I installed the tool-setter according to the instructions. When I start a job the spindle travels to the X and Y coordinates of the tool-setter position, pauses, and then moves into position to begin milling. The spindle doesn’t approach the tool setter in the Z axis and touch off. I’m using a Masso G3 controller.
The only thing that I can think of that I haven’t done is whatever is indicated in the link “Tool Numbering in MASSO” because the link isn’t working.
Thanks in advance
Allocate the tool numbers on the f4 screen. Name them in a meaningful way. You’ll also have to give them the same number in you cad software. You can only use 1-99 or 1-100, i don’t remember which
Hi Chris,
I tried that but it didn’t make any difference. But just so I understand, under normal circumstances when everything is working properly, the tool-setter will only execute with tool numbers that have been allocated on the f4 screen?
When you power on the machine, then home it, it’ll then go over to the tool setter to get the offset. This is the tool information stored in masso.
When you go to run your program it should have tool changes embedded into it (even if it’s just the one tool path). I only know vectric, and I know there’s 3 options when saving. It’s like selected toolpath to file, selected toolpaths to seperate files, or multiple tool paths to single file. You’ll want multiple tool paths to file, and sort them in the order you want them to execute.
When it encounters that tool change, let’s say tool 6. There will be a line of code that is t6m6. Masso will then look at what tool is loaded (you can see the current tool loaded on f2 and f3 i believe), and compare it to what tool is being commanded.
With a manual tool change let’s say you have tool 4 loaded. It should go to your Manual tool change location, and wait for a cycle start or green button. After the green button is pressed or cycle start it should go over to the tool setter and touch off with the newly installed tool 6 then proceed to the tool path.
Now let’s say your next tool number needed is back to tool 4. After it’s done running the tool path, it’ll encounter t4m6. Masso will say, “okay, i have tool 6 loaded”, so it’ll proceed to your Manual tool change location, and a pop up will display (it’ll do that before as well) saying i need tool 4 to be installed (that was why i said name then meaningfully), install tool 4. Green cycle start. Over to tool setter, touch off proceed to tool path. Rinse and repeat until complete.
I know version 5.09 was buggy with this and linear tool changes, so which version are you on?
Are you getting any touchoffs… under what conditions are you getting them?
In order for masso to know both your cad needs to have the tool number, and masso needs to have the tool allocated to a number. If your cad does not when it changes to tool 6, it might omit that information because it’s all tool 1. I believe masso will still query for the tool change if it’s not loaded on f4 screen, but it’ll just say tool 6, without any identifiers as to what tool 6 is. Massos tool database should be filled out, and it could be tedious, but it’s well worth the work. Pro tip, hook up a usb keyboard instead of the touch screen
Thanks Chris for the information. As far a the tool-setter functioning correctly, the manufacturer of the CNC (CNC4Newbie) had me wire it up a bit differently and it now works as it should.
Thanks very much
Chris, I do have one other question. Everything is functioning as you described - power on, then home, then spindle goes to tool setter and gets the offset. If I load gcode that asks for a different mill, the Masso sends the spindle to position for the tool change. Then it checks the offset for the new tool and starts the job. But at no point have I zeroed the X Y and Z for the job I’m starting. When do I do this?
Before hitting start ie with the bit installed when you homed it.
That initial touchoff registers the offset. Zero xyz. Hit cycle start, query to change bit, hit cycle start, touches off adjusting the z from the original bit to the new bit… as long as you don’t do anything without masso telling you to, it’ll work out.
Understood. Thanks very much!