RapidChange ATC Documentation

UCCNC - Automatic Tool Change

Macros

Macros

All macros for UCCNC are generated as UCCNC macro files (.txt). Each file is named after the M-Code it runs. Place the generated files in the macro folder of the UCCNC profile you run: Profiles\Macro_{profile name} in your UCCNC installation.

Validation

When your profile has errors, a Profile has errors - macros unavailable box lists each error with the field it belongs to. The macros that need a valid profile are disabled in the list until the errors are fixed.

Find Z Position stays available while your profile has errors, since it is needed to find the Z Position value.

Before running Find Z Position, select the IR sensor's Input in Tool Detection.


Export Options

Option Description
Export Generates the selected macros and writes them, unzipped, into a folder you choose: a flash drive to carry them across, or the UCCNC macro folder itself. Files of the same name in that folder are replaced. Shown only if your browser supports it.
Download All Macros downloads a zipped folder: unzip its files into the UCCNC macro folder. A single macro downloads as its own file.

Macro Selection

Choose All Macros for every macro your profile needs, or choose a single macro. Find Z Position is listed only when your magazine has IR tool detection, and the cover macros only when it has a dust cover.

All Macros includes only the files your profile uses: Measure Tool when the tool setter is enabled, and the cover macros when the dust cover is enabled.


Macro Reference

Macro File Description
Change Tool M6.txt Loads the selected tool, unloading the current tool as required. Usage: T1 M6 loads Tool 1.
Set Current Tool M61.txt Sets UCCNC's current tool and applies its tool length offset. Normally only used during installation and setup. Usage: T1 M61
Measure Tool M931.txt Measures the tool in the spindle. See Tool Measurement for its settings. Usage: M931
Open Cover M908.txt Opens the dust cover. Usage: M908
Close Cover M909.txt Closes the dust cover. Usage: M909
Find Z Position M900.txt Moves the spindle up in 0.1 mm steps until the IR beam clears, then shows the MACHINE COORDINATE Z of that position. Usage: M900 with a tool loaded in its pocket, deep enough to break the IR beam. If the beam is already clear, it stops with "The IR beam is currently unobstructed".

Magazines with a RapidChange chip

On a magazine with a RapidChange chip, the macros work through the RapidChange UCCNC plugin, so RapidChange Lab must be running whenever you change tools.

  • Tool numbers above 125 are refused before the machine moves.
  • All Macros also includes M932.txt, a tool setter characterization run, when the tool setter measures through the magazine.