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Q: We have a 2015 MX-236 ZNC EDM Sinker. We currently run an automatic cycle to auto-fi ll and drain the
tank completely. Is there a way to drain only partially to a specifi c level? We would like to drain only enough oil
to change the workpiece. It would be a time saver!
A: The machine does not have that specifi c capability as built. However, you can modify it slightly to accomplish
this. To make this modifi cation, you must understand how the drain part of the cycle works.
There is a lower fl oat switch at the bottom of the tank behind the
drain valve cover on the left side. This fl oat is used to tell the con-
trol when the tank is empty and then close the drain valve. Because
it is not possible to mount this fl oat at the very bottom of the tank,
we use a timer to keep the drain open for a specifi ed amount of
time to let the last bit of oil drain, then close the drain valve.
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First, we need to set the time parameter. Run a cycle and time
how long it takes for the oil to reach the desired level once the
drain valve opens. Then go to the system page. Please see
Figures 1A - 1C.
Your machine may vary depending on the vintage and software
version. The right side of the system screen has the parameter.
Look for DrainT likely on the second page. It can be set from
1000 to 20000. 1000 is 1 second. Set the parameter for the
Figure 1A
desired time to drain.
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Figure 1B
Figure 1C
Now, change the lower fl oat from normally open to normally closed and use the drain time
as the drain level control. To change the fl oat is very simple. Just remove the clip on the
bottom, slide the barrel off the shaft, invert the barrel, reinstall on the shaft, and put the clip
on to secure it.
With this done, the auto fi ll and drain will work normally, but as soon as the drain is opened
the control will see the lower fl oat on and think the tank is empty and leave the drain valve
open for the time set in the DrainT parameter.
If you have additional questions, please call Belmont Equipment and Technologies and ask
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