Convert BT 40 to Cat 40

[mniadna]

I have a '97 Haas with the umbrella CT changer, that I would like to use BT tooling in. One thing I'm not clear on... If I change the fingers, will I be able to run CT and BT tooling in the machine at the same time using the same tool change height position? Do the fingers compensate for the height difference?

[machinetoolguy]

No, it is either a BT or CT tool changer. The difference between the 2 is the finger diameter and the positioning of the fingers. On a CT the fingers are placed on top of the tool dog key. On a BT, the fingers are place directly on the carousel plate with the tool dog key on top. Tool change height will be an issue. Hope this helps.

[mniadna]

I realize there is a height difference. What I'm asking is if I change half of the fingers to BT. Can I run BT tooling in the BT pockets and CT tooling in the CT pockets with the same tool change height position?

[Geof]

Originally Posted by mniadna I realize there is a height difference. What I'm asking is if I change half of the fingers to BT. Can I run BT tooling in the BT pockets and CT tooling in the CT pockets with the same tool change height position?

I doubt it; I had a machine changed from BT to CT and the tool change height had to be altered by about 5mm.

[machinetoolguy]

Nope. There is a big difference in hieght.

[tripp1234]

Hello
I am a Haas Service Eng. All you have to do is change the Tool plate on the tool changer. If you have a Side mount. You will need to change the tool arm. The reset you tool Hieght. For the Z axis. That is it. The spindle is the same for a Haas Mill.

[machinetoolguy]

I am too a Haas Service Engineer and do not understand the reply here. The question was "can he put half BT and half CT fingers on a single plate" as I read it. I do not understand what the tool plate has to do with it. The tool plate is the same for BT and CT tool changers. It is the finger location and finger diameter that changes here. With that said, the tool changer hieght (Parameter 64) will be off. You can not run CT and BT tooling together on an umbrella style tool changer without risking a crash.
Hope this clears the air.

[tripp1234]

Yes you are right. I miss read the question. I thought he needed to convert his machine from a BT to a CT. There is no way to run both on the same machine. Sorry for that.

[dafowfidy]

Wooohoooo I have a tool changer now, evidently the company that sold me my VF2 were a little off on the taper style. I was told it was BT so I bought 16 new fingers so I could change to CT. Anyway my fingers came in and I tore my changer apart and what do you know the existing fingers are just like the new ones. Anyway my encoder number on my parameter 64 was way off, there is no way it was correct for BT or CT. Anyway after a lot of help and documentation from machinetoolguy I now can change tools. Tahnks for the help everyone.