Question about TTS and auto-toolchangers.

[digits]

Hi, I am considering buying some TTS tooling for my mill, and ideally I'd like to be able to upgrade to an auto-toolchanger in the future, without losing all the constant Z benefits of the TTS system. How suitable is the TTS for an auto-changer - will tool holders simply drop out when the drawbar is released, or would they have to be pulled/pushed out?

Also, does anyone know what's special about the 'ATC' variant of the TTS system (see this press release http://www10.dcccafe.com/nbc/article...ticleid=343058) - does it just add an extraction groove, and will it be available to buy instead of the standard tool holders?


Cheers.

[Don Clement]

Originally Posted by digits Hi, I am considering buying some TTS tooling for my mill, and ideally I'd like to be able to upgrade to an auto-toolchanger in the future, without losing all the constant Z benefits of the TTS system. How suitable is the TTS for an auto-changer - will tool holders simply drop out when the drawbar is released, or would they have to be pulled/pushed out?

For me and my Rockwell mill, the TTS tool holders don't simply drop out when the drawbar is released. I have to give a small tap on the drawbar with rawhide mallet to get the toolholder to release. YMMV.

Don Clement
Running Springs, California

[68rustang]

My Tormach is brand new but the TTS tool holders drop right out after just loosening the drawbar. Like Don said, YMMV. I am very interested in the "ATC" variant of the TTS.

[digits]

Thanks guys - I've accidentally found the answer to my own question when doing a search on 'taper cutting' :

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showth...616#post238616

Check out post #29

[philbur]

Take a look at this post, and possibly the whole thread.

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showth...38422#poststop

Whatever toolchanger that is developed for the TTS it will need either to push or pull the toolholder out of the R8 collet, or at least have some means to slightly "spread" the collet on release.

None of my toolholders (11 - I think) fall out when the drawbar is loosened.

Regards
Phil

Originally Posted by digits Hi, I am considering buying some TTS tooling for my mill, and ideally I'd like to be able to upgrade to an auto-toolchanger in the future, without losing all the constant Z benefits of the TTS system. How suitable is the TTS for an auto-changer - will tool holders simply drop out when the drawbar is released, or would they have to be pulled/pushed out? Also, does anyone know what's special about the 'ATC' variant of the TTS system (see this press release http://www10.dcccafe.com/nbc/article...ticleid=343058) - does it just add an extraction groove, and will it be available to buy instead of the standard tool holders? Cheers.

[digits]

Originally Posted by philbur Take a look at this post, and possibly the whole thread. http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showth...38422#poststop Whatever toolchanger that is developed for the TTS it will need either to push or pull the toolholder out of the R8 collet, or at least have some means to slightly "spread" the collet on release. None of my toolholders (11 - I think) fall out when the drawbar is loosened. Regards Phil

Thanks Phil - I had read that entire thread - the mods to the ATC versions make sense even to me! I'd agree that aligning the toolholders to the spindle requires a lot of accuracy, but I would have thought that if the tools were on the table, it should be quite doable. I will have to try picking up drill bits from the table in the chuck of my mini-mill!

At the moment, it looks like the High Tech Systems quick-changer is much easier to impement an ATC with, but the TTS looks sturdier, and has way more choice of chucks, collets etc, as well as the off-line tool-measurement and repeatable Z-offsets. It is also significantly cheaper!

[philbur]

Without some form of taper I think you will be on a looser. The TTS shank measures 19.04mm. The R8 is 19.05mm, with out allowing for any "collet springing". If you stack up all the various tolerances in the ATC it will come to much more than this. I think the taper would allow you to use relatively lloose tolerances (read cheaper solution).

Regards
Phil

Originally Posted by digits Thanks Phil - I had read that entire thread - the mods to the ATC versions make sense even to me! I'd agree that aligning the toolholders to the spindle requires a lot of accuracy, but I would have thought that if the tools were on the table, it should be quite doable. I will have to try picking up drill bits from the table in the chuck of my mini-mill! At the moment, it looks like the High Tech Systems quick-changer is much easier to impement an ATC with, but the TTS looks sturdier, and has way more choice of chucks, collets etc, as well as the off-line tool-measurement and repeatable Z-offsets. It is also significantly cheaper!

[digits]

Originally Posted by philbur Without some form of taper I think you will be on a looser. The TTS shank measures 19.04mm. The R8 is 19.05mm, with out allowing for any "collet springing". If you stack up all the various tolerances in the ATC it will come to much more than this. I think the taper would allow you to use relatively lloose tolerances (read cheaper solution). Regards Phil

Hmm, you're right, 10um is pretty precise I suppose if I were brave enough I could buy some TTS tooling and add a taper to it, but as the ATC variant is due real-soon-now and the other changer is being beefed up soon, I might just wait and see what both systems bring in Feb.

I am so,so sick and tired of swapping tools, re-measuring the Z and starting over again - it's going to be a frustrating wait!