C axis fault

[Konstrukter1]

My fadal (32MP, 2004) sometimes stop and write:

Emergency stop - take appropriate action
C axis fault(s) as follows
error number #8
motor overload
press the jog key to reset t emer. stop

Problem appear on start of the program, allways when Z descenting (befor zero) and sometimes on mesure.

It happend about 1-2 per month. When reset, all work ok.

Any idea?

[carbidecraters]

If you have a C axis make sure it is either plugged in or you have the dummy end plugged in

[Konstrukter1]

Thats the problem, i dont have c axsis. Only x,y and z.

[tomfitzgerald]

C axis generally refers to the spindle. and a motor overload.... Too many variables to say online... Is it happening with a particular job/program/tool ... What is the spindle restraint set at? Does it give you the alarm only at 100% Rapid? In M.D.I. or Jog mode ? Try M.D.I and bring the spindle from stop to as fast as you can to see if you can generate the alarm.

??? food for thought anyway

[Shizzlemah]

Try using M3.1 and M4.1 instead of M3 and M4.

[Konstrukter1]

It happens after i press auto, start. So on the begining of program, when z axis travel toward table. Or sometimes on mesuring tool lengt.

I allways warmup spindel (20min, 500rpm, 1000rpm, 2000rpm,....to rpm used when i mill).
Rapid is 25% on pendant.
It never hapend in jog mode.

Problem does not apears often, but it irriateting me when does...

With 4.1 and 3.1? So joust replace 3 with 3.1?

I use machine for moldmaking. Generaly for small parts. Last month i use 0,5mm ballnose carbide tool for electrode making, drill 600 1,2mm holes for one mold, ...
Plates for mold i buy allready with holes for guides, so i do not do rough milling.

[ltmquik]

I am not a FADAL certified repair tech although this has occurred with our machines. You probably have an encoder going out or your amplifier is about to go. We had that problem then it went away about a week before the Vector dirve failed. You may be able to tune the Vector drive and get a few more months out of it. It is not hard. Call Fadal service with your cell phone and have a tech walk you thru the tuning process while you are at the machine.

[Shizzlemah]

M3.1 replaces M3, and M4.1 replaces M4.

The ".1" on the end will turn on the spindle and tell the controller to ignore the encoder that monitors the rotation of the spindle.

I believe the spindle encoder is faulty or needs asjustment. M3.1 M4.1 do not work miracles, but they will let the machine continue running without being hung up by that spindle encoder. However, if for some reason the spindle stalls while cutting, the controller will not know that..... a bad thing (tm) is gonna happen at that point.

I had that issue when the machine just arrived here. The tech adjusted the encoder in under a minute, I didn't even see what he did.

[Konstrukter1]

I relay appreciated replys. Thanks to all.
I got prolems with fadal repairman, because the firm that fadal service hold in Slovenia(Europe) does not repair/sold Fadals any more.
So when i buy machine i was forced to learn to operate my self. Luckily modeling and programs writing for cnc, was my hoby when i study for machine engineer.

This forum was a BIG help so far. And manual from a Fadal all ~1200 pages
Ok, so encoder... Perhaps when dismounthing and mounthing (for transport) motor for spindel, serviceman make a mistake...

I heard, that new firm, here in Slovenia hold Fadal service now. I give them a call...(fingers cross ).
In other way...i allways can call in Fadal in USA and ask for service man...when he come here, just lock him in a basement and wait to next error to appear (JOKE)

(sory about my English.......)

[Konstrukter1]

One thing more............
this keypad in the machine isnt inside of my fadal. I got baldor small. But no keybord??

Sorry to all, if is a stupid question (only repairam got one or something...)

[Shizzlemah]

That keypad is sold seperately.

if you have a baldor drive with a hole that is about that size, you should just be able to get one and plug it in.

[Konstrukter1]

O. Doesnt know that.

One more thing. When i jog z axis down, in the area where sometimes error accur, i heard rubbing (i belive thats the chain). Is there a chance that is the problem for errors? If not, sound is annoying so i need to greas sprockets and chain.