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Thread: ATC Slide

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Results 101 to 120 of 219
  1. #101
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    1632
    A new screen for the ATC. It's not pretty but it's functionable. Almost too embarrased to show you all. I'm just learning mach screens so I'll spruce it up some as I get better.

    Toolchanger is working wonderful so far. I converted a few of my tools over and still have about 7 or 8 left to taper and groove.

    Richard
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails ATCScreen.jpg  

  2. #102
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    1632
    Out of curiosity I timed a complete tool change this morning and this is not with it optimized. I still have some delays in there. It was 15 seconds from the start to the end and back to the position where I started.

    Right now, I'm using machine coordinates on everything however I'm thinking about using work offset for the C Axis that way I can enter the starting offset from Home to Tool # 1. Currently, I set an offset in Homing Offsets and it works but I think it would be easier to reference the other way for flexibility.

    Thoughts?
    Richard

  3. #103
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    1632

    ATC Screen

    I tried to attach as a BMP or JPG but it was too large so I did a PDF.

    It might not make sense at first glance but it works very well and has some pretty neat logic.

    DRO's At top Left are machine Coordinates. You can jog and step so everything is aligned and Click on the Set Z buttons. This if Toolchange clearance and Z Down so the spindle is just against the tool holder. Down feed and Dwells are there as well.

    In the middle are manual controls to Operate the Slide and PDB. When working the slide it moves the Z up to a safe position before extending. Extend slide has 2 LED's for now, left is for the solenoid output and right is the Limit saying the slide is all the way out.

    Get Tool From Slot, if you click on button one, it would unload what tool is in the spindle then load tool# 11 form the Tool Assignment.

    Tool Assignment can be any tool in the Mach Tool Database and they can be assigned to any slot. The code is smart enough to know if a spot is empty and if the Mach Database doesn't have offsets enters so it will Warn you it's missing.

    If a tool change is called for and the new tool is not in the slots then after it puts up the old tool a message will pop up asking you to manually insert Tool# xx into the spindle and press ok.

    Same if the Current tool isn't assigned a slot, it will raise up, tell you to manually remove the tool from the spindle and press ok, if the new tool is in a slot it will get it, if it's not, then it will ask you to insert a new tool manually.

    Anytime a tool is called for that does not have offsets set, the program will pause afterwards, Give you a message to touch off and zero then press cycle start.

    A simple M6Start macro got pretty complex!!!

    Richard
    Attached Files Attached Files

  4. #104
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Posts
    127
    Fantastic work! Your work will definitely offer extra motivation and guidance for everyone who has dreamed of making an ATC (isn't that all of us?) Have you ever had any issues with the stepper motors not indexing the tools to an exact enough location? It would obviously be relatively easy to design in an inter-locating pin setup with a solenoid or something, but no reason to complicate things if it's not necessary!
    Love the efficient look of your mach screens. What are you using for your PDB setup?

    -Matt

  5. #105
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    1632
    Thanks Matt.

    PDB is a 4 stage, 4" Fabco cylinder which can bee seen on my build thread.\
    Just ordered RF45 - CNCzone.com-The Largest Machinist Community on the net!

    I haven't had an issue with the tools not lining up, even before I put tapers on the top of the tool holders. With the tapers though, it pretty much self aligns if it's off a little.

    I simply homed the atc, then went to each slot and loosened the fork, centered it, then tightened the fork and they all lined up from there.

    The screen works fine but I need to add a few other things such as Sequence of Operation LEDs and Air Blast. I also want to add a simple interface to Add a New Tool it will rotate, open, allow you to stick the new tool in, then update the tool assignment. Same for removing a tool.

    Oh, and to add check boxes for Safety Options so I don't have to edit the code each time I run in simulation mode testing. Options: Slide Position Verification and one for Tool Offset Verification


    Here is the log of the ATC going thru many different test with tools that exist or don't exist. I have a few extra Z Up moves that are redundant that could be removed.

