Tool Changer Problems

[zsinclair]

I have a HAAS VR-11. The problem Ive been noticing lately, is when i have a tool run for a long period of time (about three hours), when the machine goes to change tools, the tool will stick in the spindle and alarm the machine out. During the day its not to big of a problem, we just hit the collet with a mallet and move forward. At night, however, if the tool sticks during unattended machining, Im losing several hours, up to ten to twelve, of machine time. Ive tried everything I know, any advice would be very much appreciated. Thank You!

[Haas__man]

Here's some tips -
Once a month or so you should apply a small amount of grease to your pullstud on one of your tools- don't use too much - you should not get grease on the taper.
Always keep your tooling clean - and rust free.
your air pressure should be set at 100psi on the air regulator and during a tool change, pressure should not drop below 85psi.

Hope this helps

[Geof]

We solved a similar problem on a VF-0 by installing a reservoir tank downstream of the regulator.

The tool release piston takes a large volume of air and when it operates the pressure downstream of the regulator drops because the regulator cannot supply a very high flow. Putting a 10 gallon reservoir tank in the system gives a large volume back up and the pressure does not drop much so the piston operates with greater force.

[Bryan33]

Haas man is right.

You need to make sure the tapper is clean and you have a light layer of grease on the pull-studs.

[zsinclair]

What is the grease you guys find works the best for you?

[Bryan33]

any synthetic grease

[haastec]

Also, clean both tapers with WD-40 or similar as dried coolant and grime adds to the sticking problem even if they don't feel sticky.