Tool Changer Rotation?

[Jim Fischer]

We have a Fadal with a 88HS controller. We have a large rotory in the machine and I am having some clearance issues with the tools in the tool drum. About half of the drum is full of tools.

Is there code I could add to my program to rotate the tools in the changer out of the way to the back side. I realize we can rotate the tools CW or CCW in manual but I need to add it into a program.

Thanks in advance.

[denmar]

Set a fixture offset so the table goes away before a tool change.

[Jim Fischer]

My problem is not actually during the tool change, as i do move the rotory out of the way while the tools are changing. My problem is that when machining some of the locations on my rotory, the tools hanging in the drum will actually hit the rotory on the left side. A bigger machine would be great, but we have what we have.

I will attempt to strategically place the tools in the drum to clear while machining, but it seems there would be a way to rotate the drum at will (not manually).

[Neal]

I assume that this is an ATC not the dual arm tool changer. If you have a long tool in the way you can code a "-T' code (minus T) such as -T14. This will move the current tool to the rear and place T14 at the spindle that should be left empty. Be aware the when you call the next tool the original tool that was placed at the rear will return to it original spot and then change to the new tool so make sure you physicall have the part in a good spot.

Neal

[Jim Fischer]

Thanks, that is exactly what i was looking for.