Page 74 - Summer 2024 EDM Today

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If the brake is not released, the Z will not move, and you
will get this error. You can confirm the signal is active by
the status of the Z Braker LED – see Figure 2.
If you do not have the “Zbraker” signal, you may have the
e-stop pressed or have an issue with the IPC or the I/O
board.
If the signal is present, then the Z brake should be
inspected. It is mounted on top of the Z-axis ball screw.
There should be 24vdc when the brake is energized,
which releases the friction plate – See Figure 3.
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If the 24vdc is present and the brake is not released, you
have a faulty brake.
This is the most common failure as the Z brake is ener-
gized the entire time the machine tool power is on.
It is also possible to have an issue with the linear scale.
This is much less common, though, and we can help
determine the scale’s status after you verify the Z brake
operation.

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Figure 3 EDM Today Magazine

Figure 1 – ENA is IIlluminated
If the ENA is not lit, please note the other LEDs:
• Limit + or Limit – indicates being on a limit or a
defective limit switch.
• OL indicates a motor overload situation. This can be
due to a faulty motor or some mechanical issue
putting excessive load on the motor. Q: We have an older Astec A34 CNC EDM drill
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• TF indicates a problem with the tachometer on the
motor or the wiring between the motor and drive.
connected to a water dielectric system. Recently,
we have noticed the water is very warm, nearly 100
degrees F. The chiller is not running. Can you help with
Any of the above three situations can prevent movement.
basic troubleshooting before we call a refrigeration
Next, check the status of the Z brake signal. This can be
technician?
seen on the I/O board mounted to the back of the power
A: The chiller will run when the temperature exceeds
supply cabinet door. An ice cube relay supplies power to
the set point. It likely has power as the filtration system

the Z-axis brake.
is running. The chiller will shut down if it either has no
water flow through it or if it ices up. If the air filter on the

chiller is very dirty, this will restrict airflow over the evap-

orator coils, leading to icing. A sensor on the evaporator
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coil will shut down the chiller to prevent damage.

Also, a flow switch is in line with the incoming water

flow. If this switch is defective or dirty the system will
not run as this will also cause icing.
Please clean or replace the air filter, as this is a com-
monly neglected item.
If the issue persists, please check/clean the flow switch.

Beyond those two items, a qualified refrigeration techni-
cian should be called.
Jeff Beyar | Machine Tool Service Manager
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jeffb@belmont4edm.com | 800-356-4811
Figure 2 – Z Braker LED Location
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