Thread: Pallet Confirmation

Hey Guys,

Hopefully this is a quick one. You have any idea if there is an M-code for pallet confirmation. More specifically we have a Palletec system, and I am using pallets 2 and 6 of 12. If there is no specific M-code for that than that is ok, as long as there is a system variable that I could read instead.

If you don't already know.

Mazak HCN 5000-II

Thanks,

Husker

I don't have a Palletech (yet), so I can't help you with that, but I'm sure Psychomill knows. The cell controller should handle all of that anyways, but I can't blame you for wanting a little bit of assurance.

Did you get your post sorted out on that other file?

For now the post is working well. As for the cell controller stuff. The only reason I would like to have the check in there is because we are manually managing the cell for now. We are proving out new parts and are constantly changing the programs, therefore it is a pain to use the cell controller to download the programs to the machine and run in auto mode. I am probably being somewhat naive on how to use the cell controller to its full ability, that I know is true, I have not been trained on how to use it fully, and those that were are no longer with the company. I mainly just need the time to figure out how to use it, and ask questions as issues come up. Right now....

So... If anyone has some experience with the cell controller give a holler, and curious to see what you have to say. I think at this point I am mainly looking for a system variable to read the in machine pallet number.


Husker

No, there is no M code or variable to track the pallet at the machine. As Joe stated, the FMS or Palletech computer tracks this. The only exception to this rule is on Pallet pool machines (no FMS computer or controller). In this case, the M codes trigger your pallet selects. These codes have no effect on FMS systems however (except for M70/71 & M910/911). If you look at your machine control, you'll notice that the pallet number always reflects a 0 or 1 anyway.

There is no reason why Mazak can't give you a short 'refresher' for FMS programming. I have a ppt I can send you as well (gotta dig it up first). Not extremely detailed but it gets you the idea. What cell controller/version are you running? (which may explain the PITA factor).

There are a couple ways you can track the pallet at the machine by the machine. One is to upgrade to a Pallet ID system. This puts a chip onto your pallet which the machine can read on confirm. Not exactly cheap though. A second way which I use is to mount or machine an identifying feature to your set up, tombstone or pallet. It can be very simple such as step blocks, ring gages, machine diameters/steps of different sizes. Then, use the probe to ID the pallet and/or set up. A specific size confirms the part and set up. I've also done the same thing to actually start programs as well. It probes for a specific size/location, then jumps to the correct program for the set up and runs from there.