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Before you begin, select the image below to watch a walk-through video of this entire installation procedure.
Purpose
This document gives instructions on installing and using the microARC 4.
Product Information
Product: microARC 4 - 100 mm 4th Axis (PN 38412)
Install the A-Axis Driver
The installation of the A-axis driver varies depending on which machine you have. Do one of the following:
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Install the M/MX A-Axis Driver (PN 38954)
Install the PCNC 440 Driver and Wiring Kit (PN 38712)
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Complete the following steps in the order listed:
IMPORTANT! Even if you've already installed a 4th axis driver in your machine, you must set the DIP switches as detailed below
Set Driver DIP Switches
Set the DIP switches on the motor driver as detailed in the following table.
PCNC440 - microARC 4 | |
Dip Switch | Position |
1 | Off |
2 | Off |
3 | On |
4 | On |
5 | On |
6 | On |
7 | On |
8 | Off |
9 (Top) | Off |
10 (Top) | Off |
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Install the A-Axis Motor Driver
WARNING! Electrical Shock Hazard: You must power off the machine before making any electrical connections. If you don't, there's a risk of electrocution or shock.
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Tuck all wires into wire troughs and reinstall the rear panels on the machine.
Configure PathPilot
You must verify that the PathPilot controller is updated to the latest version of PathPilot. This is because only PathPilot v2.7.2 and later has settings required to use a microARC 4 configuration. For information, see the PathPilot support center.
To configure PathPilot:
From the Settings tab, select the 4th Axis Rotary tab. Then, from the 4th Axis Type drop-down menu, select 4" 4th Axis.
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IMPORTANT! Even if you've already installed a 4th axis driver in your machine, you must set the DIP switches as detailed in "Set the Driver DIP Switches" below.
Set the Driver DIP Switches
Set the DIP switches on the motor driver as detailed in the following table.
M/MX - microARC 4 | |
Dip Switch | Position |
1 | On |
2 | On |
3 | Off |
4 | On |
5 | On |
6 | On |
7 | On |
8 | Off |
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Put back the wire trough covers.
Configure PathPilot
You must verify that the PathPilot controller is updated to the latest version of PathPilot. This is because only PathPilot v2.7.2 and later has settings required to use a microARC 4 configuration. For information, see the PathPilot support center.
To configure PathPilot:
From the Settings tab, select the 4th Axis Rotary tab. Then, from the 4th Axis Type drop-down menu, select 4" 4th Axis.
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NOTE: Once you change the axis scale, you may see a message indicating a Joint 3 following error. If you do, select Reset, and the new axis will function as normal.
Set Up the microARC 4
Complete the following steps in the order listed:
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3 mm hex wrench
Dead-blow hammer (or similar)
Magnetic dial indicator
Install in Machine
NOTICE! Before connecting or disconnecting the A-axis motor cable, you must push in the machine's red Emergency Stop button and power off the machine. If you don't, you may cause property damage or void your warranty replacement.
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Feed the motor cable under the electrical cabinet and plug it into the 7-pin connector you installed with the driver kit.
Loosely install the 5/16" mounting bolts, using either the threaded accessory mounting holes on your machine table or T-nuts.
Use the key on the bottom of the 4th axis to perform a rough alignment of the unit to the T-slots in your machine's table. If you need to perform a precise alignment, put a straight test bar into the chuck and sweep along it in X with an indicator. Adjust the orientation of the 4th axis until the reading does not deviate during the sweep.
Tighten the mounting hardware with a hex wrench.
Center the Chuck Mounting Plate
Remove the chuck from the 4th axis, if installed.
From the PathPilot interface, verify that you can rotate the 4th axis with either the jog keys on the keyboard or the jog shuttle.
The mounting plate is designed for a loose fit onto the output of the harmonic drive. This allows you to adjust the center of rotation to control runout at the chuck.
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Using PathPilot, jog the 4th axis 360 degrees, noting the spot where the indicator is highest.
Using the dead-blow hammer, gently tap the highest indicated spot towards the center and repeat the 360 degree sweep. Continue adjusting the high spot towards the center of rotation and sweeping until you reach your desired runout.
Tighten the 16 M3 mounting screws by hand to 1.1 Nm.
Reinstall the chuck or ER-40 collet holder.
Maintenance
The microARC 4 is designed to require little to no regular maintenance. The harmonic drive used in the 4th axis is a high-quality sealed unit that you don't need to open and grease. If you do open your unit for any reason, replace any lost grease with Sumiplex MP No. 2. Full grease capacity for the harmonic drive is approximately 16 grams.
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