[Tolyatti]

I'm about to program a part which, due to its length, requires being held in both the main and the sub spindles. A built-in safety feature in the machine will not allow a tool change with the part held in the BW head. Is there any reason I can't park the BW head while the tool change is taking place, then re-acquire the part? Is there a chip blow-off feature that will clean any chips off the part and the collet before re-clamping? Thanks for any help.

[underthetire]

I assume you mean sub spindle by BW?
Look in the back of your ladder diagram. All the Mcodes are in there including second chuck air blow. I also believe there is a interlock release Mcode to allow the tool change while sub is engaged.

[Tolyatti]

Yes.
Found it.
Haven't found it, yet, but may not need it.
Thanks.

[budgieW]

There must be an interlock for this as our NT1000 will do a toolchange with the part gripped in the chuck as long as the A axis is at -128 or 0

[Tolyatti]

Thank you. I'll try that.

[Tolyatti]

Yes, it will do the TC with the sub spindle clamped as long as A is 0 or -128. The issue is getting it to work with the sub spindle closer to the main spindle. Otherwise we'd have to extend the stock way out of the main spindle by several inches, and that defeats the purpose of supporting it with both chucks.