The Haas Turret: Lock Screw Essentials

Haas Automation, Inc. is a company that manufactures CNC machine tools. They offer a range of products, including the Haas Turret Lock Screw, which is a lock screw for the Haas CNC machine's turret. The official Haas website provides information on how to adjust the turret lock and unlocked sensors for their machines. The procedure involves loosening the lock sensor clamp, moving it up until the Tool Turret Locked value changes to 0, and then finding the optimal position for the sensor and clamp. The Haas 12-Station VDI40 Tool Turret is also mentioned, which accepts standard VDI40 tools and bolt-on tools, as well as axial and radial live tools when combined with the live tooling option.

Turret lock and unlock sensors

This procedure will instruct you on how to adjust the turret locked and unlocked sensors. The procedure is demonstrated on a ST-10 with software version L11.13A.

Machine Compatibility

This procedure is compatible with the following machines: ST-10/10Y, SL-10/20/30, TL-15/25, and HL-1/2/3/4/5/6.

Turret Locked Sensor [1]

Clamp for the turret locked sensor [2]:

• Press [EMERGENCY STOP].
• Loosen the lock sensor clamp. Move the lock sensor and clamp up until T. Turret Locked changes to 0.
• Slowly move the lock sensor and clamp up. Find the location where the value is as near as possible to 1, but the value is 0.
• Put a mark on the turret lock cylinder on the outside of the lock sensor clamp.
• Repeat steps 2 and 3, but move the clamp down.
• Move the lock sensor and clamp to the middle point between the two marks. Tighten the clamp.
• Press [A], [ZERO RETURN], then [SINGLE]. Make sure the T. Turret Locked value is equal to 1. Operate this program in MDI mode.
• This program confirms that the turret lock sensor is functioning correctly. Press [PARAM DGNOS]. Ensure that T. Turret Locked is 1 when the program operates the tool turret lock.

Turret Unlock Sensor [3]

Clamp for the turret unlocked sensor [4]:

• Operate this code in MDI mode: M43.
• Loosen the unlock sensor clamp.
• Move the unlock sensor and clamp up until Tool Turret Unl. changes to 0.
• Slowly move the unlock sensor and clamp up. Find the location where the value is as near as possible to 1, but the value is 0.
• Put a mark on the turret lock cylinder on the outside of the unlock sensor clamp.
• Repeat steps 3 and 4, but move the clamp down.
• Move the unlock sensor and clamp to the middle point between the two marks. Tighten the clamp.
• Press [A], [ZERO RETURN], then [SINGLE]. Make sure T. Turret Locked is 1. Operate this program in MDI mode.
• This program confirms that the turret unlock sensor is functioning correctly: Press [PARAM DGNOS]. Ensure that T. Turret Unl. changes to 1 when the program operates the tool turret unlock.

Turret piston replacement

Introduction:

This procedure covers the replacement of the BMT65/75 Live Tool torque arm, turret piston cover, turret piston, and turret piston seals. The relevant service kits are: 93-2938 BMT LIVE TOOL TORQUE ARM SVC KIT, 93-2939 BMT TURRET PISTON COVER SVC KIT, 93-2941 BMT TURRET PISTON SVC KIT, and 93-3874 BMT65 PISTON SEAL SVC KIT.

2. BMT65/75 Turret Piston Replacement

Turret indexer assembly

The Haas Turret is a 12-Station Bolt-On Tool Turret, which is an industry-standard bolt-on-style turret. It accepts 1.25" (32 mm) turning sticks on the face and uses industry-standard bolt-on toolholders (105 mm x 70 mm bolt pattern) around the turret outer diameter (OD). The turret is compatible with Haas BOT12/VB and VB24 turrets.

The Haas Turret indexer assembly is a critical component of the machine's overall functionality and performance. It is responsible for the precise positioning and locking of the turret in place during operation. Here's a detailed overview of the turret indexer assembly:

Components and Functionality:

• Turret Locked Sensor: This sensor detects whether the turret is locked in place. It works in conjunction with the clamp to ensure the turret is secure.
• Lock Sensor Clamp: The clamp holds the lock sensor in place and is adjusted to ensure accurate readings.
• Turret Unlock Sensor: Opposite to the locked sensor, this sensor detects when the turret is unlocked.
• Unlock Sensor Clamp: Similar to the lock sensor clamp, this clamp holds the unlock sensor in place.
• Air Cylinder: The air cylinder plays a crucial role in clamping and unclamping the turret. It extends and retracts to secure and release the turret, respectively.
• Magnetic Switches: These switches are located on the air cylinder and communicate the cylinder's open or closed position to the machine.
• Worm Gear: The worm gear is responsible for indexing the turret. It needs to have minimal backlash to ensure accurate positioning.
• Castle Bolt: This bolt is specifically mentioned in relation to live tooling. It is important to check that its mounting screw does not back out and cause interference during indexing.

