Research on the Disc-tool Changer Automatic Tool Change Control System for the Special Compound Machining Center

The self-developed gantry twin-spindle sheet and laser cutting compound machining center has complex sequence action control and abundance of I /O control points. Thus it need a special Computer Numerical Control( CNC) system to control this compound machining center. A free port communication mode was proposed to implement communication and control between the multi-axis motion controller and the general independence PLC. Then it can realize the sequential action control and automatic tool change( ATC) function. The random address optimal path tool selection method was researched to realize ATC on the compound machining center by analyzing the disc-tool changer with manipulator. Experimental results showed that the tool change time can be reduced and the efficiency of processing was improved via the optimal path tool selection method under the free port communication mode and controlled by the independence PLC.