VF3 way covers falling

[dingo0722]

How can I stop the way covers from disconnecting/separating when the z axis does a g00 to g28

[txcncman]

Determine why they are separating and repair or replace to correct the problem.

[Machineit]

Are they separating from each other leaving gaps or are they sticking together causing them (the lower one) to lift too high.

Either way, clean and check the tabs that prevent them from coming apart.

Mike

[dingo0722]

Well there in lies the problem! The panels interlock perfectly. We went through and cleaned the locking interfaces completely. The screws that go up the side are all tight. I’m just not sure why after all this time of operation the covers just start dropping.

[txcncman]

I have never found a common problem to way covers separating. This is a problem that is almost impossible to diagnose remotely. Write yourself a program that moves the Z axis up and down in rapid in incremental and watch the way covers and try to determine which joint is failing first and tackle that one. I have actually had to get inside the machine and have someone else operate it so I could have hands on to determine the problem. BUT DON'T DO THIS! YOU COULD DIE!. On one machine, the problem ended up being a guide bracket under the way covers. Most of them, one or more of the covers was twisted, warped, or dented. Sometimes the wipers are installed incorrectly or are the wrong wipers. If tabs are bent, worn, or missing, you have to decide on a way to repair or replace. You can try to shoot a video that includes the failure and post a link to it here.

[haastec]

Most common reason they seperate is due to chip buildup in between the panels. The chips prevent the panels from engaging each other properly and one of them will jump out of position or cause one of them to bind. It's possible something may have pushed one of the panels creating a slight bend which has the same results.

How old is this machine? Older covers have the mating tabs spot welded on wich can become weak and loosen up. Newer covers have a different design where essentially it is a very tight J bend to create the tab.

Pull all the panels out and carefully inspect for any deformation. I have massaged the panels to near perfection before only to end up replacing them shortly thereafter because they kept seperating.

Good luck.

[dingo0722]

It was amazing. This was never an issue with this machine, and then yesterday the lower panel dropped. I got in there, cleaned both the tabs and the vertical rails, re installed, then 20 min later the one above dropped. I chased it all the way to the top one. I think I have it working now, by bending the upper stationary panel to flat. We shall see if it is resolved