How Mazatrol Tool Breakage Monitoring Works
On Mazatrol conversational controls, tool breakage verification is implemented as an M-code unit inserted into the program's priority-number (Vorrangnummer) sequence. Priority numbers are normally assigned tool-optimized when the program is written. To measure a specific tool after its machining operation, you create a free priority slot immediately after that tool's unit and place an M-code line there. The control then measures the tool after its cut finishes: if breakage is detected and no sister tool exists, the machine stops; if a sister tool is available, machining continues.
M-code ambiguity: The request title references M32, but the documented procedure uses M9 and M35 in the M-code line. Treat M35/M9 as the verified pairing from the procedure, and confirm the exact tool-measurement M-code (M32 vs M35) against your machine's parameter set and Mazak programming manual before relying on either value.
Creating the Free Priority Slot
Open the program description. Assume the sequence shows priority 5 = drill 9.5L (drilling), 6 = chamfer mill 15H (chamfer left), 7 = reamer 10C (reaming), 8 = tap PS1V (tapping), and you want the 9.5 drill measured after drilling. Move the cursor with the arrow keys to priority number 6, press change, and edit 6 into 7. All following numbers shift down one place, leaving priority 6 empty:
| Priority | Before | After edit |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Drill 9.5L — Drilling | Drill 9.5L — Drilling |
| 6 | Chamfer mill 15H — Chamfer left | (reserved for M-Code) |
| 7 | Reamer 10C — Reaming | Chamfer mill 15H — Chamfer left |
| 8 | Tap PS1V — Tapping | Reamer 10C — Reaming |
| 9 | — | Tap PS1V — Tapping |
Inserting the M-Code Line
- Enter the program and position just before the end of program — commonly immediately before a pallet change.
- Insert an M-code line (M-Code unit) at that position.
- Enter the unit priority number matching the reserved slot (6 in this example) followed by the M-codes:
Unit M-Code
6 M9
M35The program description then shows priority 6 as "M-Code" between the drilling unit and the chamfer unit, and the 9.5 drill is measured right after its machining completes. Verify the sequence in the program description before running: the M-code priority must sit directly after the monitored tool's unit.
Breakage Response and Crash Risk
On detected breakage without a registered sister tool, the machine stops; with a sister tool, it continues with the replacement. Apply this with caution: if a drill snaps and the broken tip remains in a bore that a later operation (for example, reaming) will enter, the follow-up tool can be driven into the fragment. Plan the measurement point and sister-tool logic so downstream tools never enter a hole that may contain a broken tool remnant.
FAQ
Which M-codes trigger tool measurement on a Mazatrol control?
The documented procedure programs M9 and M35 in a dedicated M-code unit. If your documentation references M32 instead, verify the correct tool-measurement M-code against your machine's parameters, as this varies by configuration.
Where do I place the M-code line for tool breakage monitoring?
Insert the M-code unit near the end of the program, typically just before a pallet change, and assign it a priority number slotted directly after the tool you want measured (create the free slot by incrementing the next priority number in the program description).
What happens when Mazak tool breakage detection finds a broken tool?
Without a sister tool, the machine stops on the breakage alarm. With a sister tool registered, machining continues using the replacement tool — but confirm no broken fragment remains in the workpiece before downstream tools enter that feature.
