On 3/24/2014 12:11 PM, Jack Coats wrote: > I would think that tool changing could be done by many means. The > mechanical changing and securing is really the hard part. As a friend once > told me: "The rest is a simple matter for software" (I never believed him > either) > > I have tried to come up with a reasonably easy way to handle tool changing > over the years (faster than manual, cheaper than some of the big iron fully > automated ... a tool changer that costs as much or more than my cheap CNC > rig isn't going to cut it.
I've been thinking on how to build a tool changer for NMTB, without having to add a spindle encoder and fine motor control. Since the spindle has two drive lugs, probably an alignment jig that pinches from the sides on those blocks then something (solenoid or air cylinder) to hold the spindle brake. Aligning the tool holders after being dropped would be the tricky bit since the spindle will stop wherever it stops, unless the spindle aligner could be made to work with a holder in the spindle. > The best I have though of is one that would fully exchange routers or > spindles for another (already set up and calibrated. <clip> > So this would probably do best with routers or marking devices. Routers instead of plotter pens. Hmmm. Get an old HP 7475A and cannibalize its pen carousel control system to run a larger one for six small, high speed spindles holding tools in collets. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learn Graph Databases - Download FREE O'Reilly Book "Graph Databases" is the definitive new guide to graph databases and their applications. Written by three acclaimed leaders in the field, this first edition is now available. Download your free book today! http://p.sf.net/sfu/13534_NeoTech _______________________________________________ Emc-users mailing list [email protected] https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
