4th (A) axis not rotating during program

[RMagnusson]

Hello,

 

We have a newly installed (but used) rotary table as our A axis. We can make the unit rotate cw and ccw manually, and it will zero return, but will not operate during a program.

 

Programmed in MCX, using fanuc4X post from MC, Mazak FJV-25 using an LMC rotary table.

 

I've tried rotating it via MDI a number of ways like this:

 

G00A45.;

(throws a 'no linear command in 2nd block' alarm

 

M10;

G00A45.;

M11;

(throws an 'invalid M code' alarm)

 

My program backplots and verifies well. There are Axx moves in the post. My meager knowledge has run out...

 

Any suggestions greatly appreciated

[Rick Henrickson 65]

does this indexer have a box with it to control rotations?

[Brandon Walker]

does your a axis have brushless servo drive? or does it use clamp/unclamp?

 

M10 is 4th axis clamping

M11 is 4th axis release

 

You will need to make a change in the post processor to stop that from posting (if its brushless servo drive, the a axis does not need a clamping mechanism)

[RMagnusson]

The table is connected to the mill via Cannon plugs, and there is a 'drive' unit in the electrical cabinet in back labeled '4th.'

 

I dont know if its brushless servo drive or not, how can I tell?

 

It has air coming in driving hydraulic fluid powering what I assumed was the clamp/unclamp mechanism.

[Rick Henrickson 65]

How are you zero returning it?

please list exact steps

[Brandon Walker]

sorry, to clarify, M10 and M11 are for the 4th axis brake clamping. some brushless servos dont need mechanical clamping mechanisms because the servo holds it pretty solid in place when positioning.

 

im assuming that since it threw an invalid mcode error when you threw it M10 and M11, that it either uses different codes for 4th axis brake or it doesnt use it at all. however im not sure about why it is not rotating for you. but id make sure that your rotary table is oriented properly and connected to the correct axis (if it has more connections than just A axis), and that your machine definitions are set up correctly in X.

 

id say the best way to find out more about the rotary table would be to contact the manufacturer.

[htm01]

what machine did you install it on? you may need to turn on a setting in parameters

[RMagnusson]

To zero return I am: turning on mill and NC, the 'home 1' key is already illuminated, so just press '-4' and it returns.

 

I have the table installed in a Mazak FJV-25 VMC.

 

The related parameters I see are:

 

L21 'Output type of index (rotary) table' 0=servo spindle

1=select the code set by K56

-Set to 1

 

K56 'Name of second auxiliary function' O=INVALID

41=A

42=B

43=C

-set to 41

 

L38 'M/B code for index of index table' 0=turning CW

1=turning CW/CCW/shortcut

2-9999=Numeric value is the M code to be output

-set to 1

 

There are a few other that deal with the 4th axis, but they dont seem as relevant.

 

My machine def seems to be correct, but I can post the part if anyone wants to look at it.

 

One questions: in the parameters book I have its often says 'Do xx for index table, yy for NC table.' Whats the difference in tables?

[Rick Henrickson 65]

Call 425-251-6015 ask for applications.

[RMagnusson]

Called and left a message. Thanks. Hopefully he can help.

[Rick Henrickson 65]

you will want to talk to Mark Gordon or Dan Palow

did someone retrofit that 4th axis or did it come setup for a 4th

[RMagnusson]

The mill came setup for a Precise Corp. spindle, and the LMC 4th axis.

 

It was Mark I left a message for.

[RMagnusson]

Got some MDI motion.

 

Had to change my A's to U's, lol. What is a 'U' axis?

 

HOWEVER, when the 4th rotates it only moves about 1/3 of the commanded angle. I dont get it.

[Rick Henrickson 65]

Probably another parameter issue, a ratio of some sort

Did Mark call you back yet?

[RMagnusson]

No, not yet. I'm hoping its something like that. I already know the unit has a 1:180 gear ratio. Just need to know where to input.

[Rick Henrickson 65]

I wish I would have saved the books!