Swiss type machine

This chapter explains how to build a Swiss-type machine in MachineMaker using the Hanwha XD10 as an example. You will import the machine model, assign geometry to its nodes, configure the kinematics and tool positions, add tools with holders, and check the movement of the machine components in simulation.

Hanwha XD10, the machine used in this example.

Hanwha XD10, the machine used in this example. Image from the XD_10.pdf documentation.

You will need the Hanwha_XD10.SLDASM assembly and the live_mill_tool.SLDPRT and mill_tool.SLDPRT holder models. The values below apply to this training configuration in MachineMaker. For another machine, use its kinematic layout and technical documentation to determine the settings.

Example files. Download Hanwha XD10 3D models (ZIP, 1.13 MB) — the Hanwha_XD10.SLDASM assembly, machine parts and holder models used in this tutorial.

Download the Hanwha XD10 machine configuration (ZIP, 0.56 MB) — the MachineSchema folder containing the machine configuration, CAD files and node geometry.

Before importing the 3D models, extract the entire archive into one folder and keep the file names unchanged. Open Hanwha_XD10.SLDASM from that folder so that the assembly can find its referenced parts.

1. Creating a project and importing the model

  1. Open MachineMaker and create a new project.
  2. Select Swiss type machine in the Application Mode Selector on the top toolbar.
  3. Click Add Mechanism and select the Hanwha_XD10.SLDASM assembly. Wait for the import to finish.
  4. On the Model tab, enter the name Hanwha_XD10 and select the Type A (X2 along Y) template.
  5. Enable Preserve CAD files to keep the source geometry available for subsequent editing.
  6. Check the assembly orientation relative to the coordinate system. For the source assembly in the video example, with Move whole model enabled, the translation values are X = 0, Y = 0, Z = 0, and the rotation values are X = 0°, Y = −90°, Z = 90°. If the model is already oriented correctly, no further rotation is required.

2. Assigning parts on the Model tab

In the Designation panel, select a node and then select the corresponding parts in the viewport. Assign the parts the color of that node. Parts with the same color belong to the same group.

Assign the tool plate to X1 and the four upper cylindrical tool housings to B. Assign the spindle components to the appropriate nodes of the selected template, using its diagram as a guide. The screenshots use the following colors for X1 and B:

Node Geometry Color
X1 Tool plate with six slots Pink
B Four cylindrical housings of the upper tool group Orange

Check that every part belongs to the correct group. Do not include holders that will be added separately in the fixed machine geometry. Once the parts are assigned, open the Kinematic tab.

3. Setting axis limits on the Kinematic tab

In the Limits panel, enter the values shown in the screenshot. The Min and Max fields define the travel limits of linear axes and the rotation limits of rotary axes in degrees. Enable Fixed for B and Y2 to lock their movement.

Axis limits for the training configuration; B and Y2 are fixed.

Axis limits for the training configuration. Axes B and Y2 are fixed.

Select each axis in turn and check its movement direction in the viewport. Planes indicate the travel limits of linear axes; a circular indicator shows the rotation of rotary axes.

4. Positioning the C2 axis

Select C2 and align its rotation axis with the centerline of the cylindrical counter-spindle component, as shown below. The center of the indicator must coincide with the center of the hole in the end face. Check the rotation direction using the arrow; if necessary, reverse it with the direction icon to the right of the C2 row.

C2 rotation axis aligned with the counter spindle and centered on the hole.

Positioning C2: the rotation center coincides with the center of the hole, and the axis runs along the counter spindle.

This image illustrates the position of C2. Use the screenshot in the previous step for the numerical limits of all axes.

5. Positioning tools and sockets

Open the Tools tab. In the Axes tools panel, expand the relevant groups and set the number of positions:

Group Setting Value
X1 tools and sockets Turn tools 6
X1 tools and sockets Drive tools 4
B tools Axial tools 4
B tools Paired tools offset 93
Y2 sockets Count 3
Z2 sockets Count 0

Position the tools and sockets as shown in the image. Select each position in the viewport and adjust its location and orientation using the Move and Rotate fields and geometry snapping.

