Overview
This document lists the various macro settings that we employ for configuring RapidChange ATC with the integration packages that we have available. Many of the settings are universal between packages, however some have evolved through ongoing development and each of our current packages are at differing levels of maturity. Therefore, some of these settings may have a different name or may not exist yet in certain packages. We are working toward a consistent standard, but overall development is still in the early stages. Be sure to consult the documentation of the specific package you are using for more information.
Pocket Position
Alignment
Value: X Axis or Y Axis
The axis along which the tool pockets of the magazine are aligned in the XY plane.
Direction
Value: Positive or Negative
The direction of travel along the alignment axis from pocket 1 to pocket 2, either positive or negative.
Number Of Pockets
Value: Count
The total number of pockets in the magazine that may be occupied by a tool.
Pocket Offset
Value: Distance (mm)
The distance from one pocket to the next when measuring from center to center.
X Pocket 1
Value: X Machine Coordinate (mm)
The x axis position referencing the center of the first tool pocket.
Y Pocket 1
Value: Y Machine Coordinate (mm)
The y axis position referencing the center of the first tool pocket.
Tool Engagement
Engage Feed Rate
Value: Feed Rate (mm/min)
The feed rate at which the spindle plunges when engaging the clamping nut.
Pick Tool RPM
Value: Spindle Speed (rpm)
The rpm at which to operate the spindle clockwise when engaging the clamping nut while picking up a tool.
Drop Tool RPM
Value: Spindle Speed (rpm)
The rpm at which to operate the spindle counter-clockwise when engaging the clamping nut while dropping a tool.
Z Engage
Value: Z Machine Coordinate (mm)
The Z position to which the spindle plunges when engaging the clamping nut.
Z Traverse
Value: Z Machine Coordinate (mm)
The Z position at which the spindle traverses the magazine between dropping off and picking up a tool.
Z Safe Clearance
Value: Z Machine Coordinate (mm)
The Z position for safe clearances of all obstacles.
Enabled Options
Tool Setter
Value: Enabled or Disabled
Allows for enabling or disabling setting the tool offset during a tool change. This can be useful when configuring your magazine or performing diagnostics to shorten the tool change cycle.
Tool Recognition
Value: Enabled or Disabled
Enables or disables tool recognition as part of an automatic tool change. If tool recognition is included with your magazine, be sure to properly configure the appropriate settings before enabling.
Dust Cover
Value: Enabled or Disabled
Enables or disables the dust cover. If a dust cover is included with your magazine, be sure to properly configure the appropriate settings before enabling.
Tool Setter Settings
Set Tool Offset
Value: Distance (mm)
The distance from the surface of the table bed to the top of the tool setter.
Seek Feed Rate
Value: Feed Rate (mm/min)
The feed rate at which the tool seeks the tool setter on the initial straight probe.
Seek Retreat
Value: Distance (mm)
The distance to retreat after contact is made with the tool setter during seek mode.
Set Feed Rate
Value: Feed Rate (mm/min)
The feed rate at which the tool plunges toward the tool setter on the final straight probe, performed after retreating from the initial straight probe.
Set Tool Max Travel
Value: Distance (mm)
The maximum distance of travel that should be attempted when probing from Z Seek Start.
X Position
Value: X Machine Coordinate (mm)
The X position referencing the center of the tool setter.
Y Position
Value: Y Machine Coordinate (mm)
The Y position referencing the center of the tool setter.
Z Seek Start
Value: Z Machine Coordinate (mm)
The Z position at which to begin the initial straight probe.
Z Safe Clearance
Value: Z Machine Coordinate (mm)
The minimum Z position at which it is safe to move above the tool setter with a tool.
Tool Recognition Settings
Input
Value: Input Number
The input pin designation for reading the tool recognition sensor state.
Z Detect Zone 1
Value: Z Machine Coordinate (mm)
The Z position for recognizing the presence of a clamping nut attached to the spindle.
Z Detect Zone 2
Value: Z Machine Coordinate (mm)
The Z position for recognizing the complete threading of a clamping nut after picking up a tool.
Dust Cover Settings
Axis
Value: A Axis, B Axis, or C Axis
The axis assigned for dust cover control. This is required to control the dust cover with an axis.
Open Position
Value: A, B, or C Machine Coordinate (mm)
The position along the assigned axis at which the dust cover is fully opened.
Closed Position
Value: A, B, or C Machine Coordinate (mm)
The position along the assigned axis at which the dust cover is fully closed.
Output
Value: Output Number
The output pin designation for dust cover control. This is required to control the dust cover with a third-party microcontroller.
Learn More
For information about dust cover control and how to incorporate a third-party microcontroller can be found here.