Postprocessor: Tool change in Milling

Last change: Dec 22, 2022

Tool change position

Before the tool change in milling, an intermediate point is always approached in XYZ. In practice, this is not necessary, because the tool change is carried out automatically via M6.

This position comes from the work plan settings, subitem 'Clamping'. In the workplan, this is necessary, because the position is used for the calculation of approach and departure paths and for the simulation.

However, many postprocessors offer the possibility to hide the corresponding NC blocks or to output only the traverse path in Z.

F1 File > F8 Postprocessor-parameter ... > F2 Modify > F1 Postprocessor parameter set > Select the desired file > F10 OK > F10 OK.

Now 6 submenus from F1 General machine parameters to F6 NC blocks are available. If available for your control the toggle option to change the movement to approach the tool change point can be found in

F1 General machine parameters

Change 'Tool change position' to 'move only Z or 'by M-function' and accept the setting with F10.

If you do not want to make any further postprocessor changes in other submenus, exit the window with the 6 submenus again with F10. The setting will take effect at the next postprocessor call. However, make absolutely sure that a safe position for the tool change is now approached in the program via M6 (or another machine function (e.g. M66) can be set in the same dialog)!

Manual tool change

If there are several commands to be set around the tool change (e.g. M5, M9 and M0 before the T call because your machine does not have an automatic changer), you can enter them in

F6 NC blocks