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🔧 Manual Tool Change (MTC) Button — What You Need to Know
The Manual Tool Change (MTC) Button is a completely optional feature—you do not need it to use the Automatic Tool Changer (ATC) system on your machine.
That said, it can be a handy tool for manually swapping out tool holders without needing to go through the Masso controller or G-code programming.
✅ What the MTC Button Does
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Manually opens the spindle clamps so you can insert or remove a tool.
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Lets you bypass Masso’s programmed tool change sequence.
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Acts like pressing the spacebar on Masso, which inverts the clamp output.
🔐 Safety Requirements
The MTC Button will only work when the spindle is in a safe state, meaning:
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The spindle’s RPM is at zero (fully stopped).
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The safety wire between the VFD and the Pneumatics Enclosure is properly connected.
💡 Indicator Light:
Lit = Active (ready to use)
Off = Inactive (spindle is not in a safe state)
🔄 How to Use It
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Press the button to open the clamps.
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Be ready: the tool may drop or be ejected if not supported.
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Insert a new tool, then release the button.
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Wait a few seconds for the clamps to automatically lock the tool in place.
🧠 Tips for Large Diameter Tools (e.g., Spoilboard Cutters)
Because of the way Masso and ATC logic handle large tools, here's a common workaround:
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Add a “dummy” tool position in your rack for the large tool (e.g., spoilboard bit).
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Program your toolpath to change to that dummy tool number.
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After the ATC completes the tool change, manually install the large bit using the MTC Button.
This method works around limitations for tools that don't physically fit in the rack.
🔍 Note: Masso shows a button in the interface that suggests future support for this, but it’s currently inactive. We’re actively exploring additional tool rack options to address this.
🔁 Alternative Option
For large tools that don’t fit in the rack, you can also switch to a Manual Tool Change (F1 Tool Change Window) for just that toolpath, instead of using ATC.
