PwnCNC Automatic Tool Changer (ATC) System

What’s Included with the PwnCNC ATC System?

The PwnCNC ATC System is a complete automatic tool changer spindle package built around your selected ATC motor, voltage, cooling type, tool holder platform, and controller workflow.

Each system is assembled, configured, and tested in-house before shipment. Because this is a configurable bundle, the exact included components depend on the options selected before checkout.

Core ATC System Components

• Selected ATC spindle motor — based on the motor option chosen on the product page.
• Pre-programmed VFD — configured for the selected ATC spindle motor and supported control method.
• PwnCNC VFD enclosure — included with supported enclosed VFD configurations  Note: The 4.5kW ISO30 system does not include the same enclosed VFD setup..
• Shielded spindle cable — matched to the selected ATC system.
• Power cord — matched to the selected system voltage.
• ATC control components — included based on the selected ATC configuration and controller workflow.

Important 4.5kW ISO30 VFD Note

The 4.5kW ISO30 ATC System uses a larger VFD configuration and does not include the same enclosed VFD setup as standard ISO20 ATC systems.

Customers ordering the 4.5kW ISO30 system should plan for additional VFD mounting, electrical, and installation requirements.

Tool Holder Platform Components

ISO20 ATC Systems

• ISO20 ATC spindle platform
• ISO20-compatible tooling components based on selected options
• ER20 collet compatibility through ISO20 tool holders
• Four Flush Mount Tool Cups for supported ISO20 systems

4.5kW ISO30 ATC System

• ISO30 ATC spindle platform
• ISO30-compatible tooling components based on selected options
• ER32 collet compatibility through ISO30 tool holders
• Assorted ER32 collet set with approximately 21 common sizes

The 4.5kW ISO30 ATC System is built around ISO30 tool holders capable of using ER32 collets. This gives customers access to larger tooling options than the standard ISO20/ER20 setup.

Cooling Components

Water-Cooled ATC Systems

• Cooling components for water-cooled configurations
• Kool Connectors included with water-cooled ATC systems

Coolant liquid and coolant reservoir are not included. Many customers use a dedicated bucket or reservoir with an appropriate coolant mixture.

Air-Cooled ATC Systems

Air-cooled ATC systems do not require coolant liquid, coolant tubing, a cooling pump, or a reservoir.

Some air-cooled square-body ATC motors may require a machine-specific mounting plate or adapter solution.

Also Included When Applicable

• Controller-specific wiring or control components — included based on your selected controller workflow when available.
• Machine-specific mounting components — included only when selected or listed with your configuration.
• Tool holder or tool storage components — included only when selected or listed with your configuration.
• ATC upgrade-specific components — included only for supported ATC Upgrade configurations.

ATC Upgrade Program Note

Verified PwnCNC Spindle System owners may qualify for an ATC Upgrade package. Upgrade packages are intended for supported ISO20 ATC configurations and may exclude components you already own, such as the VFD or spindle cable.

The 4.5kW ISO30 ATC option is available as a complete ATC System only and is not available as an ATC Upgrade package.

What’s Not Included

• Extra ISO20 or ISO30 tool holders unless specifically selected or bundled
• Additional tool racks, forks, or tool cups beyond what is listed with your selected configuration
• Cutting tools
• Machine-specific mounting plates unless selected or included
• Air compressor or shop air source
• Coolant liquid or coolant reservoir for water-cooled configurations
• Custom controller integration beyond documented supported workflows
• Optional accessories not selected during configuration

ATC System Compatibility

PwnCNC ATC Systems are designed for hobby, prosumer, and small-shop CNC machines when configured correctly. Compatibility depends on your CNC machine, controller, spindle mount, available power, air supply, machine clearance, rigidity, and selected ATC motor platform.

Quick Compatibility Checklist

Before ordering, confirm these key details:

• CNC controller: Your controller must support the ATC workflow you plan to use, whether fully automatic, assisted, or manual.
• Spindle mounting: Water-cooled round-body ATC motors require a compatible 80mm spindle mount. Air-cooled square-body ATC motors may require a machine-specific adapter plate.
• Available power: Choose a 110V or 220V ATC system based on your available shop power and selected motor.
• Air supply: ATC systems require a reliable compressed-air source for drawbar/tool-release operation.
• Tool change clearance: Your machine must have enough travel and clearance to safely reach tool holders, forks, or tool cups.
• Machine rigidity: Make sure your CNC can physically support the selected ATC spindle, especially larger square-body and ISO30 options.
• Tool holder platform: ISO20 systems use ISO20 tool holders with ER20 collets. The 4.5kW ISO30 system uses ISO30 tool holders with ER32 collet compatibility.

