TM-1 tool unclamped error

[Harley157]

My screen shows I have a "tool unclp" error when tool is inserted. Now, the tool appears to be clamped fine, but of course the machine will not run.
I was told it could be a switch that needs bumped a little, or replaced. I have tried to get the front cover removed from machine, but I need to know how to disconnect the tool release button. It appears to be hard wired to button switch. Could someone help me out on this and also direct me to the clamping switch in question? Appreciate it greatly. I sent email to Haas and never heard back. Thanks.

[HelicopterJohn]

Hi,

Does your TM-1 have a tool changer? If it does you may have had an abnormal stop. If that is the case you will have to press the recovery button on the control panel and follow the directions on the screen for the recovery process to clear the error.

John

[GaryCorlew]

On the VF series you follow the wire until you find the connector, You have to push down on the little lever and then wiggle the two parts apart, they can be a little difficult to pull apart. If it has proximity switches then loosen the two screws a little and push it toward the draw bar and tighten the screws while pushing it. It will be the upper most switch. Hopefully the TM series are similar to the VF's, In my opinion the proximity sensor are on the very edge of their sensing range. The next time the VF 4's do this I might take the sensors off and slot the screw holes, after I make an alignment mark on them and the machine so that I know the original position.

[Harley157]

No, I do not have a tool changer on my TM-1.

[CJH]

I have found that with the TM-1 this is the first sign of the o-ring in the drawbar piston beginning to fail. If the tool appears to fine then go to the alrm pages and hit reset to clear the alarms.

Then hit reset again. This should clear any issues inthe control. Go to the program you are trying to run and see if the machine will move as programmed.

If you get the same message again then it may be time to take the shroud off around around the spindle.

Depending on the age of the machine and the environment that the machine is in, along witht he materails being cut, there could be dust and crud in the tool release piston for the drawbar. Our TM-1 has had this issue a few times since we cut various dusty materials.

Chances are the o-ring in the piston chamber is either swollen and or deteiorating so it may need changed. I doubt it is an issue with the optical limit switch.

Make sure the power to the machine has been discinnected, before disassembling any of it.

Since the TM Series are air cooled, there is a fan that needs removed with the shroud. Pay close attention to where the electrical hookups are on the circuit board which will be at the top of the spindle. This is important since you will need to remove the tool release button and reconnect it while the shroud is off in order to test the tool release. There should be a snap connection on the circut board.

Next there should be a unit that has a set of airlines connected to it, and you may see a set of bronze mufflers on it as well.

Check the mufflers to see if they are clogged with grease and dirt. If they are plan on replacing them as well. Next disconnect the air supply to the drawbar plunger. There should be 4 screws holding the unit in place. You will be able to identify the unit by the spring piston clearly being visible.

After the unit is removed there will be a snap ring holding the assembly together, remove this. Then the unit should come apart freely. Inside you will find the plunger with an o-ring that rides in the cast aluminum body. The o-ring should be a .250" dia. X ?????OD. Inspect it for any damage. Gently clean the aluminum body of the plunger with a solvent like alcohol or lacquer thinner.

Let it thoroughly dry, and replace the o-ring with a new one. Squirt a little silicone lube into the unit and on the o-ring, but do not soak it. then reassemble it.

Then put the unit back onto the mill and secure it with the screws that held it in place, attaching the air supply, leaving the shroud off. Connect the tool release button back to the circuit board.

Turn on the main power on and the mill, and power up the mill. Test the operation of the tool release. Cycle it quite a few times to make sure it is operating correctly.

Once it seems to be working, reassemble the shroud.

Hope this helps.

Chris

[Bryan33]

There is a connection under the head cover for that. You will need to pull the head cover back slowly and follow the wires up the connection should be around the spindle motor

[Harley157]

Thank you for the help. I am in the process of checking out the o-ring and bronze muffler. HAAS told me that most of the time it is the limit switch. Switch seems to ohm OK. I will see how it goes.

[JoBwan]

Harley,
The switch may ohm ok, but that circuit is also hooked to a timer. If the switches do not release fast enough (due to coolant build up) The timer will throw an alarm. I have fixed many machines by cleaning with contact cleaner and manually engaging the switches with a screwdriver. Make certain that the e-stop is pushed so as nothing moves if you are in the machine.

[Harley157]

Thanks for the tip on the switch. I cleaned both swithes with contact cleaner and wd40. No change. I decided to roll the dice and ordered one switch from HAAS. They are quite expensive. The minute I installed it, the alarm was gone. Amazing. Thanks so much for the help. I am up and running again,------until something else comes up. Hopefully not for a while anyway.