Atlas Series Problem and Solution
Problem
SOLUTION
1 – Spindle inverter display showing OC error on the screen.
A spindle “jam” may cause an overcurrent or “OC” error.
First, reset the error: Shut down the machine for 30 seconds or until the VFD display powers down, then restart. When powered on, the VFD should read “0.0” or “RDY”.
If the error appears again upon reboot, reference the OC Error Troubleshooting Guide in order to troubleshoot further.
2 – Spindle randomly starts rotating counter clockwise. Not consistent.
There is a problem with the connection between the output of the spindle inverter and the harness plug connected directly to the spindle…
Start by first running a ‘continuity test’ between the inverter and the spindle power cable/harness.
If there is a short or break in any of the conductor wires, the spindle harness cable should be replaced.
If there are no shorts or breaks noticed during the continuity test, replace the spindle
3 – When trying to run a file, the machine prompts a soft limit or over travel error in the z-axis.
The z-zero is not set properly.
Reset the z-zero and try again.
Another reason for this error could be that the gcode file is using a z-axis clearance height that is too high for the z-travel of the machine. Reset the z-origin and check that the clearance height is set to an appropriate value for the model machine being used. This can also be identified in the g-code file itself. During the first z-axis move, look at the coordinate value in reference to the position the z-axis zero position is set. If the coordinate is a large positive value, this could prompt a positive soft limit.
On the other hand, a z-zero that is set very close to the vacuum table, using a very small tool may also prompt a negative soft limit. Compare the depth cut value in the g-code with the absolute coordinate that can be seen on the handheld. To view absolute coordinates on the handheld, press and hold the Shift button then select the blue #8 button.
The coordinates will change labels from 1X, 1Y, and 1Z to X*, Y*, and Z*. Compare the z-axis value to the negative stroke limit (Menu –> Mfr Params –> Password = 33587550 –> Machine Stroke –> NegStrkLmt) set on the controller. This will determine if the position for the cut is going lower than the machine is capable of. If machine coordinates at cut depth exceed machines z-axis soft limit (Stroke limit), then fixturing or tooling need to be changed to accomodate machine’s z-axis limits.
4 – What is the minimum RPM for VFD?
3000RPM limited by VFD, depending on VFD we can change minium speed. Some VFD’s may also be programmed with 6K RPM as lowest value. To adjust values for Atlas machine view ‘MS300 Programming Guide’, to adjust values for HD-series machines view ‘VFD-E Programming Guide’. Reference ‘navigating the delta display’ guide for assistance with navigating the machine’s VFD display.
5 – Machine does not move displays “Override 0”
Feedrate override is set to 0, cannot be 0 must have a feedrate.
The blue #7 button, or “zig zag +” button will increase the FR override in 10% increments. It is advised to run at 100% so that the machine will run programmed files at 100% of their programmed feedrate. Changing this value above or below 100% will run the same file at a feedrate that is the product of the percentage multiplied by the programmed feed rate value.
6 – Loosing steps / Drifting—–
1-High acceleration (In handheld go to menu –> MFG Params –> Password = 33587550 –> Velocity, check value for single axis acceleration? Jerk? Ref circle accel?)
2) Very small line segments (could be a CADCAM compatability issue, may need to send a sample file to support@technocnc.com)
3) Insufficient grounding (plastic or foam can give off static electricity which can discharge onto electronics, also make sure machine frame is grounded)
7 – HSD Spindle keeps throwing error on inverter when powered on
Move the spindle by hand, if it sounds rough or there is resistance when rotating in some spots, the bearings may be bad and therefore the HSD spindle needs to be replaced.
8 – 3MS controller states an “Overide 0” error.
For this style of controller, first put the controller in feedrate mode. Once in feedrate mode increase the feedrate override. Unlike the currently used G2 version of the controller, the percentages are represented as decimals and whole numbers rather than percentages. It is recommended the override be set to 1.0.
9 – Changing the retract distance when measuring z zero off the touchpad.
On the handheld pendant, press menu → Oper Params → Cali Height. Change this variable to the desired retract distance. Reboot the controller after changing the value for the new value to take effect.
10 – Machine will not perform tool touch off procedure and instead keeps going down into the tool touch off puck.
Check the ‘spindle to tool ground loop’. Attach an alligator clip to the cutting tool/router bit from a ground that the spindle is connected to. Try performing tool touch off again, if it works then the spindle is not completing its ground loop from the bit to the rest of the machine.
If there is still no reaction from the machine while using the alligator clip for grounding. You need to test ‘touch pad continuity’. Remove the touch pad connector and test continuity between the touch pad wire and the brass button on the touch pad. If there is no continuity, the touch pad is damaged and needs to be replaced.