    Wed - 07:36:58 ---Program Startup
    Wed - 07:37:03 ---ReConfiguration Estop.
    Wed - 07:37:13 --- Initialization Macro Called on reset.
    Wed - 07:40:27 ---************************************************** ******************
    Wed - 07:40:28 ---Tool Change Initiated Old Tool #0 New Tool #2
    Wed - 07:40:28 ---Moving Z to Tool Change Position First
    Wed - 07:40:30 ---Moving X & Y to Tool Change Position
    Wed - 07:40:33 ---No Old Tool to Return - Old Tool # 0
    Wed - 07:40:33 ---Rotate ATC to Slot #2 For Tool #2
    Wed - 07:40:33 ---Bring Z Up to Toolup Position -0.89
    Wed - 07:40:34 ---Extending ATC Slide
    Wed - 07:40:36 ---Slide In Extended Position
    Wed - 07:40:36 ---PDB UnClamp
    Wed - 07:40:38 ---Bring Z down to ToolDown -2.393 at Feed 35
    Wed - 07:40:42 ---PDB Clamp
    Wed - 07:40:43 ---Retracting ATC Slide
    Wed - 07:40:45 ---Slide In Retracted Position
    Wed - 07:40:45 ---Bring Z Up to Toolup Position -0.89
    Wed - 07:40:47 ---Putting X and Y back where they were
    Wed - 07:40:50 ---Tool Change Complete
    Wed - 07:41:12 ---************************************************** ******************
    Wed - 07:41:13 ---Tool Change Initiated Old Tool #2 New Tool #0
    Wed - 07:41:13 ---Moving Z to Tool Change Position First
    Wed - 07:41:13 ---Moving X & Y to Tool Change Position
    Wed - 07:41:16 ---Rotate ATC to Slot #2 For Tool #2
    Wed - 07:41:17 ---Bring Z down to ToolDown -2.393
    Wed - 07:41:18 ---Extending ATC Slide
    Wed - 07:41:21 ---Slide In Extended Position
    Wed - 07:41:21 ---PDB UnClamp
    Wed - 07:41:22 ---Bring Z Up to Toolup Position -0.89
    Wed - 07:41:23 ---No New Tool - Leaving Spindle Empty
    Wed - 07:41:24 ---PDB Clamp
    Wed - 07:41:25 ---Retracting ATC Slide
    Wed - 07:41:27 ---Slide In Retracted Position
    Wed - 07:41:27 ---Bring Z Up to Toolup Position -0.89
    Wed - 07:41:28 ---Putting X and Y back where they were
    Wed - 07:41:31 ---Tool Change Complete
    Wed - 07:42:04 ---************************************************** ******************
    Wed - 07:42:04 ---Tool Change Initiated Old Tool #0 New Tool #99
    Wed - 07:42:05 ---Moving Z to Tool Change Position First
    Wed - 07:42:05 ---Moving X & Y to Tool Change Position
    Wed - 07:42:08 ---No Old Tool to Return - Old Tool # 0
    Wed - 07:42:08 ---Bring Z Up to Toolup Position -0.89
    Wed - 07:42:19 ---New Tool # 99 was manually Inserted
    Wed - 07:42:19 ---Bring Z Up to Toolup Position -0.89
    Wed - 07:42:20 ---Putting X and Y back where they were
    Wed - 07:42:23 ---Tool Change Complete
    Wed - 07:42:46 ---************************************************** ******************
    Wed - 07:42:47 ---Tool Change Initiated Old Tool #99 New Tool #2
    Wed - 07:42:47 ---Moving Z to Tool Change Position First
    Wed - 07:42:48 ---Moving X & Y to Tool Change Position
    Wed - 07:43:04 ---Old Tool # 99 was manually removed
    Wed - 07:43:05 ---Rotate ATC to Slot #2 For Tool #2
    Wed - 07:43:05 ---Bring Z Up to Toolup Position -0.89
    Wed - 07:43:06 ---Extending ATC Slide
    Wed - 07:43:08 ---Slide In Extended Position
    Wed - 07:43:08 ---PDB UnClamp
    Wed - 07:43:09 ---Bring Z down to ToolDown -2.393 at Feed 35
    Wed - 07:43:13 ---PDB Clamp
    Wed - 07:43:15 ---Retracting ATC Slide
    Wed - 07:43:17 ---Slide In Retracted Position
    Wed - 07:43:17 ---Bring Z Up to Toolup Position -0.89
    Wed - 07:43:19 ---Putting X and Y back where they were
    Wed - 07:43:22 ---Tool Change Complete
    Wed - 07:43:48 ---************************************************** ******************
    Wed - 07:43:48 ---Tool Change Initiated Old Tool #2 New Tool #1
    Wed - 07:43:48 ---Moving Z to Tool Change Position First
    Wed - 07:43:49 ---Moving X & Y to Tool Change Position
    Wed - 07:43:52 ---Rotate ATC to Slot #2 For Tool #2
    Wed - 07:43:53 ---Bring Z down to ToolDown -2.393
    Wed - 07:43:54 ---Extending ATC Slide
    Wed - 07:43:56 ---Slide In Extended Position
    Wed - 07:43:56 ---PDB UnClamp
    Wed - 07:43:58 ---Bring Z Up to Toolup Position -0.89
    Wed - 07:43:59 ---Rotate ATC to Slot #1 For Tool #1
    Wed - 07:44:00 ---Bring Z down to ToolDown -2.393 at Feed 35
    Wed - 07:44:04 ---PDB Clamp
    Wed - 07:44:05 ---Retracting ATC Slide
    Wed - 07:44:07 ---Slide In Retracted Position
    Wed - 07:44:08 ---Bring Z Up to Toolup Position -0.89
    Wed - 07:44:09 ---Putting X and Y back where they were
    Wed - 07:44:12 ---Tool Change Complete
    Wed - 07:44:22 ---************************************************** ******************
    Wed - 07:44:22 ---Tool Change Initiated Old Tool #1 New Tool #99
    Wed - 07:44:22 ---Moving Z to Tool Change Position First
    Wed - 07:44:23 ---Moving X & Y to Tool Change Position
    Wed - 07:44:26 ---Rotate ATC to Slot #1 For Tool #1
    Wed - 07:44:26 ---Bring Z down to ToolDown -2.393
    Wed - 07:44:28 ---Extending ATC Slide
    Wed - 07:44:30 ---Slide In Extended Position
    Wed - 07:44:30 ---PDB UnClamp
    Wed - 07:44:32 ---Bring Z Up to Toolup Position -0.89
    Wed - 07:44:33 ---PDB Clamp
    Wed - 07:44:34 ---Retracting ATC Slide
    Wed - 07:44:36 ---Slide In Retracted Position
    Wed - 07:44:36 ---Bring Z Up to Toolup Position -0.89
    Wed - 07:44:47 ---New Tool # 99 was manually Inserted
    Wed - 07:44:47 ---Bring Z Up to Toolup Position -0.89
    Wed - 07:44:48 ---Putting X and Y back where they were
    Wed - 07:44:51 ---Tool Change Complete
    Wed - 07:45:16 ---************************************************** ******************
    Wed - 07:45:16 ---Tool Change Initiated Old Tool #99 New Tool #95
    Wed - 07:45:16 ---Moving Z to Tool Change Position First
    Wed - 07:45:17 ---Moving X & Y to Tool Change Position
    Wed - 07:45:27 ---Old Tool # 99 was manually removed
    Wed - 07:45:27 ---Bring Z Up to Toolup Position -0.89
    Wed - 07:45:37 ---New Tool # 95 was manually Inserted
    Wed - 07:45:37 ---Bring Z Up to Toolup Position -0.89
    Wed - 07:45:37 ---Putting X and Y back where they were
    Wed - 07:45:40 ---Tool Change Complete
    Wed - 07:45:51 ---************************************************** ******************
    Wed - 07:45:52 ---Tool Change Initiated Old Tool #95 New Tool #0
    Wed - 07:45:52 ---Moving Z to Tool Change Position First
    Wed - 07:45:52 ---Moving X & Y to Tool Change Position
    Wed - 07:46:02 ---Old Tool # 95 was manually removed
    Wed - 07:46:02 ---No New Tool - Leaving Spindle Empty
    Wed - 07:46:02 ---Bring Z Up to Toolup Position -0.89
    Wed - 07:46:03 ---Putting X and Y back where they were
    Wed - 07:46:06 ---Tool Change Complete
    Richard

