Umbrella ATC Guidance

[CNCChris]

With using an acorn controller, how do you setup an umbrella style ATC? Do you use an axis of the controller hooked up to a stepper for rotation and tool selection? Or do you use an acdc motor controller via PLC ? Is there macros and documentation on this sort of setup?
Thanks

[martyscncgarage]

With using an acorn controller, how do you setup an umbrella style ATC? Do you use an axis of the controller hooked up to a stepper for rotation and tool selection? Or do you use an acdc motor controller via PLC ? Is there macros and documentation on this sort of setup?
Thanks

Follow this post: viewtopic.php?f=20&t=383

Describe your machine.
Do you already have an umbrella changer? OR are you thinking about building one.
Big picture please. You'll get more advice the more details you provide
Centroid CNC12 can easily handle an umbrella changer. But there is much more to the ATC process. You will likely need an ether1616 I/O Expansion board.

[CNCChris]

It's a fixed gantry machine. The tool changer is fixed and will only rotate, the z axis will move over and collect the tool then move away. What is the preferred method using an acorn controller to control the rotation of the tool changer?

[martyscncgarage]

It's a fixed gantry machine. The tool changer is fixed and will only rotate, the z axis will move over and collect the tool then move away. What is the preferred method using an acorn controller to control the rotation of the tool changer?

Please post pictures of the machine and the tool changer.

[CNCChris]

It's a build in progress, not at that stage yet. I want guidance so I purchase the right parts.

[martyscncgarage]

It's a build in progress, not at that stage yet. I want guidance so I purchase the right parts.

Well, see my last post.bpost pictures....

[CNCChris]

Here is a rendering. the ATC will be on the right. So what method of turning the ATC do you recommend? AC Motor, stepper motor from an axis? what is the prefered way an acorn controller likes to operate an ATC

[martyscncgarage]

New build then. Not an existing machine.
What kind of tool holders? Does it need spindle orient?

If you want a conventional 4th axis in the future, I would suggest not making it axis driven.

[CNCChris]

ISO25 most likely do won't need spindle orient. If I don't make it axis driven how do I do it with an acorn?

[martyscncgarage]

You will need a sensor for tool 1. You will need a sensor to count each tool. I would suggest you do a Geneva mechanism driven by a DC gear drive motor. You will need an Ether1616 for the extra I/I

Search Geneva mechanism if you are not familiar with them.

Centroid already has a PLC for an umbrella tool changer. It would only need slight modification.