584,879 active members*
5,418 visitors online*
Register for free
Login
Results 1 to 4 of 4
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Posts
    13

    2007 Tri-Power not repeating

    I was a general machinist for several decades and have a sense of what I'm doing, but I am having trouble getting my Tri-powers to repeat. When I tighten up the gibs the servos just bog down, and when I loosen them up there is too much flex when changing direction in any axis. Even with tuned Mach III motor tunings and rigid setups my machines don't repeat. I bought these machines in 2008 and one has factory installed ball screws (ST108) and factory installed 4th axis servo (ST98S-4) I've been able to use them but I would like them to be more accurate. Any suggestions?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Posts
    18

    Re: 2007 Tri-Power not repeating

    What kind of accuracy are you looking for? Plus or minus .0002 or .002?

    First, I'm no expert by any means, so take what I say with a grain of salt. Seems like lack of accuracy could be caused by several things;
    1) Gibs out of adjustment. (Seems like you covered this)
    2) Slop or inaccuracy in the screws or drivetrain. (I had a pulley loose that almost drove me crazy.)
    3) Loosing steps in the motors for some reason. (Maybe trying to move too quickly)
    4) Software not programmed correctly. (Maybe incorrect steps per # or backlash not calculated correctly)

    There is probably more stuff that I have not thought of.

    Do you have a DRO installed? Have you tested it for accuracy?

    I am actually shocked at how accurately my machine moves. Generally the DRO matches the computer screen by plus or minus .0004. At least I think that is pretty accurate. It's all relative I guess.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Posts
    281

    Re: 2007 Tri-Power not repeating

    Quote Originally Posted by jsmithwe View Post
    I was a general machinist for several decades and have a sense of what I'm doing, but I am having trouble getting my Tri-powers to repeat. When I tighten up the gibs the servos just bog down, and when I loosen them up there is too much flex when changing direction in any axis. Even with tuned Mach III motor tunings and rigid setups my machines don't repeat. I bought these machines in 2008 and one has factory installed ball screws (ST108) and factory installed 4th axis servo (ST98S-4) I've been able to use them but I would like them to be more accurate. Any suggestions?
    From your description, I would first looked for warped gibs- that will make adjustment impossible- they will either be too loose and allow the table to move around, or so tight it can't move at all-
    lots of other possibilities there, most of which you probably already thought of as a machinist, but loose pulleys, that slip back and forth can drive you crazy- be sure the set screws are not worn on the contact end, and are pressing against the flat of the shaft. Thrust bearings that are loose or worn can allow the lead screw to move back and forth in an inconsistent way, loose brackets holding the lead screw nut etc. and lots of possible mach 3 setting issues- mach3 has a good support forum.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Posts
    19

    Re: 2007 Tri-Power not repeating

    Check the thrust bearings for ball screws. Specifically the y axis. Mine were binding up causing the table to bounce instead of move freely.

Similar Threads

  1. 2007 GT-27(chnc) no power up
    By DetProto in forum Hardinge Lathes
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 09-12-2017, 06:55 PM
  2. How add the electric torch lift on 2007 SteelTailor Power sieries?
    By Steel Tailor in forum Other Machine Topics
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 01-22-2015, 04:08 AM
  3. non repeating x axis
    By johnreeddesign in forum Milltronics
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 10-07-2011, 12:13 AM
  4. 2007 Tri power for sale
    By zook in forum Shopmaster/Shoptask
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 05-02-2009, 12:34 AM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •