Umbrella ATC - Acorn Compatible

[RJS100]

Since this ATC is intended to be used with Tormach TTS tool holders, my biggest concern is perfectly aligning the tools as it is moved up into the spindle. TTS tool holders are not the best candidates for ATC's as they require a perfect fit. Here are images of an adjustable bracket the will bolt to the milling machine column, and the back of the tool holder. This is not my original design as I saw it on Youtube, but I sketched it from scratch.

The bracket is made from 2.5" x 2.5" square aluminum tubing nested inside a 3" x 3" tube. The wall thickness is .25"

3d Image: https://hotmail182190.autodesk360.com/g ... a1e65cc1e8

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/8wlsirio ... c5tld&dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/e58cd0bg ... xwjyq&dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/jx28lq3s ... 7kid8&dl=0

There is an M8 jack screw that is used to move the tube with respect to one another. There are shoulder bolts on each section of tube to ensure that the tubes move without any twist.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/bf5p2awk ... 0mulc&dl=0


Here is an image looking from the rear of the mill, at the bracket holding the ATC.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/f1po34ti ... 5al63&dl=0


If you have any thoughts on this... I would love to hear them.

Richard

[RJS100]

I am starting to think about installing the tool changer.

The TTS tool holders have a 3/4" diameter shank that is about 1.375" tall. This means the spindle would need to move upwards about 1.5" to clear the top of the tool holder. Is there any reason that the spindle would need to be raised significantly higher than 1.5" (for example 2.5") for a rotary ATC to work properly? I have never seen these in operation but can't think of any reason for the spindle to raise more than needed to clear the top of the tool holder.

Thanks... Richard

[RJS100]

Cover or No Cover. I am interested in your thoughts regarding a cover for a carousel ATC. The images below show the ATC with no cover and with a cover and door that opens.

Is it worth adding the cover? It adds a level of complexity.

Just curious what you think. I have never used one of these contraptions before.

Richard

[cncsnw]

When your TTS tool holders are inserted into the spindle, what would be the consequences of having metal chips stuck to them?

Does your ATC design incorporate an air blow through the spindle during tool changes?

With tapered tool holders, chips on the tapers will tend to stay there as the tool holder is inserted into the spindle taper, interfering with fit. The first line of defense against that is the ATC cover. The second and last line of defense is the air blow through the spindle while inserting the tool.

[RJS100]

Thanks for your insight, Marc. My milling machine is an RF clone benchtop mill with no ability to blow air through the spindle.

This Automatic Tool Changer was specifically designed for the TTS tool holder system that I currently use. It has a cover to keep chips away from the tool holders. It also has provisions for blowing chips off the tool holders.

I planned on 3D printing the cover and I have modified it according. I was questioning its importance, but with your thoughts I will now plan on building it.

I have always questioned the air blow hardware that was included in the plan. The images show the hardware with the forks in place and with the fork assembly removed and on its own. It looks like a plastic ring that is supplied with air from the top of the cover and then blows on both sides of the tool holder. I have no clue as to how to make this. Its geometry is not suitable for 3d printing. I am thinking about making something that will have the same effect out of 1/4-inch PU tubing. Alternatively, I am leaning toward mounting a nozzle on the mill that is aimed at the top of the tool holder the same way my MQL mist is mounted. This would remove it from the carousel and make adjusting it far easier.

Thanks as always for your input. I will start printing the cover and fine tuning the air blast!

Best... Richard

[suntravel]

You can make it from copper tube.

Uwe

[Greg]

I haven’t been on the forum in a while, but 2 years ago I made an almost identical ATC. For the cover, I used a large aluminum cake pan — they’re inexpensive and work really well. I only had to make the door.

BTW I run this mill everyday and it has been working flawlessly.

[RJS100]

Wow... What a cool idea! Just curious, is that tool changer the one designed by David Loomis? Are you using TTS tool holders? Is your air blast inside the carousel or external to it?

Thanks... Richard

[Greg]

Its the Alexander Cyr design I modified for my needs/wants. Yes TTS. My air blast is outside attached to my coolant nozzles, It does blow chips inside the cover but its not a issue. If I did it again I would put it inside to blow the chips out!

[RJS100]

Greg,
Thanks for your input. Very nice build! Just wondering if you found getting the ATC perfectly aligned with the spindle difficult or fidley. It seems like these TTS tool holders have to be aligned perfectly concentric with the spindle. This has been my greatest concern all along.

One last question. Were you able to make this work without custom programming. I have limited knowledge in this area and hope to use the Wizard to create the program.

Uwe, I like your idea of using copper tubing for the air blast. Are you familiar with what couplings are needed to connect 1/4 inch OD PU tubing to copper tubing?

Thanks again... Richard







Thanks ag