Tool groups: X1 turning tools and driven-tool positions, B paired axial tools, and the lower Y2 sockets.

Tool group layout: X1 turning tools, X1 driven-tool positions, B paired axial tools, and the lower Y2 sockets.

X1 turning tools. Place six turning tools in the slots of the tool plate on the right. The tool shanks must be parallel, with one in each slot.

X1 driven-tool positions. The four purple tool symbols form a vertical row just to the left of the turning tools. Holders will be attached to these positions later.

B paired tools. The upper group contains four axial positions. Align them with the holes in the cylindrical housings. The paired tools point in opposite directions; set the distance between them using Paired tools offset = 93.

Y2 sockets. The three lower positions form a separate row. Position them relative to the lower spindle component, as shown in the image.

For the spindle groups, use the settings shown in the screenshot:

Setting Main spindle Counter spindle
Name Spindle Counter spindle
Holder type Right lathe spindle Left lathe spindle
Default clamp ID 1 2

Check the group positions from several viewing angles and click Apply.

6. Adding the first tool with a holder

  1. In the main window, click Add Mechanism and add live_mill_tool.SLDPRT as a tool.
  2. On the Model tab, enter the name live_mill_tool and select the Mill Tool type. Assign the holder geometry to the Base node. Keep Preserve CAD files enabled.
  3. Check the orientation of the model and its coordinate system. In the screenshot, all model translation and rotation values are zero.

First tool: milling tool type, with the holder geometry assigned to Base.

Adding the first tool: select the milling tool type and assign the holder geometry to Base.

  1. Open the TCP tab and select the Tool connector.
  2. Place the connector at the center of the holder's clamping hole. For this model, set translation to X = 0, Y = 0, Z = −47 and rotation to X = 0°, Y = 0°, Z = 0°.
  3. Enable Visualize tool. The tool symbol must extend from the hole along the clamping axis, as shown in the image.
  4. Click Apply. The new tool is now available for attachment to the machine sockets.

First tool TCP: Z translation is minus 47, all rotations are zero, and tool visibility is enabled.

First tool TCP: translation Z = −47, zero rotation about all axes, and tool visibility enabled.

7. Adding the second tool

Similarly, use Add Mechanism to import mill_tool.SLDPRT. Enter the name mill_tool, select the Mill Tool type and assign the geometry to the Base node.

On the TCP tab, position the connector at the center of the hole. The second model in the source video uses translation X = 0, Y = 0, Z = −34 and zero rotation about all axes. Enable tool visibility, check the tool direction and click Apply.

8. Attaching tools to the machine sockets

  1. Open the settings of the Hanwha_XD10 mechanism and select the Tools tab.
  2. Right-click the required tool position or its attachment point.
  3. In the context menu, select Add end effector, then live_mill_tool or mill_tool.

Attaching a tool to a socket using the Add end effector context-menu command.

Attaching a tool to a socket using Add end effector in the context menu.

  1. Repeat for the other positions. Fill the four positions in the vertical group and the three lower sockets with suitable tools and holders.
  2. Check the seating and orientation of every holder. Once all positions are filled, the configuration should look like the image below. Click Apply.

Completed socket setup: four holders in the vertical group and three in the lower row.

Completed socket setup: four holders in the vertical group and three holders in the lower row.

9. Checking the simulation and saving the project

Switch to MachineMaker simulation mode and check the movement of all machine components. Change the positions of the available axes in turn: Z1, Y1, X1, X2, Z2, then check the rotation of C1 and C2.

Make sure that the components move in the correct directions and stay within the configured limits, and that the holders and tools move with their assigned nodes. The counter spindle must rotate about the configured C2 axis. Axes B and Y2 must remain stationary in this configuration.

If any movement is incorrect, return to the part assignments, axis settings or tool positions and correct the relevant parameter. Repeat the check after making changes.

Exit simulation mode and save the machine project using the save command on the top toolbar. The Hanwha XD10 configuration is ready for further use in the CAM system.