Tool-oriented machining
Application
Tool-oriented machining allows you to machine several workpieces together even on a machine without pallet changer, which reduces tool-change times. You can thus use the pallet management feature even on machines without a pallet changer.
Related topics
- Contents of the pallet table
- Block scan for mid-program startup in a pallet table
Requirements
- Tool-change macro for tool-oriented machining
- METHOD column with the values TO or TCO
- NC programs with identical tools
The tools being used must, at least in part, be the same tools.
- W-STATUS column with the values BLANK or INCOMPLETE
- NC programs must not contain the following functions:
- FUNCTION TCPM or M128 (#9 / #4-01-1)
Compensating the tool angle of inclination with FUNCTION TCPM (#9 / #4-01-1)
- M144 (#9 / #4-01-1)
Taking the tool offset into account in calculations with M144 (#9 / #4-01-1)
- M101
- M118 (#21 / #4-02-1)
Activating handwheel superimpositioning with M118 (#21 / #4-02-1)
- Changing the pallet preset
Description of function
The following columns of the pallet table apply to tool-oriented machining:
- W-STATUS
- METHOD
- CTID
- SP-X to SP-W
You can enter safety positions for the axes. The control only approaches these positions if the machine manufacturer processes them in the NC macros.
In the Job list workspace, you can activate or deactivate tool-oriented machining for each NC program via the context menu. This will also cause the control to update the METHOD column.
Sequence of tool-oriented machining
- The entries TO and CTO tell the control that tool-oriented machining is in effect for these rows of the pallet table
- The control executes the NC program with the entry TO up to the TOOL CALL
- The W-STATUS changes from BLANK to INCOMPLETE and the control enters a value into the CTID field
- The control executes all other NC programs with the entry CTO up to the TOOL CALL
- The control uses the next tool for the following machining steps if one of the following situations applies:
- The next table row contains the entry PAL
- The next table rowcontains the entry TO or WPO
- There are rows in the table that do not yet contain the entry ENDED or EMPTY
- The control updates the entry in the CTID field with each machining operation
- If all table rows of the group contain the entry ENDED, the control processes the next rows of the pallet table
Mid-program startup with block scan
You can also return to a pallet table after an interruption. The control can show the rows and the NC block at which the interruption occurred.
The control saves the mid-program startup information in the CTID column of the pallet table.
If you use the block scan to start in a pallet table, the control will always execute the chosen row in the pallet table as a workpiece-oriented process.
After a block scan, the control can resume tool-oriented machining if the tool-oriented machining method TO and CTO is defined in the subsequent rows.
Refer to your machine manual.
Tool-oriented machining is a machine-dependent function. The standard functional range is described below.
Tool-oriented machining allows you to machine several workpieces together even on a machine without pallet changer, which reduces tool-change times.
- Consider the stated limitations
- Adapt pallet tables and NC programs to the tool-oriented machining
- Reprogram the program information after each tool in every NC program (e.g., M3 or M4).
- Reset special functions and miscellaneous functions before each tool in every NC program (e.g. Tilt working plane or M138)
- Carefully test the NC program or program section in the Single Block mode
The following functions are not permitted:
- FUNCTION TCPM, M128
- M144
- M101
- M118
- Changing the pallet preset
The following functions require special attention, particularly for mid-program startup:
- Changing the machine statuses with a miscellaneous function (e.g. M13)
- Writing to the configuration (e.g. WRITE KINEMATICS)
- Traverse range switchover
- Cycle 32
- Tilting the working plane
Unless the machine manufacturer has made a different configuration, you need the following additional columns for tool-oriented machining:
Column | Meaning |
---|---|
W-STATUS | The machining status defines the machining progress. Enter BLANK for an unmachined (raw) workpiece. The control changes this entry automatically during machining. The control differentiates between the following entries
|
METHOD | Indicates the machining method Tool-oriented machining is also possible with a combination of pallet fixtures, but not for multiple pallets. The control differentiates between the following entries
|
CTID | The control automatically generates the ID number for mid-program startup with block scan. If you delete or change the entry, mid-program startup is no longer possible. |
SP-X, SP-Y, SP-Z, SP-A, SP-B, SP-C, SP-U, SP-V, SP-W | The entry for the clearance height in the existing axes is optional. You can enter safety positions for the axes. The control only approaches these positions if the machine manufacturer processes them in the NC macros. |
Notes
- Consider the stated limitations
- Adapt pallet tables and NC programs to the tool-oriented machining
- Reprogram the program information after each tool in every NC program (e.g., M3 or M4).
- Reset special functions and miscellaneous functions before each tool in every NC program (e.g. Tilt working plane or M138)
- Carefully test the NC program or program section in the Single Block mode
- If you want to start machining again, change the W-STATUS to BLANK or remove the previous input.
Notes on mid-program startup
- The entry in the CTID field remains there for two weeks. After this time, mid-program startup is no longer possible.
- Do not change or delete the entry in the CTID field.
- The data from the CTID field become invalid after a software update.
- The control saves the preset numbers for mid-program startup. If you change this preset, machining is shifted, too.
- Mid-program startup is no longer possible after editing an NC program within tool-oriented machining.