Using Tool Configurations in the XL200 Series Controller

For many years, customers have asked for multiple copies of a Tool Setup that can be selectively called up when desired. There are many reasons why multiple Tool configurations would be desired. One reason for this comes from machines that run different sets punching dies. These machines have interchangeable dies that can be installed into a press based on the parts or profiles being run. Without using a Tool Configuration, the operator would be forced to manually enter the tooling numbers each time a new die is loaded. This is time consuming and can be plagued with mistakes.

We have now added the ability for the customer to create multiple tooling setups. Each of these tooling lists can be saved in what we will call a “Configuration.” The customer can create up to 255 Configurations. Each Configuration will have a separate copy of a tool setup the customer has indicated they want in their configurations.

Models Available

• All Models

Versions Available

• XL2OL v3 – v3.70.00 or higher
• XL2CL v3 – V3.70.00 or higher
• XL2OL v4 – v4.33.00 or higher
• XL2CL v4 – v4.33.00 or higher
• XL220OL v4 – v4.08.00 or higher

In order to create and use these Configurations, there are few steps the programmer/operator must take. Below is a step-by-step guide to creating and using these configurations.

Step 1 – Create Configurations

We need to start by creating our Configurations. In other words, we are creating the number of Tool lists available to choose from.

You can create a Configuration by doing the following:

1. Press the Setup button on the keypad.
2. Highlight “Tool Configurations” on the left navigation pane.
3. Press F1 to jump to the right navigation pane or simply touch there on the screen.
4. Press F2 to add a new Configuration or F3 to delete a Configuration.
   1. Note: When adding a new Configuration, a new number will automatically be assigned for the Set. Config. ID. You can rename this by editing the field, but it is recommended to keep this default.
5. Name the Configuration by editing the name field. Only 9 characters are available and are alphanumeric. If you wish to use letters, then you must first turn on the virtual keypad in your operator preferences.
6. When you press enter on the name, you will be taken to a second screen in which you will enter the Tool Data just like you would in the main Tool Data screen. Please refer to the XL200 Series Operators Manual for details about entering tool data.
7. Repeat for the number of Configurations you want.

Step 2 – Loading a Configuration

There are three different ways of loading a Configuration to be used. Configurations can be automatically loaded via a Product Code, manually loaded by the operator, or selected to be loaded by the PLC using Modbus.

In the section below we will discuss the process for loading via Product Code as well as the manual process of loading a Configuration. We will not discuss the PLC option as that is described in the “Modbus Communication Specification” document and should only be attempted by AMS Engineers or Software Engineers familiar with PLC programming.

Automatic Loading of a Configuration via Product Code

It is possible to have the controller automatically load specific Configuration when a Product Code is called out to be run with an order. Please see the XL200 Series Controller manual for more information about Product Codes and how they are used.

In order to enable this feature, you must first locate the parameter “ID 712 – Enforce Tool Config. By PCode” and set it to Yes. This can be found by doing the following:

1. Press Setup.
2. Highlight Controller Settings in the left navigation pane.
3. Expand the list by pressing the Right arrow key on the keypad.
4. Highlight Operator Preferences.
5. The parameter will be listed on the right. Set this to Yes.

Now that this feature is enabled, we can link a Configuration to a Product Code. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Press Setup.
2. Highlight Product Code Definitions in the left navigation pane.
3. Press F1 to jump to the right navigation pane or simply touch there on the screen.
4. Press F2 to Add or F3 to Delete.
5. Enter the Product Code you wish to link and Press Enter.
6. Enter the Configuration ID you wish to load with that Product Code and press Enter.

Manual Loading of a Configuration from the Menu

An operator may choose to manually load a specific Configuration for a machine setup or instance of their choosing. This is a quick process but not a desirable one as it requires an operator to remember to do this, although it is still better than manually changing an entire list of parameters.

To manually load a configuration, perform the following steps:

1. Press Setup.
2. Highlight Tool Configurations in the left navigation pane.
3. Press F1 to jump to the right navigation pane or simply touch there on the screen.
4. Highlight the Configuration you wish to load.
5. Press F6 to load the Configuration.
6. A dialog box will appear to confirm you want to load that Configuration. Choose Yes to load this.