I think that the z axis brake is gone on my 1100, but before i go and buy a replacement i wanted to see if there were any other possible things that it could be. When i power up the mill, the head starts to drop before i can turn on the power to the machine itself. Meaning, i turn the computer on and as that is firing up but before i hit the main power, the head starts to drop fairly quickly but not violently. This time it dropped about half way down and then stopped. Also, as soon as i turn off the main power, the head drops slightly as well. I've also placed a coin on the z axis brake lever and turn the power on and it doesn't jump as i've read it should somewhere.
Seems that it is the z axis brake, but i shell out $300 for a new one, i want to make damn sure.
Thanks
Kyle
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CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
Albert E.
Not being familiar with Tormach, I am making an assumption based on a typical electric motor brake.
Looking at the pictures out there it appears to be fitted to the rear of the stepper and the upgrade to the legacy units it does appear to be a simple electric one.
Either way, it should be a simple method to disable it.
Al.
CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
Albert E.
there's a label on the side of the brake that says it's non-serviceable and not to remove it
Is there a couple of leads into it or does it show it is wired?
Al.
CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
Albert E.
When you hit the e-stop you should hear a substantial clunk/thud, that's the brake engaging. You should hear a slightly less substantial clunk/thud when you press start. Are you getting those?
My brake on my z axis went out pre-maturely but had similar symptoms to yours. Only difference is mine would only drop when I turned off the machine. I ended up putting a piece of delrin so that my collet would not sit on my vise. There are a couple of things you can check. The first is the lever on top of the brake. It should be between these two little screws almost completely facing to the right of the machine (when looking at it from the front). If that looks normal then you can actually test it by disconnecting power from inside of your PLC cabinet. Unfortunately I cant remember which wires they are but you ca contact Tormach and they can instruct you which wire to exactly unhook and test the brake system.
Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.
What series is your 1100? If you don't already have a Series 3 this looks like a great excuse to upgrade to the new polyphase motors....
bob
Did the new stepper and brake fix the problem?
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