Matrix Lathe Tool Def Questions

[microdot]

I'm accustom to using the Fusion and T-plus controls. We just got a new Nexus250 with the Matrix control and the tool assignments in Mazatrol programs is different. I'm still just working it out but it seem that Instead of assigning a tool number in your program, you call out the tool dia or geometry and the control looks it up in the tool list and does the assignment on the fly. I think the logic for this is so that you can do an operation with an improper tool but in reality it is a PIA. Is this correct? is this the only way to assign tools to program units? I have a 1/2 drill in one tool and a 1/2endmill for counter boring in another tool location. They are both used in drilling cycles but how does the control know which is which?

[MrMazak]

The MatrixT-MT and M640MT controls use the milling machine method of tool selection. They use the tool name rather than tool number. Its rather easy once you get used to it. So, If your rough turning tool is in position 6 in the turret it could be named GNL-OUT 1.0 or something similar. In your program EDGE or BAR-OUT cycle you would call out GNL-OUT 1.0 in your program tool sequence line. The machine then knows what tool to use and indexes to position #6 for that cut. Hope that helps, good luck.