
Resetting the home position on your Fanuc CNC machine after replacing the batteries is a crucial maintenance task that preserves the machine’s precision and operational integrity. This procedure involves reestablishing the machine’s reference point, critical for ensuring accurate and repeatable machining processes.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps necessary to reset the home position, addressing critical aspects such as parameter adjustments, servo drive checks, and alarm clearances. By meticulously following these instructions, you can avoid common problems like coordinate misalignments and operational inefficiencies, thereby maintaining optimal performance and minimizing downtime in your CNC operations.
Why Resetting Home Position is Important
When you replace the batteries in your Fanuc CNC machine, the machine may lose its memory of the home position. This can cause errors in machining operations, potentially damaging the machine or the workpiece. Resetting the home position ensures that the machine knows its correct operation starting point. (It is important to change all batteries with control power on in a method we win the field refer to as hot swapping). This will keep from losing machine home or reference positions.
Tools and Preparations
Before starting, ensure you have the following:
- Replacement batteries for your CNC machine.
- Access to the machine’s settings and parameter pages.
- Basic understanding of the machine’s control panel and interface.
Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting Home Position
1. Replacing the Batteries
- Locate the Battery Compartment:
- Open the case where the battery is housed.
- Disconnect the old battery and replace it with the new one.
- Secure the battery compartment cover back in place.
2. Initial Setup
- Power On the Machine:
- Turn on the machine and ensure all power supplies are active.
- Enter MDI Mode:
- Navigate to the front of the machine and switch it to Manual Data Input (MDI) mode.
3. Accessing and Changing Settings
- Modify Settings:
- Go to the settings menu and change the setting from 0 to 1. This enables parameter changes.
- Access Parameters Page:
- Arrow over to find the parameters page.
- Enter 1815 and press the search key.
4. Resetting APC and APZ Parameters
- Identify APC and APZ Parameters:
- On the parameters page, locate APC and APZ.
- If APZ indicates a lost home position, you need to reset it.
- Change Parameter Values:
- Set the APC and APZ parameters to 1. If the system does not allow this directly, set them to 0, then to 1, and back to 1.
5. Power Cycling
- Power Off and On:
- Turn off the machine and then power it back on to reset the system.
6. Clearing Alarms
- Reset Alarms:
- Upon reboot, the machine might display alarms for the enable switch.
- Press Reset and hold Cancel simultaneously to clear these alarms.
7. Setting the Home Position
- Home Return:
- Enter the home return mode.
- Use the machine’s control panel to slowly move the Z, Y, and X axes to their home positions.
- Ensure you move slowly to avoid over-travel and potential collisions.
- Adjusting the Z-Axis:
- If the Z axis is off, you need to re-adjust it.
- Access parameter 1815 again and make necessary adjustments.
- Power cycle the machine again if required to move the Z axis correctly.
8. Final Checks
- Verify Parameters:
- After the adjustments, verify that all parameters are set to 1.
- Check that the Z axis and other axes maintain their correct positions.
- Home Out:
- Go back to the reference return mode and ensure all axes (Z, Y, X) are homed correctly.
9. Troubleshooting
- Check Servo Drive:
- If problems persist, check the servo drive for any alarms.
- Look for specific error codes like AL 14 indicating communication issues.
- Document and Label:
- It’s good practice to document the normal operational state of your machine, including which relays are active.
- Label all components in the electrical cabinet for easier troubleshooting in the future.
Preventative Measures
To avoid frequent resets and errors:
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly check and replace batteries to prevent memory loss.
- Routine Checks: Regularly verify machine settings and positions to ensure everything functions correctly.
- Proper Documentation: Keep detailed records of machine settings, parameters, and any changes made during maintenance.
Home Sweet Home (Position)
Resetting the home position on your Fanuc CNC machine after switching batteries is straightforward if you follow these steps carefully. The home position, also known as the machine zero point or reference point, is critical in CNC machining. It defines the origin from which all machine movements and operations are measured, ensuring precision and repeatability in your machining tasks. Properly resetting this position after a battery replacement is essential to maintain the machine’s accuracy and prevent errors that could lead to part defects or machine damage.
Regular maintenance, including routine checks and battery replacements, is vital for the longevity and reliability of your CNC machine. Accurate documentation of machine settings, parameter changes, and maintenance activities can prevent many common issues. Proper records help troubleshoot problems quickly and ensure your machine continues operating efficiently.
Contact T.I.E. Industrial today to learn more about your Fanuc CNC machine systems and resetting to the home position. In addition to our expertise, we are a leading supplier of high-quality refurbished Fanuc replacement parts. Our inventory includes everything from control boards and servo motors to complete CNC retrofits. Trust our expert technicians to help you maintain your CNC machine equipment.
Get your Fanuc CNC machine back up and running.
TIE offers same day shipping on more than 100,000 Fanuc CNC parts in stock. We offer a 1 year in service warranty on all parts and repairs.
Shop PartsWas this helpful?
0 / 0