585,948 active members*
3,738 visitors online*
Register for free
Login
IndustryArena Forum > MetalWorking Machines > HURCO > Spindle problems with BMC-20
Results 1 to 12 of 12
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Posts
    5

    Unhappy Spindle problems with BMC-20

    I have a nineties BMC-20 that I am having a serious problem with. I gues it is only really serious since it is my first week in business for mysely, and the parts that I have promised my first customer are looking like they wont get done.

    The spindle was making a knocking/rattling sound. Sounded like a nut or something bouncing around inside the motor. Got really bad when RPM were over 1000. Knucklehead that I am, I disassembled the entire motor, cleaned it out (didn't find anything either) and put it back together. Now it wont even turn on. When I turn the spindle on, it spins really slowly for about five seconds, then it faults out. "spindle fault check drive?" something similar to that.

    Can anybody help me out with this. Does anyone know where I could find a good serviceman to check out this machine? It seems like everytime I try to fix anything on my equipment myself, it turns into a three week game of trial and error. I really dont have time for that right now, and would prefer to hire someone that knows what they are doing.

    Please help

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Posts
    29
    Well I am guessing the rotation is correct

    Are we talking a "Multi-voltage" motor? Can be wired to run 208 or 480. Have you checked to make sure all the field windings in the motor are connected correctly

    Stupid question I know but you have got to start some where

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Posts
    5
    I have to assume that they are wired correctly. The motor was running before I took it apart, and I wired it back as it was labeled.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    564
    Quote Originally Posted by southernmenace View Post
    The spindle was making a knocking/rattling sound. Sounded like a nut or something bouncing around inside the motor.

    Please help
    Sounds like the bearings are damaged in the spindle Or in the drive motor.

    Did the motor shaft turn smoothly in your hand when you had it off the machine? and what about the spindle with no motor attached to it? was it smooth to turn?
    Try to turn the spindle by hand with power off? Turn it very very slowly in one direction, it should be smooth, any interference/binding will veryify you need spindle re-build. (keep in mind there might be a brake on the spindle??)
    If so that could also be the source of your woes.
    There has to be a handful of companies that will do spindle re-builds in your area. I know in Canada where I am it is a profitable side business.

    Also what was the fault code on the drive? might give you more direction to go?
    menomana

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Posts
    29
    Doesn't Hurco use a "Belt and Pully" on their spindle.

    The belt would be my first guess as to the noise maker.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Posts
    5
    It does use a belt and pulley system. I was convinced that it was not the belt when I had disassembled it, now I am really questioning it. Both the motor and spindle spun smooth as silk when I had it apart. It spins freely even with the belt on. If the belt was the problem to begin with, I cant tell now, because I cant get the spindle to turn on. Like I said initially, it will turn very slowly for about five seconds, then it faults out.

    "spindle fault-check drive system"

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Posts
    29
    and of course you checked to see if your Tach on the spindle is functioning properly.

    I think Hurco uses some thing like a proximity sensor which is little more then a magnet passing by a very sensitive set of contacts. If it is disconnected or not making very good contact it would explain the fault.

    If it is solid state then polarity could be a problem. Either way you might want to check your service manual for instructions how to verify you are recieving the signal.

    Then replace your belt

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    564
    Quote Originally Posted by JoeFin View Post
    and of course you checked to see if your Tach on the spindle is functioning properly.

    I think Hurco uses some thing like a proximity sensor which is little more then a magnet passing by a very sensitive set of contacts. If it is disconnected or not making very good contact it would explain the fault.

    If it is solid state then polarity could be a problem. Either way you might want to check your service manual for instructions how to verify you are recieving the signal.

    Then replace your belt

    Interesting, I've never worked on a Hurco, the proxy makes perfect sense if it is not picking up pulse's while you are spinning at low rpm... Is there an encoder on the motor also then?
    menomana

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Posts
    5
    I dont have an owners manual, and I really dont know what is what on this thing.

    This proximity sensor, there is a small "fly wheel" on the top of the motor, is that it. It is a small aluminum disc, that appears to have some sort of banding around it, ( magnet maybe?) and it spins by a small circuit board. I did have to remove this flywheel in order to disassemble the motor, maybe I damaged it in some way. I have taken it back off, and checked it out, and everything looks fine. It is this area that seems to be producing the high pitched whining that I hear when I turn the spindle on.

    Another thing that troubles me, is that the electric fan motor on the top of the spindle motor is not running. I believe that it is supposed to run all the time. There is voltage to it, and it is very warm. Could this fan not working prohibit the spindle motor from working?

    It is a Yaskawa spindle motor. I dont know if that is any help, but I thought I'd put it out there.

    Thanks for the help guys, but I am still wanting to find a "serviceman" that would be willing to take a look at this thing, so I dont cause myself anymore harm.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Posts
    29
    I'm going off a MHP-3K with updated Dynapath - 50 controller.

    The manual doesn't have any servicing information for the "Spindle Speed Control Board" or the "Proximity Sensor" located on the spindle gear. It just shows 3 wires "+, -, and Sense", so that would be the little circuit board you found in the spindle.

    These things have to be set relatively close to the magnet they are attempting to sense (like .100") in order to pick it up. It could be quite possible it got knocked around while you were removing the motor. Your best bet is to give Hurco a call in the morning and see if they are willing to help you out with some "Set-up Information" and perhaps some trouble shooting tips for the Tach Drive

    BTW: Be sure to place an order for the "Service Manual" and "Programming Manual" while your talking to the service techs. Last thing they want is some one calling for Free information every time their machine so much as hick-ups

    Good Luck

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Posts
    1104
    You took the little round aluminium encoder disc off without marking it, didn't you. It syncs the windings with the armature position. Ooops. Yaskawa time.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    203
    I have a user and part manual for that Machine. I think I would be able to copy that if needed. The Hurco also has a secret set of screens that is used to make base ajustments.
    Let me Know!
    All comments made are my opinion!

Similar Threads

  1. Spindle drive problems
    By functionbikes in forum Tormach Personal CNC Mill
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 02-12-2009, 08:45 PM
  2. Fanuc 3T-F Spindle problems
    By DJackson in forum Fanuc
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 11-27-2007, 12:47 PM
  3. VF 0 Spindle problems
    By ali203joe in forum Haas Mills
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 06-26-2007, 10:20 PM
  4. spindle problems
    By IeatSteel in forum Bridgeport / Hardinge Mills
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 06-13-2006, 07:23 PM
  5. spindle problems
    By hofi in forum DNC Problems and Solutions
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 02-07-2005, 07:34 PM

Posting Permissions

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