Tool pre-selection using TOOL DEF

Application

Using TOOL DEF, the control prepares a tool in the magazine, thus reducing the tool change time.

 
Machine

Refer to your machine manual.

The preselection of tools with TOOL DEF can vary depending on the individual machine tool.

Description of function

If your machine is equipped with a chaotic tool changer system and a double gripper, you can perform tool pre-selection. To do this, program the TOOL DEF function after a TOOL CALL data record and select the tool to be used next in the NC program. The control prepares the tool while the program is running.

Input

NC programs contained in this User's Manual are suggestions for solutions. The NC programs or individual NC blocks must be adapted before being used on a machine.

Change the following contents as needed:

  • Tools
  • Cutting parameters
  • Feed rates
  • Clearance height or safe position
  • Machine-specific positions (e.g., with M91)
  • Paths of program calls

Some NC programs depend on the machine kinematics. Adapt these NC programs to your machine kinematics before the first test run.

In addition, test the NC programs using the simulation before the actual program run.

 
Tip

With a program test you determine whether the NC program can be used with the available software options, the active machine kinematics and the current machine configuration.

11 TOOL DEF 2 .1

; Tool pre-selection

To navigate to this function:

Insert NC function All functions Tools TOOL DEF

The NC function includes the following syntax elements:

Syntax element

Meaning

TOOL DEF

Syntax initiator for tool pre-selection

Number, Name or Parameter

Tool definition

Number, text, or variable

Selection by means of a selection window

 
Tip

Only the tool definition as a number is unique because the tool names of several tools may be identical!

.1

Step index of the tool

Optional syntax element

Indexed tool

Application example

NC programs contained in this User's Manual are suggestions for solutions. The NC programs or individual NC blocks must be adapted before being used on a machine.

Change the following contents as needed:

  • Tools
  • Cutting parameters
  • Feed rates
  • Clearance height or safe position
  • Machine-specific positions (e.g., with M91)
  • Paths of program calls

Some NC programs depend on the machine kinematics. Adapt these NC programs to your machine kinematics before the first test run.

In addition, test the NC programs using the simulation before the actual program run.

 
Tip

With a program test you determine whether the NC program can be used with the available software options, the active machine kinematics and the current machine configuration.

11 TOOL CALL 5 Z S2000

; Call the tool

12 TOOL DEF 7

; Pre-select the next tool

* - ...

21 TOOL CALL 7

; Call the pre-selected tool