14 AM »
I'm assuming that the pressure switch is a safety to E-Stop the system if the air pressure drops?

Both pressure switches and pneumatic valves are available in a variety of voltages, commonly 24VDC and 110V AC.

You would have the pressure switch trigger a relay to activate an input on the breakout board.

And you'd have an output on the breakout  board activate a relay, which would activate the valve.

You need to choose relays with appropriate voltage values to match the other components.

If you check Ebay for MAC valves, you can often find new high quality valves for $10-$20. Or, you can buy new chinese valves for about the same price.
Gerry

2010 Screenset
http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

JointCAM Dovetail and Box Joint software
http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

Offline eloid

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Re: atc setup 101
« Reply #6 on: September 01, 2014, 11:05:43 AM »
When mach moves to make new tool change..and moves to empty tool holder to release the used tool what Activates the
The  solinoide to release the tool ....mach ( software comand) or the spindle ( hardware ie sensor) when the spindle is
lower in the unused tool holder

Offline ger21

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Re: atc setup 101
« Reply #7 on: September 01, 2014, 11:51:09 AM »
Mach3 should be controlling everything.

Depending on the spindle, there may be sensors that tell you if there's a tool loaded, so you don't try to load a tool when there's already one loaded. BEtter spindles have these, but I don't if the Chinese ones do.

In Mach3, your M6 macro controls the entire tool change.
Gerry

2010 Screenset
http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

JointCAM Dovetail and Box Joint software
http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html