[Ed from NY]

Hi all,

Got a problem, a "ATC will not move to spindle" message. The issue seems to be with releasing the tool. Manual changes are okay. Loading a tool from the ATC when the spindle is empty is okay. Unloading a tool in the spindle to the ATC does not work. Thoughts?

I know next to nothing on machine maintenance and troubleshooting, so please feel free to dumb down things a bit for me... LOL Thanks!!!

EDIT: The machine is a VMC15

https://youtu.be/pJ-rHTcolkQ

[warrenb]

Looks like your Z height is off and bumping in to the tool holder. You can adjust the height using the SV command.
Here is the manual that explains it.
http://www.flintmachine.com/pdfs/fad...ey_Command.pdf

[ddgman2001]

It could be the spindle dogs aren't lining up. Check to make sure they align with the center of the tool carousel. The maintenance manual has pretty clear instructions for this.

[rodney247]

When you do a CS are the Z axis ColdStart lines on the side of the head lining up?

Did some one Remove the Z axis motor ( usually for Shipping and or to get the machine through a doorway or Low ceiling) And when the motor was put back on they didn't get the coupler in the correct orientation. The CS will be off .100 (half a turn)

get on a ladder behind the machine and look at the coupler on the z axis and see if the Marks line up you may have someone jog the machine. If they are not just take the 4 bolts holding the motor on and correct the couplers orientation .

[Ed from NY]

Yes, it seems that the issue is lining up the Z to the correct height. Strange because the machine was working fine till Sunday. Monday I spent 1/2 the day doing manual tool changes.

Back when I put the machine to work a few months ago the Z on CS was off. I adjusted the encoder and it worked fine till now. It is strange that it seems to be off again.

EDIT: The witness mark is indeed off by 0.1". But it used to work before... strange. Or may be I'm confused as to how off it was before. I know it was not perfect, but it might have been off by a bit less. Should I have a go at the encoder again? Or perhaps one of the other suggestions above? Thanks!!

[rodney247]

Try This Ed after you do your CS. jog your z down .200 and then do another CS.

Now if you wanted to you can reach up into the main ATC (MAKE SURE NO ONE is on the keyboard if they push a button jog button it will pull the tool carriage back!!!!) cover and pull the arm and manually make the tool carriage move towards the spindle so you can physically see the misalignment.

OR with the Machine powered Off you can pull the carriage out the same way. And don't worry when you power back on it will pull the carriage back home. if you forget

[Ed from NY]

Try This Ed after you do your CS. jog your z down .200 and then do another CS.

SUPER GENIUS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That did it.

Thank you so much Rodney!!

[rodney247]

Hey your welcome Ed.......... glad i could help!!