manual tool change lockup

[jTr]

Have not done many part files utilizing tool changes in my first 3 months using my new machine.
Problem:
Had SB3 freeze up when switching temporarily to keypad in order to zero the new bit in middle of part file.
First time, thought it was jump drive interrupting windows, but it's happened again w/o jump drive plugged in.
Likely some really simple setting in the program, but with my newness to machine, don't know what to do to remedy.

Anyone have a clue?

jeff

[dana_swift]

Jeff- changing tools in the middle of a toolpath is not how its intended to work. Output each toolpath to a separate file. Run the first bit operation to completion. You can combine toolpaths that share a bit, with some caveats. For instance dont cut the parts free of the main material before you do the internal operations.

I label each file with the name of the bit and the order it comes in the sequence:

1 QEM T CutPockets.sbp
2 V120 T CutLetters.sbp
etc

Meaning: (1) first operation (QEM) quarter inch end mill (T) zero on the top
Then: (2) second operation (V120) 120deg V bit (T) zero on the top
etc

Its unusual for me to use more than 2 bits, so just 2 or 3 SBP files do everything. As often as I can I try to do an entire part with a single bit, solves the problem entirely. Sometimes that isnt possible or practical tho.

DO NOT exit SB3 or turn off the shopbot between cuts! That will lose your X and Y position. Dont re-zero them beween cuts either. That allows the bot to make the various cuts at the exact location relative to other cuts the way you designed in PartWorks.

If there is a better way to do manual tool changes, Im sure someone will chime in.

Good luck-

D

[jTr]

Dana,
Thanks for reply. Not sure if I got the message articulated properly. To be exact:
File consisted of 3 operations - one breif "trim" (cutout)
second toolpath: straightline cut - very shallow, but wide, so wanted to expedite by utilizing 1.25" surfacer for efficiency.
Third was final cutout of completed part.
My consternation resides in the fact that Partworks is designed to execute such requests, including tool changes. (or am I mistaken?)
Behavior in question is when the program kindly prompts me precisely step by step : change Z height for convenient tool change. Upon completion, it is offered up to switch to keypad so I may reposition bit to a proper location for Z-Zero routine. What is happening is a quick flash/disappearance of the yellow keypad (if at all), and a full crash of SB3, while the screen states quite plainly that keypad is active(!)

Since I "C-3" religiously, I can repeatedly boot/reboot/rerun files with the machine landing in proper place with remarkable precision. Trust me, I've had plenty of instances where I 've had to do so in my short experience with this new machine. Thankfully I've erradicated those issues, thanks to the help of folks like yourself. Just seems there's yet another bug in the program, but imagine it is a simple but elusive setting that can be adjusted.
Just wish I could get things running on my new machine without this constant stream of hitches. If all else fails, I guess I can run each step as separate files, but without trying to be contradictory, I'm certain this machine is designed to smoothly do what I've requested of it and more...

[adrianm]

Dana, the manual tool change routines (with the correct Post Processor) allow you to combine several bits into one part file with the program stopping the spindle, asking you to zero the bit and then continuing. It is how it's designed to work these days.

Since those routines came out I've been doing all my work that way. It's a great timesaver once you've got the hang of it.

Jeff, Not sure what's going on in this case though as I do the same every day without issues. Are you running the latest software? Has this worked before?

[jTr]

Jeff, Not sure what's going on in this case though as I do the same every day without issues. Are you running the latest software? Has this worked before?

Adrian,
During last month's round of de-bugging, my 4 month factory new machine has been reinstalled with latest software, firmware, etc.
Have avoided tool changes up to this point, except for one file that changed from a downcut .25 to an upcut .25 and back again. It completely disregarded changing tools, even though tool numbers were different from path to path. Support said I won't get a prompt if bit diameter is the same.
Has that been your experience as well?

Got through yesterday's cuts by holding Z plate firmly on workpiece with it's edge hanging off like a diving board in order to be underneath bit for zeroing, thus avoiding the switch to keypad that is triggering the program crash as described above.

[garyc]

Jeff...
You will need to make sure that you are running SB3.6.44 AND you are selecting the ShopBot (TC) inch post in PartWorks. TC stands for Tool Change and works for both Manual and Automatic tool change systems (MTC and ATC).

This allows a single postP to work for all current machines using only a tool number to trigger the ATC or MTC actions. You will need to have a unique tool number for each bit that you use and toolpath each separately, but then using the TC post, combine them into a single file.

It is the tool number, not the bit diameter, that triggers a toolchange. Techs may have misunderstood your situation. Post your problematic file with a ".TXT" file extension and I will take a peek at it.

Using Dana's example above, you would order your toolpath's in PWks using the order that you wish them to cut and those toolpaths, and their corresponding bits will be called up in the order you prescribe. Keeping a single file for parts that require multiple cutters has been in the system for around 3 years, and has been working very well. You may have some setting askew that crashes the keyboard, but it does seem odd.

[gundog]

I do pretty much the same as Dana I don't see the advantage of doing it the other way unless you have an ATC. The separate files make it easier to make a correction without recalculating the whole file. Each to their own and if it made since to change I would.

I set my home position to 6", 6" so it makes it easy to do bit changes and a simple C2 and the new bit is zeroed.
My files are named 1- .250 EM .45 or 2- .125 drill .55 Etc
1= first tool path to run
.250 EM = 1/4" end mill
.45 = depth of cut

Mike

[jTr]

Gary,

Partworks is saving my part files in the Shopbot(TC)inch format by default, and verified I'm running SB3.6.44.

File attached - thanks for taking a look, Gary.
Jeff

[garyc]

Jeff...
The only thing that I can see in your file is that your speeds for tool #1 are 5ips for X & Y and 6 ips for the Z. You dont say what model or year machine you have but this seems very high, especially for a new user.

I would retoolpath and make sure that you have the proper move and plunge speeds. Then run the modified file. Watch the green section of the console to see what file is running and on what line is being executed. If it faults, email tech supt with the files and let them know what happened and on what line.

[jTr]

Thanks Gary - My intended Z rate is .60 - will double check my decimals and may tone down the X/Y by one ips as well. Will watch for line number on next occurence.

jeff