Common CNC Platforms

PwnCNC ATC Systems may be used with CNC platforms such as:

• PwnCNC Dominator machines
• Masso-controlled CNC machines
• Onefinity Elite machines with Masso controller
• Shapeoko CNC machines when properly configured
• Sienci AltMill and other supported controller platforms
• Other CNC machines with compatible mounting, controller support, travel, rigidity, and air supply

If your machine is not listed, that does not automatically mean it is incompatible. ATC compatibility depends more on the full machine/controller/setup combination than the machine name alone.

Controller Compatibility

ATC operation depends heavily on your CNC controller. Some controllers can support fully automatic tool changes, while others may require manual, push-button, or assisted workflows.

• Fully automatic ATC workflows: Require a controller that can manage spindle control, tool change logic, tool positions, inputs, outputs, and safety behavior.
• Assisted or manual workflows: May be possible on simpler controllers depending on the selected configuration and wiring approach.
• Unsupported or custom controllers: May require additional wiring, custom configuration, or controller-manufacturer support.

PwnCNC can provide ATC-side guidance and documentation for supported configurations, but controller-specific setup may also depend on the CNC controller manufacturer’s documentation.

Spindle Mount Compatibility

Your CNC must have a spindle mounting solution that matches the ATC motor you select.

• Water-cooled ISO20 ATC motors use an 80mm round-body spindle format and require a compatible 80mm spindle mount.
• Air-cooled ISO20 ATC motors use a square-body format and may require a machine-specific adapter plate.
• 4.5kW ISO30 ATC motors use a larger square-body format and require additional planning for mounting, weight, clearance, and rigidity.

Some machines may require a PwnCNC spindle mount, adapter plate, custom bracket, or other machine-specific mounting solution.

ISO20 vs. ISO30 Compatibility

Most PwnCNC ATC Systems use the ISO20 tool holder platform. ISO20 is compact, practical, and well suited for many hobby and small-shop CNC workflows.

• ISO20 systems: Use ISO20 tool holders with ER20 collets.
• ISO30 4.5kW system: Uses ISO30 tool holders with ER32 collet compatibility.

The 4.5kW ISO30 system is larger, heavier, and more powerful than the ISO20 options. It requires more planning for machine rigidity, mounting, clearance, electrical service, and tool storage.

Power, Cooling, and Air Supply Notes

• 1.5kW 110V ATC systems are a practical ATC path for many compatible hobby and small-shop CNC machines.
• 2.2kW 220V ATC systems require 220V power and are better suited for machines and shops that can properly support the additional power requirement.
• 4.5kW ISO30 ATC systems require 220V power and additional machine compatibility planning.
• Water-cooled ATC systems require coolant circulation. Coolant liquid and coolant reservoir are supplied by the customer unless specifically stated or selected.
• Air-cooled ATC systems do not require coolant liquid, coolant tubing, a cooling pump, or a reservoir.
• Compressed air is required for ATC drawbar/tool-release operation. An air compressor or shop air source is not included.

Always verify your available electrical service and air supply before ordering. If you are unsure, consult a qualified electrician or technician.

Tool Storage and Clearance

Automatic tool changes require safe, repeatable tool storage locations. Your CNC must be able to reach the tool holders, forks, or tool cups without crashing into the machine frame, workholding, dust collection, or project material.

• Confirm the machine has enough X/Y/Z travel for the planned tool change locations.
• Confirm there is enough Z clearance for tool pickup and release.
• Verify tool positions carefully before running automatic tool changes.
• Account for dust boots, clamps, fixtures, stock height, and spoilboard setup.

ATC Upgrade Program Compatibility

Verified PwnCNC Spindle System owners may qualify for an ATC Upgrade package. Upgrade compatibility depends on your existing spindle system, VFD, spindle cable, controller, and selected ATC configuration.

ATC Upgrade packages are intended for supported ISO20 ATC configurations. The 4.5kW ISO30 ATC option is available as a complete ATC System only and is not available as an ATC Upgrade package.

Order Review Safety Net

PwnCNC ATC Systems are built and configured based on the options selected before checkout. If something appears mismatched or unclear, we may contact you before building or shipping your system.

This does not replace confirming compatibility before ordering, but it helps reduce the chance of an obvious configuration mistake.

ATC System Installation

The PwnCNC ATC System is designed to simplify an automatic tool changer upgrade by providing a configured ATC spindle package built around your selected motor, voltage, cooling type, tool holder platform, and controller workflow.

ATC installation is more involved than a standard spindle upgrade. It requires proper spindle mounting, VFD setup, controller wiring, pneumatic setup, tool storage planning, grounding, calibration, and verification before running automatic tool changes.

