A tool setter helps determine the tools' offset geometry. Most shops use it for higher spindle usage rates and increased machine tool uptime. High-performing businesses and people that run their tools constantly say the tool presetter is useful for their business. However, operators need to be careful to avoid a collision. So, what causes the collision of the tool setter?
Causes of tool setter collision
Here are the main reasons why collisions in tool setters happens. They include:
- The workpiece coordinate system of the tool setter is set incorrectly.
Collisions usually happen during rapid movement of the machine tool. The idle switch is typically turned on during simulations to save time and all the moving axes of the machine tool run at a G00 speed.
Therefore, failure to turn off the running switch in the machine's processing time and space disregards the feed speed. As a result, it continues running at the G00 speed, leading to a knife strike and machine crash which is very harmful, and you should avoid it.
- There was no return to the reference point after the simulation.
The machine tool is locked during the program check while the workpiece runs in the simulation. So, absolute and relative coordinates are changing and inconsistent with the actual position. It means the geometric dimensions are incorrect and need to return to the reference point.
On the other hand, it will help ensure that the mechanical zero coordinates are uniform to the absolute and relative coordinates. If you don't identify any issue after going over the program, the tool setter will collide. Failure to find fault means even the initial positioning of the workpiece needs to be corrected.
- Overtravel needs to be in the right direction.
If the tool over travels, you must press and hold the overtravel release button. Then move in the other direction either by hand. But remember, if the removal is reversed, the machining tool will get damaged. The reason is that when you press the override release, the tool's override protection won't work. This is because the travel switch of the override protection is at the end of the travel at that moment. It might lead to the work table moving in the overtravel direction, which will pull the screws causing collisions and damaging the machine.
- Improper operation
When the operating the CNC lathe to process the workpiece, a tool setting error will affect the accuracy of the dimensions. So, it is a must to compensate for the tool, which should pay attention to compensation direction and amount of compensation.
When using the tool, always check if the compensation value is correct. For instance, when inputting the compensation value, check if the +" sign is input as"one " and" "X0.08" is input as "X8". If so, the tool will rush directly to the workpiece, scrapping the piece. It will lead to tool damage, chuck crash, and other accidents.
Machine tool collisions can happen due to the reasons above. Ensuring the workpiece setting and dimensions are correct will help avoid knife collision. However, things are easier, and you can avoid this by using various technologies. Today advanced technologies like machine tool anti-collision and tool damage detection will help detect collisions.
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