PartWorks question

[michael_schwartz]

When using multiple tools on a I have been saving the tool paths for each bit to a separate .sbp file when I export code.

I would like to know if its possible to save a file with multiple tools possibly with the toolchanger post processor and then have the control software pause and prompt for bit changes, instead of having to run multiple files.

[bcondon]

You can save multiple tool (paths) in a single file by saving each file and then concatinating them together and remove some of the extra stuff...

The startup would have

'Hey Bubba, please load 1/4" straight tools
prompt

then startup spindle request

then all the code for toolpath

then bring the tool to say 0,0
m2, 0,0

Shut off the spindle

'Hey Bubba, Please load 1/2" ball nose cutter
prompt

Startup spindle code

tool path for 1/2" ball

shut off spindle code

then bring the tool to say 0,0
m2, 0,0

' Thank You Bubba
prompt

'shut off dust collector
prompt

'remove part
prompt


Now the reason I do not do this is that I like to have each file self contained so that I know that when the machine's spindle is stopped, then no code is running and an accidental electrical spike will not start the spindle and move while I am loading the tool...

I like my fingers....they are my friends...

[Gary Campbell]

Michael...
I have been doing what you want for some time now, so to answer your question, yes.

We SB Link users do this on a routine basis. You can find the files to do this in your SbParts\Custom\Custom Manual Toolchanger folder.

If you need some customized I can most likely do that for you.
Gary

[michael_schwartz]

Thanks I will check those files out and see what I can do with them.

Bob, I don't know if its possible to do this with a spindle but I have my PC router setup to where I can easily reach up on-top of the gantry and unplug the router from the cable that comes from the box.

[eaglesplsh]

As Gary said, it is possible.

The newer PRS Alpha machine's control box contains an electronic version of a spindle on/off lockout. This is critical for safety - I've worked on other brands of CNC machines where the spindle would sporadically turn on from noise/power spikes. Luckily no one was hurt before we found out about this problem.

Use
Custom6.sbc to turn the spindle on (can also turn on dust collector, etc. in this file)
Custom7.sbc to turn the spindle off
Custom9.sbc to run your tool change program (can include code to pop up your message box showing the tool name/number in this file, move spindle to a custom tool change location, etc.)

Here's the link to Vectric's guide showing all of the info you can manipulate in your post processor:
http://www.vectric.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=6213

Basically, I have the post processor assign the tool number and tool name to variables in the cut file's header. Then my tool change routine displays these variables in a message box. After the tool is changed, I hit OK and the tool change routine updates the bit length using the Z-Zero plate.