Tool changes without automatic height measurement is a time consuming process on all CNC machines.
Focus supports semi-automatic tool changes with automatic tool height measurement.
Once installed, the user simply places the tool on the spindle and Focus automatically measures the length of the tool on each tool change with the GCode M06 command.
A Tool Setter or simple Touch Plate is connected to the controller and used as a reference surface for the "Semi-automatic tool change" function of Focus.
When the GCode Cycle starts, Focus will move the tool to the predefined tool setter position, calibrate the tool length automatically and go back to the machining position. This process will be repeated for all subsequent tool change commands (M06) in the GCode file that is cycling.
The following two schematics explain how to connect a Tool Setter to your GRBL Controller. In case you need help you can contact us.
The following schematic explains how to connect the Tool Setter to the SourceRabbit 4-Axis CNC Motherboard. All you need is wiring the Tool Setter to the probe Pins.
The Probe pins on our 4-Axis CNC Motherboard, like the pins for the terminal switches, are opto isolated to keep away any external electromagnetic interference so you will not need anything extra to your wiring.
Note: You can only use Tool Setters in NC (Normally Close) mode or NO (Normally Open) .
We recommend using NC as it has much better and safer behavior.
The following schematic explains how to connect the Tool Setter to the Arduino CNC Shield. Requires connection of Tool Setter to pins SCL and GND of the CNC shield.
IMPORTANT: In order to make the tool setter work properly with the Arduino Uno and the CNC Shield, you MUST isolate it with an opto coupler. For more information visit the GRBL Wiki (https://github.com/gnea/grbl/wiki/Wiring-Limit-Switches)
After you connect the tool setter to the controller you have to enable the “Semi Auto Tool Change” on Focus
On the main menu of the software click on Machine-->Tool Change Settings and then mark the “Enable Semi Auto Tool Change” checkbox as checked.
