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Tool Change Position
This is the position, to the right of the billet, to which the carriage moves so that a cutting tool can be changed. The declaration is given in the form of +X and +Z values: for example, X = 30 and Z = 60. This means that, with reference to the right hand tool, the tool change position is where the tool tip is, in X, at diameter 30mm and, in Z, 60mm to the right of the billet.
Use equivalent X and Z inch measurements for Imperial machining.
In the example files included with WELturn, the first thing the tool does at the start of machining is move rapidly to the right and then comes back again. That opening move is to the tool change position. Even though a tool change is not required at this point, it is a useful reminder of the need to set it at a safe distance. We suggest that however NC code is created, manually or with CADCAM software, the first move when machining is always a trip to the tool change position.
AlphaCAM Users
The tool change position must be declared before any tool paths can be set: it is the second item under the Machine menu.
Other CADCAM Software Users
There will be somewhere in your software where the tool change position needs to be declared.
External Turning
When only external turning is being done, the tool change position can be much nearer the right hand end of the billet, eg X = 30 and Z = 30. However, if the machining includes boring or internal threading, a Z distance greater than Z = 60 may be necessary to prevent tools fouling the work.
Auto Tool Change Turret
Where a 5CNC lathe has an automatic tool change turret, the tool change position must be set with great care so that any drills, boring bars and threading tools mounted on the turret do not foul the work when the turret rotates. Values of X = 30, Z = 60 are a good starting point - but check they are good enough.
AlphaCAM
Manually Prepared Code