Problem with live tools on Mazak

**mbpp** · 07-30-2009, 04:44 AM

Hi,
I have a problem with the live tooling on my mazak sqt15ms. I used it 2 weeks ago and it worked fine. But now when I try to spin a live tool in either a programme or manually it struggles to spin. it spins for a few seconds, stops, spins for a few seconds, stops, it continues like this for a while and then stops completely and I get Alarm 239 on the screen which is : " Milling Coupling Sensor Malf."
Has anyone any experience with this ? Do I need to take off the turret and start looking for a sensor ?

Any help would be appreciated.

**Techguy** · 07-30-2009, 05:03 AM

I have had the same problem on my SQT 15ms. There are two sensors that confirm engagement of the milling coupling. When the air cylinder for the milling coupling extends one sensor has to turn on and the other off to ensure movement rather than a failed sensor. They sometimes end up just needing some adjustment, but I had one fail completely 6 months ago. They are accessable by removing the front cover on the turret. If one has failed it is a bit of work to fish the new sensor cable through the turret and up to the junction box.

Let us know what you find.

Techguy

**Leelund** · 07-30-2009, 03:48 PM

Ditto- Replied on the other site.

**wippin' boy** · 07-31-2009, 01:18 AM

yup
this one sucks

**Leelund** · 07-31-2009, 01:45 AM

Didn't mean it that way! Just lazy!

**JerryH** · 07-31-2009, 09:25 AM

I had the same problem and was able to fix the problem at the air regulator. If you trace your air line back there is a small valve that opens and closes when live tooling is commanded. Our valve went bad and when replaced no more problems. Hope this helps.

Jerry

**Leelund** · 07-31-2009, 02:24 PM

Sounds like the driver is not engaging in the driven tool and after two or three tries it alarms out. Hold a block of wood or something against the tooling nut to create drag and see if the coupling drops in and the mill spindle gets up to speed in mdi mode. If it snaps in and you still get the alarm you have a proximity switch problem. If it works, your bearings in the tooling are getting too loose and you'll have to figure a way out to make the tool drag a bit. We put alemite fittings in the tooling and over packed it with grease to create the drag. This was on a 1st version multiplex. They have refined it a lot since those days. We worked with slowing down the speed of the coupling extension by installing a regulator in line to the cylinder so it wouldn't push as hard against the driver thus slip a little and let the driver line up and drop in. The sensors are under the center aluminum center cover and should have led indicators on them when they are made.

**wippin' boy** · 08-01-2009, 01:23 AM

didn't mean it that way neither
ment pullin that prox is a pain
and the "its spins a little" makes me think it is engaging just no getting confirmation

**mbpp** · 08-10-2009, 02:56 AM

Thanks a lot,
It was exactly what Techguy wrote:

"I have had the same problem on my SQT 15ms. There are two sensors that confirm engagement of the milling coupling. When the air cylinder for the milling coupling extends one sensor has to turn on and the other off to ensure movement rather than a failed sensor. They sometimes end up just needing some adjustment, but I had one fail completely 6 months ago. They are accessable by removing the front cover on the turret. If one has failed it is a bit of work to fish the new sensor cable through the turret and up to the junction box."

So I got the new sensor beacuse the one that says the motor shaft is extended stopped working (the LED was not coming on). Put it on over weekend and now I've got driven tooling again. Super. Thanks very much Techguy and everyone, very much appreciated.