Can I track how much time there is on an EM?

[l u k e]

I don’t have any idea how much life to expect out of my cutters, so I was wondering if the Haas Control (2008 VF2D) can track cutting time without setting up any limits on the cutters initially? If so can you explain how to do it?

I plan on running Mori’s carbide cutters and will be cutting 6061 99.9% of the time, so if I can start a data base I’ll know how much life to expect from them.

Thanks

[DruMor]

From the main current commands page, push "page up" 3 times to get the time page. It shows the time the cutter was feeding, and total time for the cutter (feed and rapid).

A 2008 machine should also show the feed time in the box that shows the tool length and diameter at the lower center of the screen.

[l u k e]

So I dont have do anything special it will just record the data anyway? Perfect.

[WallyL7]

It will record the data you need automatically. You can "origin" them to zero when you put in a new tool also.

Does your machine have the "advanced tool management" system?

[l u k e]

Yes I do have ATM.
I just dont have any clue what values to use. Where do you guys get that info?

[Matt@RFR]

Originally Posted by l u k e Yes I do have ATM. I just dont have any clue what values to use. Where do you guys get that info?

Experience.

I think you're making things much harder than they need to be. Speaking as another self taught (with help from the boards) guy, just keep things simple until you have a grasp on what's really going on. Forget ATM, forget macros, forget subroutines...just make a few simple little things and go from there.

You say you've got tools loaded and a G54 set somewhere. Great, now just make a square block with a couple holes and a pocket in it. Measure it, adjust offsets, try different feedrates (if the tool survived the first attempt ) and work your way up from there.

Jumping in the deep end is going to do you more harm than good, in my opinion.

[WallyL7]

Originally Posted by l u k e Yes I do have ATM. I just dont have any clue what values to use. Where do you guys get that info?

Matt pretty much beat me to it. That is the million dollar question, and Matt is right on. Take is slow, I know you are trying to cover a hundred bases "just to be sure", and I can certainly understand why you are doing that, given this is a new concept to you.

Matt's idea of just getting a little widget cut, see what some offset changes do, then move on from there is a great suggestion.

My suggestion is to learn on the job if at all possible. Being in a productive machining environment gets you knowledge that you may have to learn the hard way otherwise...

Outside that, keep your rapids at 5% and your finger on the pucker (STOP) button - prove your programs by running them above the part and watching to see that they are roughly what you think they should be. If your programs are small, run everything in single block format and look at each line of code before you push the button.

[Matt@RFR]

Originally Posted by WallyL7 My suggestion is to learn on the job if at all possible. Being in a productive machining environment gets you knowledge that you may have to learn the hard way otherwise...

That's been my downfall from the beginning. I've never worked as a machinist other than some odds and ends on manual machines...I'm a welder by trade.

I have relied heavily on input from other sources like this board and others, and a few local machinists that were willing to teach me as I watched them make the parts I was having them make for me, but once I started with my VF-2ss with absolutely no practical experience, I was lost. So Luke, I'm speaking from experience here. I'm not exactly stupid, and I doubt you are either, but starting from the beginning makes a whole lot more sense (and is faster overall) than starting in the middle. There's a LOT of distance between the beginning and the middle with these machines, as I found out the hard way!

[l u k e]

Originally Posted by WallyL7 My suggestion is to learn on the job if at all possible. Being in a productive machining environment gets you knowledge that you may have to learn the hard way otherwise...

Do you play poker? I'm what they call "all in".

No chance of on the job training, cuz, well, umm, that would require a job.

[l u k e]

Originally Posted by Matt@RFR I think you're making things much harder than they need to be. Speaking as another self taught (with help from the boards) guy, just keep things simple until you have a grasp on what's really going on. Forget ATM, forget macros, forget subroutines...just make a few simple little things and go from there.

Well as far as the ATM goes, that's pretty much what I intend on doing (nothing right now). I just wanted to make sure the data is being stored on the cutters that are being used so I can set up a spread sheet to use later down the road.

Like you guys mentioned, I plan on taking it slow on the first few items. I have several small uninvolved parts to cut, actually more like modify, but simple no the less.

I just try to ask the questions as they come to mind.

Jumping in the deep end is going to do you more harm than good, in my opinion

It's ALL the deep end when you can't swim! lol

[thonygach2010]

Hello Guys,
I need some suggestion while I am doing trouble shoot this VNC760 milling machine that we had transferred from Mexico to China .
By the way, Just call me Thony, i supposedly be a reader only but seems I need some of our experts comment on this on going trouble shooting.
Here's the scenario, our machine operator informed me that the machine cannot be use and my inital findings is that the Z axis error stated that "beyond the limit sw." and the SIMODRIVE 611 Z axis 7sigment indicator dont have light. My first question is that is there some ways that maybe this driver need to reset?
Need your brilliant info.
Thanks a lot,
Thony

[KenFoulks]

What brand is this machine?