A video about my project to convert my Smoothieboard-powered CNC router to use an ATC ( Automated Tool Change ) spindle.
See :
* Smoothieware.org/atc
* Robotseed.com
The synopsis for this video:
Intro:
* Hey everyone, I made a thing !
* So I've been working on this project for a few months on and off, very exited it's finally working
* It's not finished yet, but it's actually usable at this point
* The project was to convert my CNC router from the classic manual tool change spindle, where you bolt tools in by hand, to an automated system or ATC
So what's an ATC:
* Allows use of different tools in a single job without manual tool changes
* Pretty much magic
* Saves a ton of time and allows for more complex jobs
* In this case it's using a spindle with a pneumatic tool clamp
This implementation:
* So I had lots of misadventures along the way : first spindle wasn't properly grounded ( factory issue from the manufacturer ) and caused breaker trips and shocks, I got lots of help from the community figuring that out. In the end the manufacturer replaced the spindle.
* The spindle maker ( JLG ) was extremely unhelpful in terms of support/documentation, they couldn't provide instructions that make any sense, had to figure it out from the internet and trial and error
* I also had to make the tool rack and all the compressed air stuff
* This is a 40 000 RPM spindle, which should be good for aluminium. It's 25 hundred Watts
* The collets are ISO20, with ER16 tool holding
How the spindle works:
* Pretty much you use it like a normal spindle with a Variable Frequency Drive, but it has an internal tool grabbing mechanism
* It's got various compressed air inputs, the main one is a locking/release mechanism. Also one for a seal, and one to prevent dust from entering the spindle
* You control air going into the inputs with electrovalves, each controlled by a mosfet on the Smoothieboard
How software side works:
* We have to generate the right gcode sequence to grab and release each tool
* We do this by remembering which tool is currently being carried. When a new tool is required, we go deposit the current tool at it's parking position, and go grab the other one.
* We use a custom Fusion360 post-processor for this, later I'll be teaching Smoothie to do it ( most of the work already done )
* Fusion360 has post-processors written in Javascript and a fully documented interface, which lets you do pretty much any crazy thing you think of, including this
Documentation :
* Ongoing at smoothieware.org/atc
Machine:
* Robotseed RS-6090R
* 600x900mm router with 80mm Z
* I sell this machine and other custom Smoothie-powered machines surch as cnc mills, routers, giant 3D printers and laser cutters at robotseed.com
Outro:
* If you want to implement the same thing, see the documentation but don't hesitate to ask for help
* I'm looking for help with implementing the Smoothie side of things, help very welcome
Thanks:
* Jim Morris for helping me figure out how to get Smoothie to do this
* Folks at the tyfab fablab
* The folks in ##electronics, Jim Morris again, and Adam Green for listening to all the spindle grounding problems and offering solutions
* The router was paid for by Region Bretagne, thanks a ton
Thanks for watching !