Bridgeport Series II Interact 4 Z-Axis Timing Belt

[UKRobotics]

I was wondering if someone might be able to advise me on what the belt reduction ratio is on the Z Axis of a bridgeport series II Interact 4. I have a copy of the maintainence manual here which states that the X Y & Z axes all have 5mm pitch hardened ground ballscrews and that the X & Y Axes have a 2:1 reduction between the motor and screw.

What it doesnt seem to mention is the reduction on the Z Axis. Would anyone be able to tell me what this is ? It is rather important as I need this info to enter into the parameters of Mach 3 so it can move each axis by the right ammount.

[unterhaus]

I can't believe you haven't had that apart. But of course I always take all my toys apart, first thing.

The U.S. versions were either 2 to 1 or 1:1, I think those are probably your choices even though they apparently use different ballscrews.

[UKRobotics]

While I have totally ripped apart all the electronical stuff I tried to touch the mechanical stuff as little as possible. My theory is if it aint broke don't fix it!

2:1 seems the likley bet considering the other axes use that ratio. I could try counting the teeth on the pulleys but i dont think theyre that easy to get to.

[unterhaus]

I guess there are probably more covers over your belt than there are on mine, where you just remove 4 bolts and the cover is off.

If you can't see that cover, your best bet is to do it empirically. figure out what the scale is if you have 1:2 gearing, and see if that gives you the right travel.

[Bear]

Hi UK
In my opinion, the Z axis should be 3x to 4x to 1
I finished (?) a bridgeP hardram and wished i had
X /Y are 2X1,plenty of power,speed
but i wished i had more Z speed
Bear

[UKRobotics]

This isnt a question of what i'd like it to be. I'm not going to go messing with any of the mechannical gubbins, I just need to know the z axis pulley ratio so i can enter the correct parameters into my software. If I don't get this right when I tell the machine to move 1mm it could move more or less that that etc.