Page 100 - Fall 2024 EDM Today

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Q: We have a SY-4050T CNC Small Hole EDM machine. We have been occasionally getting a Z-axis fatal
following error. The only way to recover is to power down the machine and then power it up again. Can you help
with some troubleshooting ideas?
A: The next time this happens, check the Z-axis servo drive for an error code. We suspect you may see an error
code of 16, which is overload. This can happen if something obstructs the Z-axis, such as a large electrode getting
bound up in the ceramic guide.
Another possibility is that the Z-axis brake signal wire may be damaged. There is a simple 2-pin connector at the top
of the W-axis under the cover for the Z-axis brake. We have seen them fatigue or corrode over time. Please remove
the W-axis cover and inspect this connection.
There are other less likely possibilities. Please contact a Belmont Service Technician if this doesn’t solve the
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problem.

Jeff Beyar
Machine Tool Service Manager
jeffb@belmont4edm.com | 800-356-4811

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Q: We have your 656W Fast Wire EDM and we cannot get the unit to edge-fi nd or restart the program.
How can we debug this?
A: The fact that you cannot perform either task
tells us that you have committed a classic over-
sight common with these Fast Wire machines. Click
STOP(F8) on the main process screen and try re-
starting the program – see Figure 1. This will cancel
and reset your last program. If the program restarts,
you can run the edge-fi nd procedure. If the edge fi nd
continues to malfunction, check the wire pathway
and be certain the carbides are clean and the wire is
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making good contact. Also, low tension can cause
the issue; ensure the tension springs are about half-
way between locked and open.
Another common oversight that can be hard to catch
is leaving the main wire spool set at a slow speed
after refi lling with fresh wire. Without changing any
of the settings, you will likely produce numerous
short circuits, slower cuts, and/or possible wire
breaks.
Figure 1

Figure 2 shows that a CW rotation of the switch indicates a
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Slow Speed. After refi lling with fresh wire, be sure to rotate
the switch to the CCW Fast Speed.

Alan Barbick, Applications Manager
edmnetwork.com
630-466-558

Figure 2
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