CNC Routers For The Hobbyists Like You

What is a CNC Router? What do you think of when you hear the term “CNC Router”? For many people, this might be a large table including a gantry with some type of motor and a tool bit on it, making passes up and down the table while cutting different patterns out of large pieces…

Rigid Tapping With Yaskawa 626VM3 Spindle Drives – Troubleshooting Tips

If you are experiencing problems while rigid tapping with your Yaskawa 626VM3 spindle drive, there are likely two parameters you need to look at – C1-11 and C1-12. These parameters relate to the speed control. Parameter C1-11 is the Speed Reference Offset Adjustment Value. Parameter C1-12 is your motor Speed Adjustment Value. Troubleshooting Steps First,…

Mitsubishi Freqrol-SF Spindle Drives

Freqrol-SF Series Overview: The Mitsubishi Freqrol-SF or FR-SF units are offered in sizes ranging from 3.7kW to 45kW as the standard type drives. Other drive types offered besides standard would be high-speed, wide range constant output, small capacity, and positioning drives. The FR-SF series offers a range of new features that make it effective to…

Mitsubishi MDS Power Supplies, Servo and Spindle Drives

Series Overview: The Mitsubishi MDS series covers a large array of drive units, starting with the older MDS-A series and working its way up through the MDS-C1 series. Within the MDS series, there are – servo drives, spindle drives, and power supplies; creating a full system apart from the control side of things. Each type…

Servo Load Testing

Servo Load Testing is a procedure that can be done before and after a Servo Drive has been repaired or replaced. Load testing allows for a Servo Drive to be tested at a point that it would see during a normal to non-normal operation conditions. In many applications, this is beneficial because it can let…

The Importance of Winding Selection Checks and Replacement

Winding select contactors are one of the most overlooked items when it comes down to troubleshooting spindle motor failures. Some spindle drives have error alarms that will let the user know there is an issue, but there are also many that do not generate any alarms to indicate an issue with the winding select contactor. Even…

Haas Servo & Vector Drive Units

Series Overview There are two types of HAAS servo amplifiers: an older 4015 series, which utilizes the classic gold housing, and a newer smart amplifier series, that is housed in a silver-colored case. While connections and functionality between the two are nearly identical and can be used in place of one another, the newer smart…

Programmable Logic Controller Applications

What is a Programmable Logic Controller? A Programmable Logic Controller, also known as PLC, is a robust computer designed to perform control functions in industrial applications. PLC’s were initially built to replace electromechanical relay systems that were very large and complex control systems. When it comes down to modifying the operation of a control system…

What to Check After Repair of HAAS Vector Drive?

There are a couple of checks that you will need to do after you get your HAAS Vector (Spindle) Drive repaired. In most HAAS machines the spindle drive is connected to the Servo Amplifiers. These amplifiers usually do not have much prevention circuitry to they tend to be a problem after the spindle drive has…

Mitsubishi MR-J2 Servo Amplifiers

MR-J2 Overview The Mitsubishi MR-J2 Servo Amplifier Series is suited for use in high-power-rate, ultra-low-inertia, and high-frequency applications. The series comes fully equipped with the latest advanced features, including Mitsubishi’s unique servo lock anti-micro-vibration function, real-time auto-tuning and automatic motor recognition. Inclusion of an absolute encoder as standard equipment helps to reduce time and enhance…

The Importance of Recording Drive Wiring and Connections

Picture this – You’re in the middle of an urgent production job, everything appears to be going extremely smooth without any major mishaps throughout each cycle. Suddenly, your drive unit goes out and it brings the production line to a complete halt. Scrambling to get the unit uninstalled and sent out for a rush repair…

Robotics In Manufacturing – Visiting 2019 Automate Show

This April we attended the 2019 Automate Show at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. At this show, we saw many different applications for robotic arms and other external devices, such as conveyors, rotaries, and vision systems, in a CNC application and other applications as well. There were many companies that we were able to talk…