Grinding machine down? 7 things you can easily do before calling our Customer Care team
If a grinding machine is down, it is important to get it up and running again as soon as possible. At UNITED GRINDING, our Customer Care Team is committed to helping you work as productively as possible – whether this is through training, maintenance, repairs, or by providing other assistance.
Over time, we’ve gathered some self-help tips to support you when your machine is down. It's worth checking these before contacting our Customer Care team. Following these tips could save you a lot of time.
1. Restarting
Sounds simple, but you wouldn't believe how frequently this simple measure is overlooked – and just how effective it is. More recent CNC machines are Windows-based, and a restart can get an overloaded system running again.
2. Checking the electrical enclosure
Fuses are known to trip from time to time. This problem can be quickly resolved by switching the fuse in the fuse box back on. If the fuse remains on, you can continue working as usual!
3. Keep OEM software in mind
Occasionally, machine operators start the FANUC control system on the machine but fail to start the OEM software. This kind of software includes, for example, TOOL STUDIO, one of our in-house developments installed on all WALTER machines. Failing to start this OEM software together with the FANUC control system will prevent you from using all functions of the control, as some applications will not run.
If your machine is a bit older, the Desktop shortcut may no longer be available. So make sure that as soon as FANUC is running, our software is also running.
4. Feed rate override switch
The feed rate override switch allows you to slow down or speed up the cutting feeds on the machine. Setting the switch to zero means your machine is also at a standstill.
5. There is more than one emergency stop switch
Everyone is familiar with the big emergency stop button on the machine. There are quite a few smaller keys on the handheld unit, including an emergency stop button. Make sure that all emergency stop buttons have been released.
6. Check all systems that are linked to your machine
For example, the coolant system. Is it working? If not, this may be the solution to your problem.
7. Back to the machine enclosure
This last point applies to WALTER machines. It may be possible that the pressure relief valve on the machine enclosure has not been fully closed after maintenance. As a result, the micro switch is no longer activated. The machine will run again as soon as this issue has been rectified.
Regardless of the situation, the UNITED GRINDING Customer Care Team will be happy to help you. Our team of experts supports you with machine commissioning, training, service, repairs, conversions, and retrofits.
We would be happy to assist you. Contact us