7-3 What to Do If...
Important Notes on Performing Continuous
Cutting for a Prolonged Period
When a Tool Holder Fails to Come Loose
Performing continuous cutting for a prolonged period with a
single tool may cause the tool to fail to come loose from the
spindle and interrupt cutting. This phenomenon is most likely
to happen when the following four conditions all occur.
When the cutting load is large
When the end mill is comparatively thick (around 8 mm (0.3 in.)
or larger)
When cutting has been continued for an extended period
(around 24 hours or longer)
When the unit has been allowed to stand with the tool holder
remaining gripped for a prolonged period
How to Prevent the Problem
Make sure that the continuous cutting time using a single tool
does not exceed 24 hours. Also, never allow the unit to stand with
the tool holder remaining gripped for a prolonged period.
How to Correct the Problem If It Occurs
If the tool holder does not come loose, an error occurs and cut-
ting is interrupted. If this happens, follow the procedure below
to recover.
1. Shut down the modeling machine.
2. Start the modeling machine and try performing a forced release
of the tool.
☞
P. 50, "3-1 Starting and Quitting"
3. If the tool does not come loose, lightly tap the front of the spindle
unit using a plastic hammer or wooden mallet.
Verification after Correcting the Problem
After correcting the problem, mount the tool holder in the
stocker, then check to make sure the machine has correctly
detected the tool holder. Operation is normal if the mounted
tool is displayed in VPanel's main window.
The ATC doesn't operate.
Is the cable connected to the modeling machine?
Make sure the cable is connected securely. Also, make the con-
nection while the power to the modeling machine is switched
off and VPanel is shut down.
Is the compressed air at the correct pressure?
Check whether the pressure is within the specified values.
☞
P. 45, "2-6 Step 5: Supply Compressed Air"
Tool-change operations fail.
Are the tool holders mounted securely?
When mounting tool holders in stockers, fit them in firmly, as
far as they will go. Also check to make sure the locations where
they are fitted in are correct.
☞
P. 52, "3-2 Mounting the Tool Holders"
Have you adjusted the tool-change location?
If the adjustment is misaligned, correct tool-change is impos-
sible. Try adjusting again.
☞
P. 46, "2-7 Step 6: Adjust the Tool-change Loca-
tion"
Is the installation of the magazine unit appropriate?
If the mounted location of the magazine unit is misaligned,
correct tool-change is impossible. Check the installed location
again.
☞
P. 33, "2-3 Step 2: Attach the Magazine Unit"
Responding to an Error Message
This section describes the messages added by installing the unit.
For other messages, see the documentation for the modeling
machine.
Messages
If a window like this appears on the computer, take
action as described below.
A tool remains gripped.
Startup is not possible when a tool remains gripped. Follow the
procedures for performing a forced release of the tool.
☞
P. 50, "3-1 Starting and Quitting"
[Status] Box or Handy Panel Display
If a message appears in the VPanel [Status] box or on
the handy panel, take action as described below.
Abnormal ATC air pressure
The air pressure has dropped (during a manual tool-change).
Adjust the air pressure, then click [Clear Error].
☞
P. 45, "2-6 Step 5: Supply Compressed Air"
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Chapter 7 Appendix
