Has anyone ever added a Toolchanger to a TM1?

[KevinWilkins]

I'm wondering what's involved to install and set up a toolchanger on a 2005 TM1 that was originally delivered without a changer.

This would be a do it yourself project.

It looks like bolting the changer on would be easy as pie but I guess that's when the fun just starts.

I don't know how involved it would be to align the changer and then what would need to be done in the software to get the controller to recognize the changer.

Anybody have any experience with this stuff??

[haastec]

As you said, bolting into place is pretty straightforward and software should only consist of a few parameter changes. Yes, this is when the fun starts! It will require alignment in both the X and Y planes as well as Z-Axis positon for the head. It is very difficult to explain in written form so I might suggest bolting everything in place and doing as much physical connections as you are comfortable with doing yourself. Then, bite the bullet and call your local HFO to have them properly align the T/C and configure the parameters. This way you can save a little in labor charges but still feel comfortable knowing that the alignment is proper.

Hope this helps.

[axis]

i desided to put a toolchanger on after the fact, i looked at doing it myself but the time i would put in learning how to put the toolchanger on the machine was more expencive then getting the haas guy to come in and do it. it took him no time at all i helped put the changer on bolt it down then he did the rest with alignment i think all in he was in and out of my shop in under 2 hours. i do most work on the machines myself to save a buck but if you align wrong it going to cost more then 2 hours of haas tec time. good luck

[KevinWilkins]

They don't sell the TM1 in the European Union with a toolchanger due to EU safety regulations and the HFO won't install one after the fact for liability reasons. I'd have to run one down on my own in the USA, ship it over and some how get it installed... that's the problem.

[Haas__man]

Just so you know - the I/O pcb is also different on the TM range of machines. On all other machines VF1-12 the I/O pcb is the board that controls most functions on the machine - however a cheaper , more basic board was made for the TM machines that does not include the circuitry for the tool changer.
To install a tool changer you would need the tool changer itself with a turret motor and shuttle motor. You would need all the relevant wiring. A new I/O pcb. you would then need to align the tool changer and set the orientation correctly. Then set relevant parameters.
To be honest you should look into part exchanging your machine for the TM1P. It is a TM1, but with an enclosure and built in toolchange. It would be expensive - however probably not much more expensive than developing your own tool change - and messing with it until it either works or breaks. One false move and you could wipe out your spindle, or Z axis leadscrew.
Machine sales are very competitive at the moment and i'm sure you'd get it at a great price. Also you could maybe look around for a second hand TM1P?

Hope this helps

[JohnJW]

If you search the archive, I think there are a few posts on "wine racks" tool holders. There's a video of it on youtube as well for a TM1. If you only need a few tools and don't mind loosing some table space then maybe the "wine rack" approach can work.

[KevinWilkins]

Originally Posted by Haas__man Just so you know - the I/O pcb is also different on the TM range of machines. On all other machines VF1-12 the I/O pcb is the board that controls most functions on the machine - however a cheaper , more basic board was made for the TM machines that does not include the circuitry for the tool changer. To install a tool changer you would need the tool changer itself with a turret motor and shuttle motor. You would need all the relevant wiring. A new I/O pcb. you would then need to align the tool changer and set the orientation correctly. Then set relevant parameters. To be honest you should look into part exchanging your machine for the TM1P. It is a TM1, but with an enclosure and built in toolchange. It would be expensive - however probably not much more expensive than developing your own tool change - and messing with it until it either works or breaks. One false move and you could wipe out your spindle, or Z axis leadscrew. Machine sales are very competitive at the moment and i'm sure you'd get it at a great price. Also you could maybe look around for a second hand TM1P? Hope this helps

Thanks for the info... I was afraid I was going to find out something like that.

My promlem is the location of my shop on the second floor overr 6 meters from the ground... the only way in is through the window and the TM1 fit with 1.5cm to spare. The TM1P just will not fit. A mini mill would, but, wait let me check my wallet, YIKES, I think the Mini Mill is out for now.

maybe I will look into the wine rack changers at some point... I just get tired of changing tools!

[WGJ]

You need to get in touch with Pit202 (Peter). He is in Poland and has not only gone down this road, he designed, built, and installed his own unit. His is an 18 tool unit. You can see several videos of it in action here :
http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...rch_type=&aq=f

[KevinWilkins]

Really the only way it could work for me would be to buy a Haas Toolchanger and get it installed in a day or two and get back to making money with the machine. I also use most of my table space so any table solution is iffy at best for me.

It's a real bummer to hear about all the wiring I would need for the Haas changer, I had hoped it would be only bolt on, align, set software parameters and Rock & Roll...

[Donkey Hotey]

Originally Posted by Haas__man Just so you know - the I/O pcb is also different on the TM range of machines. On all other machines VF1-12 the I/O pcb is the board that controls most functions on the machine - however a cheaper , more basic board was made for the TM machines that does not include the circuitry for the tool changer.

I respectfully disagree with this information. Yes, the TM/TL machines have a more basic board but, I don't believe that it lacks the tool changer circuitry. This suggests there would be a configuration for TM machines without a toolchanger and a different one for TM machines with a toolchanger, in addition to the VF machines. It's too many different parts and configurations.

Kevin: start looking at the Input/output board, in the lower left corner of your cabinet. There are probably pins for a tool changer. If they are truly missing, you'll still find the spot that it would connect, clearly marked but, the pins won't be there. The presence or lack of pins should answer this question for you.

After that, yes, you'll still need all the hardware and the wiring but, it can't be that difficult. I have a gantry router at work (GR712) that has the same basic tool changer. The installation looks pretty basic and I don't see any additional boards in the machine.

I'll have more information for you this afternoon. Haas is coming out to do the installation on all three new machines in about two hours. I'll ask for you.

[KevinWilkins]

Thanks! Let's keep hope alive!:-)

[Donkey Hotey]

I asked. There should be no difference. You should have the correct pins available on your I/O board. Poke around in there and be sure you see the pins but, it looks like you should have no problem installing a changer.

Why can't you just have somebody who owns a TM-1P (in Germany) order the toolchanger for you? I don't see why it would have to come from the US.