ATC for Mori Seiki Lathe

[Marik]

Hey folks,

We would like to install Acorn on our old Mori Seiki SL-2, so I have a few questions regarding ATC. First, I was searching but cannot find what is it Gray code. Are there any other types and what they are? Also, how timer, or other types of ATC work. If somebody could direct to the correct thread/s will greatly appreciate it.

The Mori Seiki has a large 8 stations turret. There is a large hydraulic unit with 100V valves. It works as follows:
1. The signal sent to the valve and hydraulics push the turret out
2. The turret turns to the correct tool position
3. The signal sent to another valve and the turret gets pulled back.
Inside the turret there are some proximity switches to sense the tool positions. The original turret goes only one direction.

The machine is very similar to this one:



Would appreciate any insights.

Best, M

[cncsnw]

Gray Code is a specific way of counting with binary bits.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gray_code

However, what Centroid calls "Gray Code" really means any system that uses a unique multi-bit pattern to indicate each position of the turret. It could be Gray Code; it could be plain binary; or it could be any other pattern.

Mori Seiki lathe turrets use their own system, typically with two out of five switches closed/activated in each position. It is not technically Gray Code, but it is compatible with Centroid's "Gray Code" PLC programming.

[Marik]

Thanks for the response! What is timer based turret and how it works?

Thanks, M

[Marik]

No one?

[suntravel]

Related reading:

https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_di ... ograms.zip

Uwe

[Marik]

Related reading:

https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_di ... ograms.zip

Uwe

Thanks! yes, I went through those documents and it gives the instructions. However, I am still unclear what is "timer based turret" and how it works. No google, or search on this forum brought any descriptions of the concept. Would appreciate any help.

Best, M

[suntravel]

Such turret will only need a Home sensor for Tool#1, to change position to next tool the turret motor is driven by the time from parameter #975

Acorn knows the tool position from counting the changes after homing to Tool#1

Uwe

[Marik]

I see--thanks! How reliable is it in comparison to actual position sensors? Are there any disadvantages?

Thanks, M

[suntravel]

Sure this is reliable, Acorn can count

Disatvantage is it needs to be homed after power cycle, and these turrets are most on old machines with slow tool change time.

Uwe

[Marik]

Getting ready to start this project. I am a bit stuck with ATC.

The Mori Seiki has a large 8 stations turret. There is a large hydraulic unit with 100V valves. It works as follows:
1. The signal sent to the valve and hydraulics push the turret out
2. The turret motor turns to the correct tool position
3. The signal sent to another valve and the turret gets pulled back.

How to connect those two valves in Acorn and how to operate/sync them? I searched for all the lathe connection schematics, but it seems none covers this kind of operation.

Would appreciate any help.

Best, M