VF3 Tool Clamp Issue

[Eric MFG]

Hi guys,

VF3 with tool clamp problem also the NC is in alarm state. The draw bar hovers in between clamp and unclamp and there is an constant electrical hum around the spindle motor. The clamp function seems to operate ok when manually clamping and unclamping. Not sure if the solenoid is at fault or the I/O board?

Does anyone know what the voltage is to the solenoid?
When should the solenoid be seeing voltage when clamped or unclamped?

Would any one have schematics or the very least, a maintenance/trouble shooting manual?

[haastec]

What alarm are you getting?

If it clamps and unclamps using manual tool release then the solenoids are working.

What do you mean by "the draw bar hovers in between clamp and unclamp"?
Do you mean the clamp/unclamp switches are not being engaged?

A little more detail please.

[Eric MFG]

The alarm reads “unclamp” I removed the covers to the head and when I place my hand on the solenoid and valve you feel a mild vibration. I disconnected the solenoid the hum is still there, when I shut off the air to the machine the hum goes away. I just replaced the solenoid and valve still same problem. The draw bar hangs just before hitting the clamp switch and the hum appears to be an air leak.

The problem could most likely be the air cylinder that moves the draw bar? Is the air cylinder under the spindle motor? I see that the air valve connects to a plate under the spindle motor.

[Machineit]

The alarm reads “unclamp” I removed the covers to the head and when I place my hand on the solenoid and valve you feel a mild vibration. I disconnected the solenoid the hum is still there, when I shut off the air to the machine the hum goes away. I just replaced the solenoid and valve still same problem. The draw bar hangs just before hitting the clamp switch and the hum appears to be an air leak.

The problem could most likely be the air cylinder that moves the draw bar? Is the air cylinder under the spindle motor? I see that the air valve connects to a plate under the spindle motor.

It is most likely the precharge valve. It is leaking or not allowing the air out properly, which causes the "clamped" switch to be hit too late to register as a completed tool change. That is why a manual change works and an automatic one does not. On manual the alarm won't come on until you attempt to use a tool that is not clamped properly, or is not even looked at.

Many posts here about how to correct the problem, but start by cleaning the exhaust filter on the solenoid (brass looking screw in filter.) The solenoid is usually located insides the spindle housing on the back mounting area. Trace the air line for it back and you will find it.

By unhooking the line at the cylinder, you can verify that this is the problem. Just unplug the line and try the tool change. It may clank but will now make the change and no alarm.

Mike

[Eric MFG]

Ok think I found the problem a lose connection to the solenoid not sure but how ever, i'm getting a new alarm 254 Spindle motor over heated. I Found the temp sensor connection unpluged it and re-pluged it in still have the 254 alarm. Od I was no where near the sensor connector not sure what happened.

[Eric MFG]

Ok think I found the problem a lose connection to the solenoid not sure but how ever, i'm getting a new alarm 254 Spindle motor over heated. I Found the temp sensor connection unpluged it and re-pluged it in still have the 254 alarm. Od I was no where near the sensor connector not sure what happened.

The alarm "254 Spindle motor over heated" is all set as well. Disconnected the sensor and cleaned the connections the alarm cleared. Thanks for your help guys the machine is back running making chips!