System Basics
- Sam Bollen
Analytics
In This Section, You'll Learn:
About the main components of the machine and how it moves.
Before operating the machine in any way, you must read and understand this section.
System Reference
To operate your machine, you must become familiar with the components of its system.
Machine Table
The machine table is 34" × 9.5" (864 mm × 241 mm).
Don't put more than 500 lb (227 kg) on the machine table. Always verify that the workpiece and workholding devices are centered on the machine table.
The machine table has three T-slots along the X-axis, used to secure workholding devices (on which to secure your workpiece while machining):
T-Slots 5/8" (15.9 mm) (three slots)
T-Slot Spacing 2-3/8" (60.3 mm)
Center T-Slot Precision ground to 0.625" (15.9 mm)
Spindle
The machine spindle uses a BT30 taper to hold BT30 tool holders.
Spindle Power 2 hp (1.5 kW)
Maximum Speed 10,000 rpm
Two speed ranges are available:
Low 70 rpm to 2000 rpm
High 250 rpm to 10,000 rpm
About the Spindle
The machine spindle gives power to the cutting tool, which allows it to remove material from the workpiece. The spindle is driven by the spindle motor.
The machine uses a single-contact BT30 spindle taper. The tool holder contacts only the spindle taper, which keeps it in position. Because of this, there's a gap (2 mm) between the tool holder's flange and the end surface of the spindle nose.
Operate the spindle either manually or by G-code commands (entered in the MDI Line DRO field or programmed into a G-code program). Manually controlling the spindle is useful when you're setting work offsets for tools that require the spindle to be running (like “wiggler”-style edge finders or coaxial indicators).
The machine's spindle rotates either clockwise (forward) or counterclockwise (reverse) at a specified spindle speed.
Axes
The machine has three linear axes of motion, and one optional rotary axis, used for machining:
The X-axis, which is (horizontally) along the long side of the machine table.
The Y-axis, which is (horizontally) along the short side of the machine table.
The Z-axis, which is (vertically) along the mill column.
(Optional) The A-axis, which is the axis of rotation that is typically aligned to the X-axis.
Each axis has a different limit of travel:
X-Axis 18" (457 mm)
Y-Axis 11" (279 mm)
Z-Axis 16.25" (413 mm)
Basic Controls Reference
To safely and effectively operate your machine, you must become familiar with how it moves. The machine has two forms of basic controls: machine controls and the PathPilot interface.
Machine Controls
The following controls energize the machine's control electronics:
The Main Disconnect switch, located on the right side of the electrical cabinet.
The Main Disconnect switch has two positions: OFF and ON. When it's in the OFF position, it separates the other machine control electronics from the mains electrical supply. When it's in the ON position, the other machine control electronics are able to receive power.
WARNING! Before opening the electrical cabinet for maintenance or troubleshooting, you must lockout the mains power: Turn the Main Disconnect switch to the OFF position, and secure an approved lockout device through the lockout rings at the bottom of the switch.
The operator box — which contains the blue Reset button and the red Emergency Stop button — located on the front of the machine.
When pushed in, the Emergency Stop button interrupts power to the spindle and axis drives, and stops the machine’s motion. When the Emergency Stop button is twisted out, press the Reset button to enable the machine, allowing spindle and axis motion. The Reset button’s LED turns on when the machine is enabled and the spindle and axis drives receive power.
PathPilot Interface
PathPilot is the primary means by which you interact with your machine. PathPilot controls all of the automatic motion of the machine axes and spindle, as well as some accessories. The PathPilot control system consists of one of the following:
Controller Arm
Controller
(Optional) Jog Shuttle
Keyboard
Monitor or (Optional)Touch Screen Kit
Mouse
Operator Console
Console (with integrated touch screen)
(Optional) Keyboard
(Optional) Mouse
Jog pendant
Looking for more information?
This is a section of the 1100MX operator's manual. To view the whole manual, go to Tormach document UM10586.
If you have additional questions, we can help. Create a support ticket with Tormach Technical Support at tormach.com/how-to-submit-a-support-ticket for guidance on how to proceed.