  6. #106
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    1632
    Nothing Impressive but I modified the software for Retract and Extend safety checks although it wasn't needed and I added 2 cylinder sensors.

    My Flow control valves came in and I mounted those, much smoother both ways now. I also fixed up the wiring and have it some what where I want it for now.

    I already cut out all the sections for the stepper cover and I started laying out the cover for the tools. Now is when I wish I had a CNC Plasma but I'll have to fire up the manual plasma and cut it out, shaky hands and all.

    Richard
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails DSC02621.JPG   DSC02623.JPG   DSC02624.JPG   DSC02625.JPG  

    DSC02626.JPG   DSC02627.JPG   DSC02628.JPG  

  7. #107
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    1632

    Thoughts?

    Wow, it's quiet around here. Did I run everyone off?

    I finished the box cover for the top of the stepper motor and proceeded to cutout and drill the top plate to the tray cover. It's 14" OD and looks like it's going to work good. I originally thought I would make the tray cover in two halves but of course after I cut it in two I decided to leave 1 solid item so I welded it back together.

    Now for the fun part, where I need ideas. I have some 4" wide 1/8" thick flat plate 48" long I cut from a sheet. I have to form this close to 14" od so I can finish forming and tacking onto the top tray cover. I measured everything around here and I have a 12" Rim which I might be able to wrap around because I'm sure it's going to expand back out a lot.

    1/8" is thin but it doesn't just make easy circles without a little work.

    I started to use a 16 gauge thick anodixed aluminum cake pan 14" OD x 3" deep. That would have been a little too Betty Crocker though.

    Any ideas?


