VM16 Tool Changer Questions

[Radius]

Well, I'm slowing identifying problems with this '96 VM16 I'm trying to bring back from the dead.

I had to send all 4 servo drives off to Servo Dynamics for repair That's gonna hurt.

In the meantime, there isn't much I can do with the machine. I figured I might play with the tool changer and see if it rotates. From the wiring diagram I figured out there are 2 contactors - CW and CCW. Manually activating either of these contactors results in a blown fuse.

I'm suspecting a motor problem, but I can't really see in there too well. Is there some type of air or electrically operated lock that locks the carousel in place? If so, then that would explain why the fuse blows.

The machine is equipped with a 20 position changer.

Oh yeah.. And another general question: My machine was originally equipped with the 4th axis, but that was sold off before I got the machine. I have a saved search for "milltronics" on ebay but I've never seen a milltronics 4th axis come up for auction. Anyone know what one of these toys usually costs?

Thanks,
Michael

[single phase]

Take the tool changer motor out and run it by itself. It just turns around 360 each time it moves the carousel 18 degrees. There is no air involved in rotating the changer.

It does use air to open the door and move the changer to the head.

[chipsinpan]

I have a 95 partner 1 , and had to replace 2 drive boards .
They were made by Glentec .
I recall the service technician saying all 4 boards are the same , but have minor adjustments on some control pots .
He wrote a program to make each axis feed + and - and set the display to show following error .
He had me watch the error as he made adjustments to the boards so that the FE was at the smallest value . He did this all while the machine was live & running .
I am not suggesting that a novice try this , but someone correct me if I'm wrong , in saying that all the boards are basically the same .
To prove out the point , he had first talked me through the procedure on the phone , to replace a suspect board with one that had a working axis .
This was the way he confirmed I had 2 fried boards . Not a happy situation , but probably my fault . ( dont want to discuss that situation at this time )

[milltronicsmark]

Radius

If your carasel motor is poping fuses when you try to move it, check the wiring harness up on the motor. I have had chips and coolant get up in there milling tall parts. It may be sorting out the motor relay. That motor is an Oriental Brake Motor and runs on 220vac so be careful. You can also check for jammed chips in the Geneva wheel. It's that gear shaped part the motor runs against. Best of luck.

[Radius]

Radius

If your carasel motor is poping fuses when you try to move it, check the wiring harness up on the motor. I have had chips and coolant get up in there milling tall parts. It may be sorting out the motor relay. That motor is an Oriental Brake Motor and runs on 220vac so be careful. You can also check for jammed chips in the Geneva wheel. It's that gear shaped part the motor runs against. Best of luck.

Update:

I finally got some time available to look at this. It turns out the motor was simply stuck. Removal, disassembly and some TLC freed her up and now the tool carousel it working just fine.

Mark, you're right. It is a Oriental Motor.

Thanks,
Michael