The Manual Tool Change (MTC) Button is completely optional and is in no way required to utilize the ATC System. 

The MTC Button is a handy button that allows you to change the tool holders outside of Masso or its programming. You can also remove a tool by inverting the clamp output on Masso by pressing spacebar. 

 

It will not work unless the VFD is in a safe state and that doesn't occur unless the Spindle's RPMs are zero and requires the safety wire between the VFD and the Pneumatics Enclosure for the button to be able to become active.

 

You'll know its active by the button being illuminated, and being inactive the light will go out. 

 

Simply press the button and it will open the clamps which will allow the tool to be removed or shot out if not prepared. To reinsert a tool, release the button with a tool in there, and wait a couple of seconds for the clamps to lock it in. 

 

 

Due to the architecture of the Masso Controller and the ATC Logic the best use of the MTC button in a multi-tool toolpath involving a large diameter bit, like a spoilboard cutter, is to designate a "dummy" spot where it has an empty tool holder with a that tool number designated in your rack and after the tool change is complete changing the bit using the MTC button. This is known issue and has only been observed to effect large diameter bits which do not natively fit in tool racks.

There is a button that shows promise in the Masso interface; however it is not active, and we are still continuing to investigate other tool rack options.

The alternative is change to a manual tool change (tool change window of F1) instead of the Automatic tool change for the large surfacing bit.