Hello Milltronics Group!

I own a Partner IV with Centurion IV control, Knee mill circa 1986.
It's a 40 taper v-flange machine, 6000 Rpm spindle, with a KOMO tool changer.

Here's my question. Recently it has started to E-stop. It may do it while
it grids, at the start of program or after a MDI command.
I'm wondering if it could be as simple as the Cycle Start Button?

Ben

Hello Milltronics Group!

I own a Partner IV with Centurion IV control, Knee mill circa 1986.
It's a 40 taper v-flange machine, 6000 Rpm spindle, with a KOMO tool changer.

Here's my question. Recently it has started to E-stop. It may do it while
it grids, at the start of program or after a MDI command.
I'm wondering if it could be as simple as the Cycle Start Button?

Ben

Does it give any unassigned system errors?

If so, what ia it?

DC

No explanation just a generic E-stop alarm. As far as I know, there is no alarm page on this control.

No explanation just a generic E-stop alarm. As far as I know, there is no alarm page on this control.

Yes, you are correct, there is no alarm page, but if it is something that the control does not like, it will pop up a small window, just like an E-stop(reset drives). It may say something to the effect of "UNASSIGNED SYSTEM ERROR #409" or some such thing.

If this is not the case, then look at your homing switches for each axis. There is a home limit switch and an overtravel limit(lower one tied into the E-stop circuit).

Then there is wiring that takes some abuse. Look for damage or replace them as the cheapest thing. The E-stop contacts, which may be dropping out due to poor contacts internally. These should be N.C. contacts, but may be an input to the control on N.O. contacts, I can't recall off hand.

DC

If it gives you no error code then it is not generating one. That likely means it is an unexpected error.

A switch can be the problem if you are moving or touching it when the problem occurs. If it is a somewhat consistent error then it is not as likely a switch. The limit switches and their wiring should give you an alarm, not an e-stop.

Check the voltage on the power supplies including the PC power supply. When the machine e-stops look in the back and see if there are any error code LEDs lit on the controller board and driver boards.


Dave

Those switches can short the voltage to the machine and cause an e-stop.
You can test by removine the wires on the B terminal and trying it.

Those switches can short the voltage to the machine and cause an e-stop.
You can test by removine the wires on the B terminal and trying it.

Maybe you could disconnect those limit switch wires inside the cabinet and see if the problem goes away.