Research And Practice Of A Universal Tool Management Software Based PLC

Automatic system of tool control is a important part of NC machine tool. The latest requirements of machine tool user comprise of diversification of control object, complexity of process, flexible of application and high reliability. This paper describes methods and procedures of the design of a tool management software . A core function of the software is management of tool data. The software constructs tool information database TDB to record and visit information about tools. Data updating program carry out synchronization of data and reality. To satisfy the requirement of diversification of control object, in the one hand the software use the concept of tool station for unifying spindle and magazine locations and use the new mathod of direction map for describing the relationship among tool stations, on the other hand the software support four magazine, two transfer types, huge tool and multi-edge tool.To receive batch commands of tool control from channels, the software constructs the tool task queues in 3-levels and carries out pseudo- simultaneity of instructions and batch of action output. The method improves efficiency of programs. Furthermore, the software concentratively designs the functions under the condition of multi-channel, multi-spindle and multi-magazine: tool feed, tool preparation, background preparation, tool transfering and tool loading/unloading.To increace the flexibility of tool control, the software provides users control strategies which is about tool search, tool replacement, location search and magazine rotation. Tool ID number is used to establish relationship of replacement. The software also provides optional mode of random and fixed tool orientation besides location type matching. In addition, users are allowed to update TDB personally. Other functions are also discussed which comprise edge life management, providing D number, tool measuring, workpiece measuring, handy tool and so on.The test result shows this software is universal for tool management in machine tool. Finally the software was successfully applied to a machining center TH65125x125.