Thread: FP2NC X scale defective, how do I replace it?

Not long ago, I had to replace the Z axis linear scale. Now the X scale doesn't respond. I have swapped the two round connectors and the problem moved, so I assume it has to be the scale.

Only problem is: How do I get it out?

Regards,

Torleif.

Sorry, I should have searched the forum first. I found Ross' reply for a FP4NC and the FP2NC is exactly the same.

I couldn't figure out how to release the reader head. The bracket and the Allen key explained everything.

The funny part is that now the scale is working. Probably not for long, but hopefully I can get todays work done.

Thanks for your many valuable instructions Ross.

Regards Torleif.

Originally Posted by torleifj

The funny part is that now the scale is working. Probably not for long, but hopefully I can get todays work done.

Maybe it needed alignment, in which case it might keep working for years. Maybe you didn't really need a new Z scale either !

Originally Posted by Milacron

Maybe it needed alignment, in which case it might keep working for years. Maybe you didn't really need a new Z scale either !

Could very well be so. Now that I assembled it again, it fails periodically. While it was loose, it seemed rock stable. That may indicate an alignment issue.

It could also be a simple thing like a cable or the LED in the head. Do you happen to know how to pull the head out of the scale?

Originally Posted by torleifj

Do you happen to know how to pull the head out of the scale?

Yes, but it's difficult to describe without doing a photo shoot of the process. There are the end caps of course and there are little red stops to be removed as well. You have to be careful to keep the head aligned somewhat as you slide it free and pay close attention to how the head assembly is actually moving over the scale before you slide it out all the way so you will know how to get it back in properly. I even replaced the light bulb in one once, which is supposed to be impossible (and nearly was) but last time I removed reader head was to replace the vinyl wipers that run the length of the scale. (major PITA due to the old wipers being crimped in place) Not for faint of heart as in addition to the possibility of mucking up the reader head, you can break the glass scale in there if not careful.

Hmm. It may be best just to buy a refurbished one from Singer then. When I looked at the Z scale, I couldn't figure out how to get the end caps off without doing damage.

First I'll check if alignment solves the problem.

Heidenhain has local service companies available most places. Check and see who does it in your area. They can generally be repaired or the light bulb replaced, I would think less than a refurbished one from Singer. I had all three scales cleaned, calibrated, and light bulbs replaced for less than $1000US, done by the local authorized Heidenhain shop.

Any time I have X or Z axis scales serviced it is very important to have the cable replaced.

Every time the Z axis goes up or down these cables get flexed.

From age,coolant and oil the cable get stiff( no as flexible as new) and I have seen many problems with broken wires in these

Axis cables.

Regards
DD

DUE TO ECONOMIC HARD TIMES THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL WILL BE SWITCHED OFF UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE!!!

Originally Posted by swarf_rat

Heidenhain has local service companies available most places. Check and see who does it in your area.
They can generally be repaired or the light bulb replaced, I would think less than a refurbished one from Singer. I had all three scales
cleaned, calibrated, and light bulbs replaced for less than $1000US, done by the local authorized Heidenhain shop.

Did that price include replacing the seals/wipers? I just had some pieces of light brown rubber fall out of my Y axis reader head cover, so I
assume that means seals. Which company did you send them to?

Originally Posted by swarf_rat

Heidenhain has local service companies available most places. Check and see who does it in your area. They can generally be repaired or the light bulb replaced, I would think less than a refurbished one from Singer. I had all three scales cleaned, calibrated, and light bulbs replaced for less than $1000US, done by the local authorized Heidenhain shop.

That is certainly a very fair price, even though prices can't be compared 1:1 across the pond. In general, we pay 50% more for machine parts over here. So for higher value parts that only have to be shipped one way, it makes good sense for us to purchase them in the US.

Generally I prefer to purchase from the people having dedicated their life's to keeping our dear Deckel's up and running, that goes for you guy's in the states and for Singer. Last time I needed a scale, I called Singer in panic to learn what my options were. They just shipped one right away. We did the paperwork and the return afterwards, so the downtime was only 2 days. So, as long as the price is not far out, I'll just pay and appreciate the good service.

Regards, Torleif.

Originally Posted by rimcanyon

Did that price include replacing the seals/wipers? I just had some pieces of light brown rubber fall out of my Y axis reader head cover, so I
assume that means seals. Which company did you send them to?

They checked the seals, and I think replaced them on one scale. It was Atech Authority in L.A. area.

Thanks, I will give Atech Authority a call.

I just had Maurice from Atech Authority clean, check, calibrate the scales from my FP1. Seem like decent folk to work with. I just got the scales back and have yet to put them back on the machine though.

--Larry