Service Home How To Procedures Side-Mount Tool Changer - Z-Axis Tool Change Offset - CHC
Last updated: 08/08/2023

Side-Mount Tool Changer - Z-Axis Tool Change Offset - CHC

Applies to machines built from: July, 1998

VMC - Side-Mount Tool Changer - Set Parameter 64 - Z-Axis Tool Change Offset

1

Push [Zero Return], then push [All].

Change Setting 7 to OFF.

Put a tool holder into the double-arm.

Put a 0.0005" indicator [2] and base on the machine table.

Put the indicator [2] tip on the bottom [1] of the toolholder [3].

Set the indicator [2] to 0.

HANDLE JOG the table away from the toolholder [3]. Do not move the indicator [2].

 Caution: Do not push ATC FWD or ATC REV.

Manually move the toolholder from the double-arm to the spindle.

2

HANDLE JOG the table to put the indicator under the toolholder in the spindle.

 Caution: Do not hit the spindle with the indicator. Use the small jog increment (.0001) to approach the toolholder.

HANDLE JOG the Z Axis up or down until the indicator goes back to zero.

 Note: This puts tool holder at the same height in the spindle as in the double-arm.

3

Record the MACHINE Z Position value [1].

Multiply the MACHINE Z Position value by the value in Parameter 33 Z RATIO (STEPS/UNIT).

 Note: The value of Parameter 33 Z RATIO (STEPS/UNIT) is not the same for each machine.

In this example the value of Parameter 33 Z RATIO (STEPS/UNIT) is 554872 [2].

(Z position value) x (Z Ratio) = Calculated value

-0.0093 x 554872 = -5160

4

Push [EMERGENCY STOP].

If the calculated value is negative, add the value to Parameter 64 [1]. If the calculated value is positive, subtract the value from Parameter 64 [1]. Refer to the examples that follow.

5

Example 1, negative calculated value:

The calculated value = -5160.

The initial value of Parameter 64 = 172509.

Do the calculation 172509 + 5160 = 177669.

Change Parameter 64 to 177669 [1].

Release the [EMERGENCY STOP].

Push [RESET] to stop each alarm.

6

Example 2, positive calculated value:

Calculated value = 5160.

The initial value of Parameter 64 = 172509 [1].

Do the calculation 172509 - 5160 = 167349.

Change Parameter 64 to 167349.

Release the [EMERGENCY STOP].

Push [RESET].

7

Push [ZERO RET], [Z], then [SINGL..] This makes the new value of Parameter 64 active.

Push [5% RAPID], [ZERO RETURN], [Z], then [HOME G28].

The Z Axis moves to the tool change height. If the tool change height is correct, the indicator goes back to zero.

If the indicator does not go back to zero, do this procedure again.

Change Setting 7 to ON.

 

Make sure Parameter 257 is correct. Refer to Side-Mount Tool Changer - Spindle Orientation Offset - Parameter 257.

Do several tool changes to test tool changer operation.

 Note: After doing the procedure, tell the customer to reset the tool length offsets.