Adjustment and Maintenance:

Adjusting the turret lock and unlock sensors is a critical procedure for ensuring proper functionality. The official Haas website provides a detailed procedure for this adjustment, which involves monitoring the DIAGNOSTIC screen while performing specific steps.

Additionally, regular maintenance is essential to prevent issues with the turret indexer assembly:

• Check for water accumulation in the air cylinder, as it can slow down tool changes and cause timing issues.
• Inspect the springs in the turret regularly, as they can weaken over time and cause unlocking faults.
• Ensure adequate air pressure in the system, as low air pressure can contribute to unlocking faults.
• Keep the area behind the turret clear of shavings and debris, as they can interfere with the turret's ability to index smoothly.
• Regularly check the turret travel, ensuring it meets the minimum requirement of 0.156.
• Adjust the value in parameter 62 if needed, as this parameter controls the timer for the lock/unlock function.

Turret piston travel tests

To perform the turret piston travel "out" test, attach the air regulator tool to the UNCLAMPED air port. Slowly increase the air pressure to 85 psi and record the indicator value. The correct distance is between 0.175" and 0.250". If you increase the air pressure too quickly and the turret travels past 0.250", you must remove the air from the UNCLAMPED air port, push the turret back in, and try again.

For the turret piston travel "in" test, with the turret unclamped, hold the turret with both hands, pull it out, and set the indicator to 0. Then, push the turret in and record the distance it moves. The correct distance is between 0.060" and 0.020".

If the results of the tests are not within the specified ranges, you may need to repeat the tests or check for other issues with the turret piston assembly, such as incorrect installation or damage.

It is important to follow safety precautions when performing these tests, as mentioned in the procedure, to avoid damage to the machine or potential hazards.

Turret clamp/unclamp proximity sensors

The Haas Automation website provides a troubleshooting guide for the ST-20/55 series, which includes instructions for checking the turret clamp/unclamp proximity sensors. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide adapted from their instructions:

Troubleshooting Turret Clamp/Unclamp Proximity Sensors:

Step 1: Navigate to the Diagnostic Screen

On your pendant, navigate to the Diagnostic screen. This will provide access to various settings and data that can help identify any issues with the turret clamp/unclamp proximity sensors.

Step 2: Access the I/O Tab

From the Diagnostic screen, locate and select the I/O tab. This tab will display input and output data, which is crucial for troubleshooting.

Step 3: Use MDI Codes for Troubleshooting

Enter the MDI mode and use the M43 (Unclamp) and M44 (Clamp) codes to initiate troubleshooting for the turret clamp/unclamp proximity sensors. These codes will help identify any issues related to the clamping and unclamping functions.

Step 4: Check Discrete Inputs

For Alarm 113, check the discrete input "Tool Turret Unl." and for Alarm 114, check "T. Turret Locked." These inputs should change states when the turret is commanded to unclamp or clamp. If the inputs do not change, proceed to the next step.

Step 5: Test the Sensor

Test the sensor by holding a screwdriver in front of it. Ensure that the inputs change when you do this. If the activation ring is blocking the sensor, remove the sensor from its bracket to perform an accurate test.

Step 6: Jump the Cable Connector

If the input does not change in the previous step, jump the cable connector on the turret connector bracket. This will help determine if the issue is with the sensor or the cable connector.

Step 7: Replace the Sensor

If jumping the cable connector results in a change in input, replace the sensor. Refer to the appropriate guide for your Haas machine for sensor adjustment instructions (e.g., ST/DS-20/25/30/35/Y - Turret - Clamp Switch/Unclamp Switch - Adjustment).

Step 8: Refer to Troubleshooting Guides

If the input still does not change, refer to the following guides for further troubleshooting steps: Proximity Sensor - How it Works and Troubleshooting Guide, Next Generation Control - I/O PCB - Troubleshooting Guide, and I/O PCB - Troubleshooting Guide (Classic Haas Control). These guides will provide additional information and steps to identify and resolve the issue.

By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot the turret clamp/unclamp proximity sensors on your Haas machine and identify any necessary repairs or replacements.

Frequently asked questions