Guardsman Collision Detection

Hi,

I've got a Colchester Tornado A50 with Fanuc 21i-t.
I'm having problems with the Guardsman Collision Detection System which is fitted to it.
Apparently the machine was from a college/university and has done very little work. (less than 50hrs)

I'm assuming the system was fitted to prevent sudents smashing the lathe to bits.

However, the guardsman system is stopping the lathe function normally. I'm having to take small cuts and reduce the feed rate otherwise the machine stops.

Eg. when I do a G28 U0.0 W0.0 to go home, the rapid movement triggers the collsion detect and E-stops the machine.

It looks like the system monitors vibration on the turret. Where the collision microswitch would normally go, there is a sensor of some type.

I've tried pulling the 24v feed to the unit and pulled the RS232 on the board but it must be tied in elsewhere.

Has anyone else come across the Guardsman Collision Detection System??

Cheers

Yarpo.

Hi Yarpo,

We are not familiar with this system but are intrigued! Maybe it was fitted after sale?

PM on it's way...

Ian

Yes it appears to be an aftermarket item.

It's made by Montronix. It may have been supplied/fitted by TDT Technology Ltd.

The system monitored vibration by the means of a sensor fitted to the Duplomatic turret. If excessive vibration was detected it would E-stop the machine.

Looks like my sensor was knackered. Now that I have unbolted the sensor, the machine is 100% operational.

-cheers Ian for the info regarding my lathe!

I'll have my service guy bypass it permanently on his next visit.


Yarpo.