Installation Overview

1. Mount the ATC spindle motor
   Install the selected ATC spindle using the correct 80mm round-body mount, square-body adapter plate, or machine-specific mounting solution for your configuration.
2. Place the VFD enclosure or VFD
   Position the VFD enclosure or VFD in a safe, accessible, well-ventilated location. Standard ISO20 systems may include an enclosed VFD configuration, while the 4.5kW ISO30 system requires additional VFD mounting and installation planning.
3. Connect the spindle cable
   Connect the shielded spindle cable between the VFD and ATC spindle motor. The spindle cable shield should be properly drained to ground as recommended in the installation documentation.
4. Connect ATC control wiring
   Connect the controller-specific wiring, ATC control components, sensors, and outputs required for your selected controller workflow.
5. Set up compressed air
   Connect a reliable compressed-air source for drawbar/tool-release operation. An air compressor or shop air source is not included.
6. Set up cooling if water-cooled
   Water-cooled ATC systems require coolant circulation. Coolant liquid and coolant reservoir are supplied by the customer unless specifically stated or selected.
7. Install tool holders, forks, or tool cups
   Set up the tool storage locations required for your ATC workflow. Confirm that the machine can safely reach each tool position without interference.
8. Configure controller tool change logic
   Configure tool numbers, tool change positions, inputs, outputs, spindle control, and safety behavior in your CNC controller as required by your setup.
9. Verify operation before cutting
   Confirm spindle direction, spindle speed control, air operation, drawbar/tool release, sensor behavior, coolant flow if applicable, and tool pickup/release before running a job.
10. Complete spindle break-in and ATC testing
    Follow the recommended spindle break-in process, then test tool changes carefully at low risk before using the system in production.

Controller Setup

Controller setup is one of the most important parts of an ATC installation. Some controllers can support fully automatic tool changes, while others may require assisted, push-button, or manual workflows.

• Fully automatic ATC workflows: Require controller support for tool change logic, spindle control, tool positions, inputs, outputs, and safety behavior.
• Assisted or manual workflows: May be possible on simpler controllers depending on the selected configuration and wiring approach.
• Custom controller setups: May require additional wiring, custom configuration, or controller-manufacturer support.

For controller-specific setup, refer to the PwnCNC documentation and your CNC controller manufacturer’s documentation.

Tool Storage and Calibration

Automatic tool changes require safe, repeatable tool storage positions. Tool holders, forks, or tool cups must be mounted where the machine can reach them reliably without colliding with the frame, clamps, dust collection, fixtures, or work material.

• Confirm the machine has enough X/Y/Z travel for each planned tool location.
• Verify Z clearance for tool pickup, release, and safe retract moves.
• Configure and test each tool position before running automatic tool changes.
• Confirm tool holder retention, drawbar release, and tool pickup behavior before cutting material.

Compressed Air Setup

ATC systems require compressed air for drawbar/tool-release operation. Your air supply should be reliable, regulated, and appropriate for the selected ATC spindle configuration.

• An air compressor or shop air source is not included.
• Use clean, regulated air appropriate for the ATC system.
• Verify air pressure and drawbar operation before attempting tool changes.
• Secure pneumatic tubing away from moving parts, pinch points, and sharp edges.

Cooling Notes

• Air-cooled ATC systems do not require coolant liquid, coolant tubing, a cooling pump, or a reservoir.
• Water-cooled ATC systems require coolant circulation and should not be operated without coolant flow.
• Coolant liquid and coolant reservoir are not included unless specifically stated or selected.
• Kool Connectors are included with water-cooled ATC systems.

4.5kW ISO30 Installation Note

The 4.5kW ISO30 ATC System is larger and more powerful than the ISO20 ATC options. It requires additional planning for mounting, machine rigidity, clearance, electrical service, VFD placement, tool storage, and safe operation.

The 4.5kW ISO30 configuration does not include the same enclosed VFD setup as standard ISO20 ATC systems.

Grounding and EMI

Proper grounding and cable routing are important for reliable ATC operation. Incorrect grounding or poor cable routing can contribute to electrical noise, false limit triggers, communication issues, controller instability, or unreliable tool change behavior.

• Drain the spindle cable shield to ground as recommended in the installation documentation.
• Keep spindle power wiring separated from low-voltage signal wiring when possible.
• Route ATC sensor, control, and pneumatic lines carefully to avoid interference or damage.
• Use proper strain relief and cable management.
• Follow safe electrical practices when working with VFD and spindle wiring.

Safety Notes

• ATC systems involve high voltage, compressed air, moving machinery, and automatic tool movement.
• Disconnect power and release stored air pressure before wiring, servicing, or modifying the system.
• Do not operate the ATC spindle without proper mounting and secure wiring.
• Do not run automatic tool changes until tool positions and safe clearances have been verified.
• Water-cooled ATC systems should not be operated without coolant flow.
• If you are not comfortable with electrical, pneumatic, or controller installation, consult a qualified technician or electrician.

Installation Documentation

View PwnCNC installation documentation, controller-specific setup guides, ATC support articles, and setup notes here:

View PwnCNC Installation Documentation →