    After I get that then I have to start on the door and lever system.

    Richard

  8. #108
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Posts
    40
    Richard, FANTASTIC! job on the ATC. Your idea of using the cake pans sure would be easier, huh? Could use use two and trim the lip off the second one and cut it down for your inner door? Were you thinking of pans like these?
    Fat Daddio's Aluminum Round Cake Pan 14" x 3" XXL | eBay
    Nice work. Ron

  9. #109
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    1632
    That is exactly the one I was looking at. It be nice if I could find one locally.

    All the manual ring rollers I've seen max out at 2" width and the local machine shop wants $75 hr with a 4 hr min. and rarely do they budge from their 4 hr min.

    I'll let you know how it comes out. I'm ready to move on to the next project.

    Richard

  10. #110
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    1632
    I wonder if I roll some 1" flat bar and weld to the bottom then I could roll some sheet metal around it and rivet ?

    Richard

  11. #111
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    1804
    How about using a section of duct work such as 5078K78 from McMaster Carr?
    Art
    AKA Country Bubba (Older Than Dirt)

  12. #112
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    1632
    Being creative and stubborn I finally got that 4" flat bar wrapped around the tray cover. I need to start making the door next and make sure it works then sand blast and paint.

    I welded one end to some 12" pipe then slowly wrapped it around and formed it with a rubber dead blow hammer.

    Believe or not, it actually came out pretty round. Surprised me.


    Richard
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails DSC02629.JPG   DSC02630.JPG   DSC02631.JPG  

  13. #113
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    1632
    Thanks Endo,
    You should have seen me walking around the cookware section at all the stores this morning with a tape measure. I did get a few strange comments.

    A woman asked me what I was looking for and I told here a 14" cake pan. She said she sure wished her husband could bake. Another woman asked me why I was measure pots for and I told here if I found one the right size I was going to cut it up. She just looked at me funny and walked off.

    Richard

    Quote Originally Posted by endo47 View Post
    Richard, FANTASTIC! job on the ATC. Your idea of using the cake pans sure would be easier, huh? Could use use two and trim the lip off the second one and cut it down for your inner door? Were you thinking of pans like these?
    Fat Daddio's Aluminum Round Cake Pan 14" x 3" XXL | eBay
    Nice work. Ron

  14. #114
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Posts
    2580

    Richard....

    Hey man congrats on building the Mac Daddy of all homebuilt toolchangers here. It is beautiful and knowing you I expected nothing less. I am especially impressed with your electronics and computer setup for it. That is where I would get lost....well done. Peace

    Pete

  15. #115
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    1632
    Cover and Door complete. When I filmed this the door was drooping a little and rubbing some because I didn't have the thrust washers under it. I put them in there and it's real smooth and quiet.


    [ame]www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdYBBaWfww4[/ame]

    About to tear down and start sand blasting if I can get a little more energy. Plum Worn out.

    Oh, how do you embed a youtube video in a message without doing a simple link?

    Richard

  16. #116
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Posts
    7063
    Richard,

    I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to stop posting here. You're making the rest of us look like a bunch of slackers! :-)

    Is the metal that cover is made from really as thick as it looks?

    Regards,
    Ray L.

  17. #117
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Posts
    40
    Richard, your determination produced a much nicer result than the pans would have. Excellent job.
    endo

  18. #118
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Posts
    40
    I forgot. You might try hitting your "return" key twice after you type the message, then paste your video link.
    endo

  19. #119
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    1632
    Thanks all for the kudos.

    Thanks on the direct link paste.

    The cover is 11ga. steel, a tad over 0.125". I know, but I had a half a sheet here. It would have been so much easier if it had been some 16ga or so. That's okay, I'll hide behind it if I see a crash coming. It's not near as heavy as it looks though.

    I wish I would have just gone down and bought a sheet of stainless. That would have been easy and sharp looking.

    Everything is sandblasted and sprayed down with thinner. I'm pre-heating the parts now and when they get up to temp I'll start spraying a couple coats of primer then some Hunter Green.

    Man, I wish I would have ordered some powder for the PC gun. All I have is bright red and I don't want it to be bright red

    Time to fix a drink and start spraying...

    Richard

  20. #120
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    1632

    Paints on and almost done

    I still have to extend my home sensor then stick the tray on and re-calibrate everything then I'll call it done. Almost, I forgot about the air blast... Dang.

    I didn't like the steel cover for the stepper so I put 6061 plate sides with a radius on the top corner. I'll engrave something on some thin aluminum sheet then bend a radius on it and it will be the cover. Gives it a little contrast.

    Here a few more pics.


    Richard
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails DSC02637.JPG   DSC02638.JPG   DSC02639.JPG   DSC02640.JPG  


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