IMO, if there is a reason to do a manual tool change, IE large tool or special attachment, the logic to remove the tool should be done in the TC macro in the control. This is the only way to make sure nothing bad happens. Here's how we do it: TC macro checks the length and diameter to see if beyond limits of tool magazine. Or, tool is flagged as manual tool change only via macro variable (or tool table if available). IF yes to either one of these, tc to empty pocket and move to operator position and prompt operator to put in tool (M00). When finished, move to operator and prompt removal (M00). Check tool presence signal in I/O to make sure spindle is empty and carry on. No post mods and no chance of programmer or operator missing something. MIke

THere is an optional pallet changer for the D500. I'm sure it's quicker since its looks like it's on an A81 chassis. I think unless it's in the 500k range they are going to have a real tough time selling those. Mike

Our Makino sales guy is talking to us about this machine. I don't understand the advantage of this layout over over the D500. I suspect there is none. Mike

It's a shame you need the space that bad. If you ever need to sell those machines it's going to be tough without the conveyors. Mike

I like. MIke

On a standard Fanuc control, with inspection plus macros, The below macro call will do what you want. However if I recall, Haas does some things a little differently. Go into your program directory and find the number for single surface measurement. That will be the macro number to call. The S value is the work offset to set. (s1=G54, S2=G55 etc.) G65 P9811 Z.015 S1. MIke

We have some EL tool units running 24-6 without issue. Mike

Yeah that stinks. USUALLY the techs they send here are very knowledgeable and have a lot of experience. That may be more of a function of the area we are in (Chicago), and our local dealer. Also, I have never used a non-Japanese machine but I have heard some pretty good feedback on the F series from people in the area. What it sounds like is that you got a lemon and now a bunch of hacks are making things a lot worse. Mike

That has not been my experience. However, I have only dealt with the HMC's. They have been phenomenally accurate and extremely reliable. Mike

Makino or Okuma for me. IDK about those NHX machines compared to the old NH DCG. For FMS, Makino I think does a great job. I have been involved in multiple installs of them and they haven't let me down. PM me if you have any specific questions. Mike

This is where a PDM system comes in handy . Automatically track versions and who made changes and when. I feel a lot better letting newer people work on complicated files knowing we can always roll back if they screw something up. Also, avoiding multiple copies of files is a must IMO. We use Solid PDM and it works pretty well. Mike

Yes. It would be nice. We are actually however in the process of completely eliminating the CAM tool library all together and replacing it with a tool management system such as Zoller TMS, TDM, or Wintool. Mike

It is not possible as far as CNC software tells us. We have done the exact same thing and CNC Software said we must do the full install. Not a big deal, we just installed and fired up MC once on the Zollers and just use the tool Manager. Mike

We have two thermal "Explosive" deburing machines here. All I will say for the process is that it needs to be a very fine bur for thermal to remove it. Also, beware of any loose "hangers" get welded on during the process. Or, larger burs getting blown off and bouncing around in your manifold. Mike

Not sure about Matsuura, but on Makino there is an M-code that dumps the current pallet number into a macro variable (#110). Maybe they handle it in a similar fasion? Mike

You're not going to get a speeder up to that RPM. There are however a lot of air and electric auxiliary spindles available. I have a lot of experience using NSK's. It's amazing what tool life and feed rates you can achieve with tiny tools with the proper surface footage and runout. Mike

This I gotta see! Been asking for this since 2007. They always have said "we're working on it". Turns out they were. Just took em a decade. Mike

Kitamura is a solid machine. We had an early 2000's 400mm HMC where I used to work and it just kept chugging along. Also take a look at the Makino A51. IMO you can't go wrong with either of the two or the Matsuura Hplus405. I think the Hplus 400 is a re-branded quasar import but I could be wrong. Doesn't mean it's not a decent machine though. MIke

Remember that even with a tapered tool, you must still enter taper. Mike

I don't know of a way in MCAM but have done it in Solidworks. Pretty cool. Have also made some Fanuc macros that generate complex cams. It's fun to watch thousands of lines of code fly by that are generated my three little macro logic statements. Mike

I've used eltool before. Currently have one running 24/6 drilling 3mm w/o any issues. MIke

IDK about that. They have to control that flange surface within microns to the gage diameter when making Big Plus interface. Not easily done by lower tier manufacturers without the right equipment/process. Mike

Hi Matt, We have 3 generations of Makino 1 series machines and currently already have 5 NX-B machines (PRO 6). If you would like, PM me and we could talk next week. I think I could get you some pretty good info for getting started. Mike

Renishaw has a 3 point bore/boss cycle where you can define the angles at which to measure at. Could he not use that? Mike

We use it here but not the Mastercam interface option yet. What's holding us up is mastercam lathe tooling support. PM RobK, he has extensive experience using it to drive tool geo in CAM (NX). MIke