X-Mill 500+ Tool Slot Guide

Tool Slot Guide

The Tool Slot Guide is a visual reference designed to help operators quickly identify tool slot numbers and verify correct tool placement. It supports proper TNS assignment, reduces setup errors, and helps protect the Automatic Tool Changer (ATC) during daily operation.

The guide is available in two formats:

• A machine-mounted label for quick, at-a-glance reference during tool loading and operation

• A larger desk or file reference version for verifying tool numbers while preparing CAM files

Using the Tool Slot Guide helps maintain consistency between your CAM files and the physical tool layout in the machine, ensuring smooth, accurate milling workflows.

Download options:

• Download Machine Label Tool Slot Guide

• Download Desk / File Tool Slot Guide

TNS Button: Assigning a Tool to a Slot

The TNS (Tool Number Set) button guides you through assigning the tool currently loaded in the spindle to a specific tool slot.

Follow these steps:

1. Open the collet on the spindle.

2. Insert the tool into the spindle, then close the collet to secure the tool properly.

3. Navigate to the Tool Info page on the machine interface.

4. Click the TNS button to begin the tool assignment process.

5. Select the numbered tool slot you want to assign to the tool currently in the spindle.

6. Confirm the selection. The tool in the spindle is now linked to that slot.

7. Either:

   • Click the assigned slot to return the tool to its position, or

   • Load the next tool into the spindle and repeat the process.

This guided workflow ensures tools are correctly identified, tracked, and stored in the proper slot, reducing errors during milling operations.

⚠️ Warning: Proper Tool Loading

Only load tools into the spindle collet. Do not manually place tools directly into the tool slots.

Manually loading tools into the tool magazine or slots can cause misalignment and damage to the Automatic Tool Changer (ATC). Always allow the machine to handle tool placement through the proper tool-loading and TNS assignment process.

Following this procedure helps protect the ATC mechanism and ensures reliable, accurate tool changes during operation.