Problem with HSD 5HP ATC Spindle

[Slant]

Hi,

I just bought a used, 9 month old alpha with a 5HP ES915 Spindle and Auto tool changer. It was barely used and not set up well by the original owners. We are still setting it up in my shop and are nearly complete. However, the spindle seems to be locked. It was working properly, very smoothly and quiet for about 10 minutes. Should the spindle spin freely when not powered on? Mine doesn't..I really don't think it's the bearings as it was barely and lightly used.

Also, I accidentally hit the tool release while the tool was spinning(yikes!)and the tool dropped on the table and spun like a top for about a minute. Did I break something in the spindle? I'm not sure if this started the lock up or not. Luckily no obvious damage to anything involved..

When I hit my start button on the VFD my spindle doesn't spin, but makes a grinding sound and remains locked. Kinda sounds like a router with bad brushes that is still trying to start. ATC still works properly.

I've been talking with support and they don't know what is going on! I'm hoping to get in contact with HSD Monday.

I'm thinking of taking it apart to see if something in the ATC is broke and locking up the spindle.

Does anyone have any insight or ideas? Should I take the ATC lower part apart?

There is not much literature or trouble shooting out there. I need to get this running for my business asap!

Thank you in advance for any advice!

-Josh

[kubotaman]

I have the ATC myself. Yes, it will spin freely when not powered. I can only guess what may be the problem. I would look to see if the release that releases the bit is some how causing the problem. Personally I would not be afraid to see if you can dismantle the lower section of the spindle. I wouldn't go so far as removing the armature without further information.

[Slant]

Thank you for the insight, I will try to take the lower section apart this afternoon.
I was thinking something in the bit release was the problem too, it does seem to engage and release tools properly. Maybe an upper part of it is broken and blocking rotation.

[jerry_stanek]

Is the air on when you try to spin it and is there a bit in the spindle

[Slant]

Air is on, 125lbs to the regulator. When I put a bit in it is you can't spin it by hand. Same without a bit. The bits hold and release normally by pushing the button on the spindle or #8 output.

[Slant]

Also, after 10 seconds the VFD show oL2 error code, which is spindle overload. I've checked all parameters 3 times too..

[zeykr]

With power off to the vfd and air disconnected or pressure bled off, can you spin it?

[Slant]

With power off to the vfd and air disconnected or pressure bled off, can you spin it?

No, it is locked in place

[kubotaman]

I just tried mine and the air is off and no power applied. The spindle spins freely. Just some extra information for you.

[Brady Watson]

You may find the section on page 63-on helpful: http://support.technocnc.com/pdf/HSD_electro-spindles.pdf

Google "hsd atc spindle lock release" - there are plenty of things to read and check. You can also call SB support.

-B

[carlcnc]

Slant
did you get your issue resolved?

I handed off the machine that I retrofitted with an hsd atc
first thing the customer does is press the green button while running
This welded drawbar issue is according to one repair shop, the MOST common thing they fix on hsd spindles(quote was north of 800)

paraphrasing a quote from HSD, it is the OEM or installers fault for not having the control system disable the button circuit during spindle on
I think that's bull#$%^

easy enough to put something on the spindle that disables the circuit when spindle is running ,instead of depending on controller hardware/software
could be any number of components to do the job, and problem solved.

I plan to work with an EE to do just that, will post the solution once done
Carl

[Slant]

I sent my spindle back to HSD and they fixed it and balanced it for me. No charge. SB even paid for the shipping!
Down time was a bummer, but I've been using my PC 3.25 Router in the mean time.