Life expectancy of EDM machines?

[keen]

Hi EDM people. I have a 1996 Creator CJ-120 vertical eroder (small 16amp model).

I would really appreciate any thoughts/suggestions on the questions below. First some background:

The machine is perfect for my small workshop as is only used a few times a year for my toolmaking/moldmaking business. I bought it 2nd hand a few years ago - it has done a fair milage - It is a little worn in the slideways. But still going fine.

Although not often used a reliable eroder is critical to my business. I worry that it will 'die' one day on a critical urgent job. Being a one man band I cannot justify an expensive replacement - but want to avoid a costly breakdown. I operate in 'remote' New zealand where machines and repair is expensive.

I have tried to source spare boards from the manufacturer but they said they hold no spares as the machine is now out of production.

How long is the machine likely to last?

Should I remove and or clean the boards?

How should I best fault find if the machine breaks down?

Are there any key parts I should obtain?

Should I sell it now while it is going and purchase a more current replacement?

Many thanks for any input in advance!
( I have reposted this under this title to try to attract attention)

[mdynac]

my best advice is to ensure that ALL of the cooling fans are running up to spec.

if i were you i would just replace all the cooling fans with good quality ones.

the ambient temperature will also affect the electronics life as well 68 - 70 degrees F is recommended for electronics.

of course your incoming 3 phase needs to be somewhat clean also.....
it should be be within 10 - 15 percent of the rated voltage....all the time......(now this is quite hard to do without local regulation....)

for normal use the electronics will last 20 - 50 years or more......as long as they are kept within proper operating temperature.


replacing the spark cables might not be a bad idea if they are rotted and cracked due to edm oil. (they get hard and brittle down in the tank)
i reccomend running new ones all the way from the generator rather than cutting off the bad stuff and splicing in new wire. (splicing may cause weird impeadance problems at certain frequencies)

long duration dead shorts of the electrode/workpiece should be avoided, although most machines will detect and comp for that situation....however yours is probably a manual (non cnc) machine which
may continue running during most shorted conditions...

the Z motor driver is usually the circuit that fails in that type of machine....

hope some of this helps.

mac

[keen]

Thanks for that Mac - most appreciated.
The previous owner installed a standard light bulb in the cabinet - which I assume was to keep the electronics dry. My workshop gets a little cold and damp at times also - so I have kept a low wattage (usually 50W) bulb going - which takes the chill/damp off the electronics. Is that a good idea? - could the light do any harm long term?

[mdynac]

so I have kept a low wattage (usually 50W) bulb going - which takes the chill/damp off the electronics. Is that a good idea? - could the light do any harm long term?

probably not, but i have no idea the dimensions of your cabinet...
hopefully bigger than an "easy bake" oven.... (isn't the 50W for medium-rare?)


humidity is just as bad a problem as temp is.......
74 - 78 F and 45 to 55% humidity is optimum for electronics.