Lockformer Vulcon 2900 Questions

[Stupidav]

So recently we got a Lockformer Vulcon 2900 Plasma Table. It is an older unit that has there Allen Bradley Control. Unfortunatly there should have been "Vulcon Cut" software that comes with it, that we didn't get (they didn't have). Does any one know if there is any other software that will work on this? Lockformer Vulcon wants $5200 to "Relicense" the machine, before they will even talk to us, and then who knows how much for the software and the proper manuals.

Just in case here is a pic of the control part number information, since Allen Bradley says they don't recognize any of the numbers that are on this. May be it will help.



Any Help is greatly appreciated!!!!

[jcc3inc]

Sir,

Have you tried regular G code to control the machine? Perhaps Allen Bradley can assist you in getting the machine operating. Likely the Lockformer program is primarily for cutting HVAC fittings.
There are other softwares available; Sheetcam comes to mind. It has been around for a while so it is likely quite usable.

Regards,
JCC

[Stupidav]

The problem is that Allen Bradley doesn't recognize any of the part numbers to even be able to get any documentation for it.

From the "Fine Print" on the Label, I have determined that the Control was actually made by Creonics. Unfortunatly I have only been able to find Repair Shops and companies offering Control Replacements, but no documentation.

I was able to get a manual for the new machine but again the new one has a different control. So if any of you happen to know where I can find anything on this I would deffinatly appreciate it!!!

[jcc3inc]

Sir,

What do you want to do with the machine, cut HVAC fittings, or do general plasma cutting of misc parts? You may be able to find someone that has the Creonics control and get some help from them. As I recall, Creonics was a competitor to Burny (Cleveland Machine Control) and it did operate from standard G code.

Very likely somebody on this board has some experience with Creonics. We used Burny CNC's on our machines. Maybe a Burny could be a replacement??

Does the machine fire up OK? Can you make it slew with manual input? Where are you located? Do you have wiring diagrams, schematics, etc for it?

Regards,
JCC

[billyx19]

S, to get the cryonics running you going to need office software,with a post processor this is not a stand alone control. sds( shop data ) http://www.shopdata.com/office. sells very good soft ware, around $6500 complete. you need the bit drivers(modems), most comonly fiber optics to download to the controlller from the "office" computer. try ppiduct.com as they offer service and may get you on the right path

[billyx19]

sorry i did not sign that post , i work for ppi, hope i did not come across as trying to sell you something
Bill Eichorn Production Products

[WESTERNTOOL]

hi all,

hope this is close to the right place to post this question.

this control went motionless. the error claims the external 24v signal is missing(which is the estop circuits). but they are hot at the switchs. and in the further diagnostics tests screen inside the control shows the ext 24v = ok.



the second problem( i think they are related) is that when attempting to enable the drives, immediately it alarms with drive fault. both drives show happy green leds.

things ive tried,

check all fuses
swap drives between holes
ohm motor power cables
clean all connectors( disassemblecontrol and all circuit boards and clean
ohm estop circuit and jumper out


how it happened,

operator claims the head would only burn 1 or 2 shapes then misfire on piercing. reset would let him go again. then one day both errors.


any help is appreciated in advance.

thx john

[burnmetal]

John(westerntool)

If you still have problems with your controller, I have the same one, still working, that I was going to sell. A backup would be handy, since you have to mail those off to be fixed for weeks at a time.

Also I have the 2 drive motors.

[WESTERNTOOL]

HOW MUCH FOR THE CONTROL? I WILL TELL MY CUSTOMER.

[burnmetal]

Have to have at least $1000 retrofit was over $20,000 I need a little of that back