10. TOOL FUNCTIONS
B–63682EN/01
NC FUNCTION
66
In general, the tool holder of a punch holds one tool (die). To select a tool
the tool holder is first moved to the position at which the tool is changed
using the T command (cartridge indexing). Then, at that position, the tool
holder is set on the punch holder.
In the case of the multiple–tool system, only the dies in the tool holder are
changed because the tool holder keeps different types of dies (See Fig.
10.4). The multiple–tool system enables the tool holder to change dies
very quickly. Also, many dies can be used to widen the range of
machining applications.
Tool holder
Multiple tool system
(cartridge)
Multiple tools
Fig. 10.4 Multiple tool system
The pot numbers of a multiple–tool system are specified with T codes
consisting of three or four digits, as follows:
T f f ∆ ∆ ;
Tool number of the multiple–tool system
Pot number (for specifying a tool holder)
The T codes used for controlling the indexing of the turret (tool holder)
in a CNC are two–digit pot numbers from 00 to 99, including those for
a multiple–tool system as shown above.
The T codes consisting of three or four digits are used to control a
multiple–tool system. The first two digits are the pot numbers of the
multiple–tool system and the last two digits are the tool numbers in the
multiple–tool system.
10.4
MULTIPLE TOOL
CONTROL
10.4.1
Tool Number