Background

In the event your Z-axis limit switch harness needs to be replaced, due to a damaged or non functional limit switch or physical touch switch, the instructions below will walk you through the process.

Tools

• Metric hex wench set

• Small Phillips head screwdriver

Table of Contents

Remove power from the machine

Make sure to remove power from the machine before starting the replacement.

Remove the torch mount

Remove the magnetic holder, and then remove the three indicated mounting bolts. You can also remove the tool crash detection sensor as well, if needed.

Open

Loosen the lead screw coupler

Once inside the panel, loosen the top coupler screw, indicated below.

Open

Remove the motor from the top of the Z-axis assembly

Remove the motor power plug from the quick connect junction. Remove the four motor mounting screws.

Remove the lead screw assembly

With the motor removed, the lead screw assembly is free to be removed. There are four mounting bolts on the top side, and four on the bottom side of panel assembly.

Remove the physical touch switch

When removing the lead screw assembly, you will see the physical touch switch mounted with two screws.

Remove the upper and lower limit switches

The upper and lower limit switches are both held with two screws each. Remove the screws, and snip any zip ties that are utilized.

Disconnect the torch crash detection Molex plug

When you disconnect this plug, please note which pin goes to which. When you install the new harness, you’ll be clipping the connectors and crimping the connection points.

Remove the harness

Remove the harness power, and unscrew the bulkhead retainer on the top of the panel. Plumb the harness through the access hole. This part is a bit cumbersome, as the switches need to be carefully passed through the retaining nut, before being able to be pulled through the top of the panel. Some of the connection points on the switches will be bent. This is ok, as long as the solder connection is not broken off. If you would like to be safe, skip putting the provided retaining nut back on the harness. The downside of this is that the bulkhead will not be tight, but that should not affect performance.

Install the new harness

The most important detail to watch for is the position of the flag on the lead screw assembly that trips the limit switches. When you reinstall the assembly, ensure that the trip flag is properly between the limit locations. Be aware of your wire routing, so that the harness isn’t tugged on.

Also, when installing the physical touch switch, you will need to bend the flag up, so it can be properly tripped. This isn’t an exact science of a process. All that is needed is the bend upwards so that the switch can be compressed by the spring flag. Make sure to reset the physical touch off distance, in PathPilot, after the install.

Cut off any Molex connections on either side of the tool crash detection cable. Stripe the wires, crimp them together (with the provided butt splices), per the schematic in your 1300PL Manual.

Follow the disassembly instructions in reverse to complete the install.

If you run into any issues, reach out to Tormach Technical Support.