Spindle Motor Upgrade Kits

[Novakon]

We would like to announce the status of the spindle motor upgrade kits for the NM-200 Series 2 and the NM-145. To date we have had reports that some of the BLDC motors and VFD’s have worked well and some have had problems.

While our original testing was flawless, the failure of the BLDC motors began to sporadically occur after units had been out in the market.

During that time, we had been dealing with an overseas third party for parts sourcing. Subsequently, neither the third party nor the BLDC motor manufacturer would take responsibility and solve the problem. The motor manufacturer could not cover the warranty costs for their problematic VFDs and very soon after they went out of business.

Novakon has spent considerable time and effort to solve this issue. Our initial efforts failed to source a reliable replacement 6,000 rpm DC motor. At present, we have found suitable motors for both the NM-145 and the NM-200. These motors have been integrated into “kits” and we have procured the necessary parts for the conversions needed.

The descriptions for these conversions are as follows:

NM-145
The new “Torus” line of milling machines has been introduced to replace the NM-145.

The key feature of the new Torus is the “servo” spindle motor which provides:

• Increased power
• High torque at all speeds matched with a precise speed control
• Increased accuracy
• Tapping capability (requires modified break out board)

Initial testing has provided positive results. The tapping is accomplished by the co-ordinated movement of the Z-axis and spindle rotation to produce the required tapping function. As a result of the introduction of this new capability, we have assembled a kit to replace the BLDC motors of the NM-145.

The kit will contain the following:

• AC Servo motor
• Driver
• Breakout board (BOB) replacement for tapping cycle
• Optional upgrade to the polyurethane chassis boards
• Cast iron motor mount assembly
• Motor pulley
• Drive belt
• 220V cabinet entrance plate (as required)
• Miscellaneous cables

The installation of this kit will be more involved requiring some drilling and tapping to install the motor mount casting to the head, driver and cables. The control is straight forward as it runs on step/direction signals same as a stepper driver. The servo runs on 220VAC requiring some machines to convert to 220V operation.

Torus Pro (Otherwise called the NM-200 Series 3)

This machine has already been released and the new AC motor and Sunfar VFD have worked exceptionally well. The new AC motor is an improved version running at 6,000 rpm stemming from the NM-200 Series 1 which ran only at 4,500 rpm. The VFD is capable of running both motors and has been retained because of its exceptional reliability.

The new “kit” for replacing the NM-200 Series 2 BLDC motor, contains the following:

• 6,000 rpm AC motor, 1,500 watts
• Sunfar VFD
• Motor pulley
• Motor mount
• Miscellaneous cables

Three kits have been released to customers to evaluate the installation of the kit. We anticipate having the field installation results soon and more kits will be ordered for those who want to upgrade from the BLDC motors.

It is regrettable that it has taken all this time to co-ordinate all the tasks required to create hardware changes of this magnitude. However, when the problem became one of a long term situation the research, acquisition, testing and lead time procurement from the factories took in excess of 6 months in order to receive the first production parts. We have now reached the delivery phase and we are able to order additional kits for customers wishing to replace their BLDC motors/VFDs.

For those who wish to order kits prior to the “kit testing” completion phase, we can accommodate these orders to lessen acquisition time.

Novakon Team

[speedfreeks]

I am extremely dissapointed to read this response knowing that Novakon must have seen the thread i started "MY HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE W/ NOVAKAN". You would think that a company like this would see my thread and want to address any problems that an unsatisfied customer may have with their product as well as money that is owed to them due to not providing merchandise that was PAID FOR IN FULL.....

It goes to show you how this company operates. You pay $6500 plus shipping for a machine and $700 in extras with a 1 year warranty and when you have a problem with a machine not working properly due to a manufacturing defect they try to blame it on a third party and try to make you pay for a new parts instead of standing by their product and replacing what is needed to make the machine work properly. It should not be the responsibilty of the customer to pay any money out of pocket if there is a manufacturer defect even if it has to do with Novakan's third party. No matter what my $6500 was paid to Novakon NOT a Third Party nor was the Third Party's Name on the reciept. Novakon should stand behind the product they are selling.

I have been calling Novakon for atleast 6 months sometimes 10 to 15 times a day and they have not picked up the phone not 1 time or returned my calls after leaving them messages. Needless to say countless emails.

I wonder if Novakan is going to ignore me and my situation with their product after reading this thread??? It would really prove me wrong if they contacted me with some sort of solution to resolve this problem.

Erik