Pier 9 Guide: 5-Axis DMS - How to Use the DMS Dust Collector

This Instructable is for Workshop Users at Pier 9.

Requirements for using the CNC machines at Pier 9

• Take General Workshop Safety Class.
• Take relevant CNC Basic Use and Safety Class(es).

Use the installed spindle dust collector whenever possible. This system prevents, and enthusiastically inhales, small airborne dust particles. It consists of two pneumatic spindle-mounted fiberglass intakes connected to the Woodshop dust collector.

How it Works

Two intakes pneumatically open and close via the existing machine coolant On/Off commands. Coolant On & Dust Collector Closed = M65 (above picture). Coolant Off & Dust Collector Open = M66 (next picture). The dust collector automatically OPENS (M66) during tool changes and stays open.

Programming Tips

To automatically enable the spindle dust collector in your CNC program, simply select 'Flood Coolant' in your tool path in Inventor HSM (use post-processor 'DMS fagor 8055i R6' or greater). This will turn coolant on (close the dust collector via M65) prior to cutting and turn coolant off (open the dust collector M66) when finished cutting.

First, open the dust collector intakes. In MDI, type M66 and press Cycle Start. This opens the dust collector. The dust collector automatically opens during the tool change command (M6). Read how I programmed this in Step 7 & 8.

Next, make sure the Woodshop dust collector is on. This is the vacuum source.

The DMS is kinda far from the Woodshop, so you need to let other people know you are using the dust collection system. Put the wood sign on the dust collector cover.

What a phrase 'Blast Gate'.... This opens a valve in the vacuum system. This switch is located on the bottom right of the DMS fagor controller.

After you perform a tool change, in MDI type M65 & Cycle Start. This closes the intakes and moves them closer to the work piece surface.

Or Use CAM Software to Do This

To automatically enable the spindle dust collector in your CNC program, simply select 'Flood Coolant' in your tool path in Inventor HSM. This will turn coolant on (close the dust collector via M65) prior to cutting and turn coolant off (open the dust collector M66) when finished cutting.

The dust collector in action!

When you are done machining open the nozzles (M66). This puts the machine in a safe condition for the next awesome user.

How we configured the machine.

When the machine executes a tool change, it runs an internal program that contains specific machine movements to drop off and pick up a tool. This program is highlighted in the picture above, P999999 REFERENCE SUBROUTINE. These programs should only be modified by shop staff.

Edit this program and look at the code. About half way down you see where we inserted the familiar M66. This opens the dust collector prior to changing the tool.

That's it. Every time the machine is commanded to change the tool the dust collector opens. It will always stay open until you command it to close (MDI G65) or use the 'flood coolant' command in Inventor HSM.