BP Interact 412 - Tool Release not working

[dpsol]

Hi all,

I tried posting this earlier today, but it seems that it did not go through.

My problem is that the spindle will not release the tool in any way, manual mode included (M25). This has happened a few times in the past, and I always attributed it to the building's air pressure dropping below 70 psi. Now, the pressure is at a constant 80 psi, and the tool still wont release.

Has anyone seen anything like this before? Is the mechanism itself sticking, and is there a way to "unstick" it?

Thanks,
Dan

[bherr]

dc,

Wished I could help you as I'm having a similar problem with my Interact 4 as the hydraulic system is not pushing hydraulic fluid up to the top Z spindle cylinder. My top cylinder has a small bleed screw on it that you can lossen to bleed out any air, but I'm not even getting that.

Ben

[dpsol]

So I managed to fix the tool release, but I'm not 100% sure what did it.

I took the machine cover off of the head and removed the air piston. There is a bolt on top of the spindle that is depressed by the air piston to release the tool; the bolt has a flat on either side, and it goes through what looks like a round nut with two flats. I used a pair of wrenches to adjust the nut to sit higher up on the bolt. After a few unsuccessful tries, it finally released the tool.

Now the tool release works from 60-80 psi (before it had to be at least 75 psi). I hope this helps someone else one day.

Note: On the top screw there is a part that locks the screw to the nut; this must be removed before adjusting them.

[gus]

1] what is the minimum spec for air pressure?

I have a mchine that needs 95

2] how dry is your air?

toolchangers hate water

[dpsol]

One of the major problems is that I don't have much of the information on the machine to begin with. The Haas I use needs around 95, and until a few weeks ago I thought this one needed at least 75 psi, but for whatever reason it now works at 60 psi. The controller will warn if the air pressure is too low, and that has only happened around 50 psi.

The incoming air is from an "80 psi" line (read "80 psi @ peak, usually 65 psi") that goes through an old Norgren air filter, so it should be passable.

My theory as to why the tool would not release previously is that the machine sat for some time (maybe 3 years) until I resurrected it ~9 months ago. It could be that the release mechanism has become stuck with old lubricant or something of the like.

I also just realized I never posted what machine this is:
Bridgeport Interact 412 VMC w/Heidenhain TNC 355 controller.