Need Help!- BP VMC1000 with DX-32 Questions

[shaffin]

Hello,

I recently purchased a used 1999 BP VMC1000/22 with DX-32 controls. The machine has NO manuals that were promised, and am left to fend for myself.

The computer screen blanks out every 20-30sec. and comes back up - not sure what could be wrong. The machine powers up though, and the only thing I have been able to do is home the axis.

1. How do I backup the software and parameters - it has a floppy?
2. Can I get away with a small air compressor for air pressure, and what are the air requirements (PSI)?
3. How can I manually jog the axis, and turn on the spindle - I am guessing that the spindle will not turn on without the correct pressure?

Thanks you all,
SHaffin.

[KevinV_MEI]

I have a TNC 426 so the control issues I can't help with but for air the drawbar consumes alot of volume on toolchanges. I have 3/4 pipes all the way to the machine and a 1/2" soft line from the wall, no quick disconnect. The drawbar would not react quick enough on the retract and dropped tools sometimes with a simple 1/4" QD. Plus the positive pressure air "leak" in the spindle uses a lot of air. Less than 5 hp and 60+ gallons 2 stage will run a lot.

[shaffin]

Yikes, I was hoping to get by using a small 20Gallon compressor with a 1/4" quick connect.

Shaffin.

Originally Posted by KevinV_MEI I have a TNC 426 so the control issues I can't help with but for air the drawbar consumes alot of volume on toolchanges. I have 3/4 pipes all the way to the machine and a 1/2" soft line from the wall, no quick disconnect. The drawbar would not react quick enough on the retract and dropped tools sometimes with a simple 1/4" QD. Plus the positive pressure air "leak" in the spindle uses a lot of air. Less than 5 hp and 60+ gallons 2 stage will run a lot.

[ThePrecisionist]

Shaff,

You will need at minimum a 5HP, 60 Gal. Compressor as suggested. Remember, Volume is key. If you can get an extra 60-80 Gal tank or two this will help with the compressor coming on all the time. Cycle will be longer, but time between cycles will be increased.

Your control is going blank due to the screen saver. It should read BPCMC when it goes to sceen saver. Someone might have erased the logo in the sceen saver parameter and also changed the time to go to screen saver. It should be set for 10 to 15 min. These controls being PC based are known for dumping data and causing problems. They are very tempermental.

Yes, the machine will be in an alarm if the air supply is not enough. Thus making homing and general usage null and void.

Also remember, these machines are designed to run in a professional machine shop. So it's a given that you have robust shop air. A nailgun compressor will not cut it.

Let me know If I can help anymore.

Jake

[shaffin]

Thank you Jake and Kevin,

In that case I will need to invest in a 80Gal. compressor. Do you think that a 80Gal, 1 stage will fit the requirements? I wont be using the tool changer much, and was considering manually changing the tool until I am more proficient with the machine in general. Also, I only have about 5 main tools (1/2, 1/4 and 1/8).

Shaffin.

[ThePrecisionist]

Shaff,

The 80 Gal single stage should do the job if the BP and air blast line is all it will be running.

Don't do manual tool changes when you have a ATC buddy!

All you have to program is:

T1M6; This will place tool 1 in the spindle

Program etc. etc.

T2M6; This will change out tool 1 and place tool 2 in spindle

etc etc.

There is nothing to it!

Jake