Homing a Fanuc 11 on an Acroloc

[Wingmaker]

We purchased an Acroloc mill with a Fanuc 11 control. I am unfamiliar with the control, so a few questions. I use the zero return to send it home. It goes and stops on all three axis, but does not indicate home. Could someone with experience with these machines explain the homing procedure for homing.

[angelw]

We purchased an Acroloc mill with a Fanuc 11 control. I am unfamiliar with the control, so a few questions. I use the zero return to send it home. It goes and stops on all three axis, but does not indicate home. Could someone with experience with these machines explain the homing procedure for homing.

If you press the POS (Position) Key, normally accessible via the Function Key (Left Bottom of Monitor), you will be given four options:
1. Absolute
2. Relative
3. Machine
4. All
Select Machine. If the X,Y, and Z coordinates display Zero, then the Zero Return routine has been completed. I've seen it many times where the Indicator LED is not being turned on, but never where all have not turned on. If the Machine Position is not showing Zero, make sure that the Feed Rate Override switch is not set to Zero, or to a very small number where the very slow movement may be mistaken with Stop. The Zero Return function is in two parts, Rapid Traverse speed to Dog that makes a switch to initiate a slow feed, and the Slow Feed until an Index Mark on the encoder is found. Many MTB force a set speed for this Slow Move that is not influenced by the Feed Override. Some don't.

Regards,

Bill

[Wingmaker]

Thanks for the reply. I do get it to zero, but this is the issue I am having. I go to MDI type m3s500 hit the insert button then cycle start. It gives a start not allowed type message. I have also tried a move gox5y5 with the same error. Biggest thing I want to do is test the spindle. I have a manual coming, but it will be a few days till it gets here. Any help would be appreciated.

[angelw]

Thanks for the reply. I do get it to zero, but this is the issue I am having. I go to MDI type m3s500 hit the insert button then cycle start. It gives a start not allowed type message. I have also tried a move gox5y5 with the same error. Biggest thing I want to do is test the spindle. I have a manual coming, but it will be a few days till it gets here. Any help would be appreciated.

So if I comprehend your Post correctly, the Zero Return function is completing, but no Zero Return LEDS are being lit, and operations such as Spindle Start and Rapid movement via NC command is not possible. Is all that correct?

Have you tried starting the spindle in Manual Mode?

Does the spindle of your machine have gear ranges that have to be selected with an M Code?

Regards,

Bill

[Wingmaker]

It is going to zero, the machine screen goes to zero on all axis, but I cannot get it to move in MDI mode. I get the "Start rejected" no matter what I put in. I am going to check the oiler levels and all other basic things.

[Wingmaker]

Got it working thanks for the help.

[angelw]

Got it working thanks for the help.

For the benefit of those following this Thread, what was the problem? Your reply may help others.

Regards,

Bill

[Wingmaker]

The light bulbs in X, Y, and Z were burned out, so it did not indicate home,second the spindle oiler was low on oil, not allowing the spindle to start in MDI. After fussing with it, the low oil alarm now works. Being unacquainted with the Fanuc control I did not know how to home it to start with, the help you provided got me over the hump. Thanks!