Hello everyone!
I decided to tackle building a 12 tool ATC that uses the tormach tts tools. I started the build last week and want to share it here. I also got lots of video I'll upload to you tube when I have time to edit it.
So far I started out making the tools holders. The holders are split into to pieces, a top HDPE plastic tool retainer, and a bottom steel holder that slips into the tool collar. The tool holders turned out well so I mounted them to the carousel wheel.
Holding the carousel is a mild steel axle with a double row angular contact bearing. Its a 5202 with a 15mm center and 35mm od.
I First tried to use one of the bigger timing belt pulleys I had from another project but it ended up interfering with the head of the mill. So it now has a 1:1 pulley about 2" diameter. There is a 425 oz/in stepper to drive the carousel.
I used 16mm linear bearings and a 12in stroke 1.5" air cylinder for moving the carousel in and out.
For testing I am running a parallel port breakout board, however my friend is helping to design a modbus controller which will talk to Mach 3. that way is it just is a simple M6 macro in Mach to control the tool change. We hope to have changer working this weekend with all the sensors.
we will have sensors on tool 1 position, cylinder in and out, power draw bar release and engage, and main air pressure in. that way if there is a problem somewhere during a tool change it will e stop the machine.
If you guys have any input on the build or questions I would love the input!