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1
VMC 1300 Pro Manual Page 1
1: Contents
1: Contents...............................................................................................................2
1: Contact Information..............................................................................................3
1: Notes....................................................................................................................3
1: Warning Notices...................................................................................................5
1: About This Manual ............................................................................................. 8
1: Introducing Your VMC 1300 Pro Milling Machine................................................9
1: Before Beginning to Set Up ............................................................................... 10
2: Safety Features - Overview and Precautions.......................................................11
2: Safety Features - General Dust Safety Precautions.............................................12
2: Safety Features - Emergency Stop Button...........................................................13
2: Safety Features - Interlock Guard Switch.............................................................14
3: Unpacking and Lifting your CNC Machine............................................................15
3: Choosing a Site for your CNC Machine................................................................16
3: Removing Protective Coatings and Packaging....................................................17
4: Switching the CNC Machine On...........................................................................18
4: Switching the CNC Machine Off...........................................................................19
4: Homing the Machine Axes (Home Mode).............................................................20
4: Manual Control - Axis Definitions (Jog Mode)......................................................21
4: Machine Operators Panels ..................................................................................22
5: Setting Tools in the Toolholders............................................................................23
5: Performing a Tool Change....................................................................................24
6: Automatic Toolchanger........................................................................................ 26
7: Datum Plate..........................................................................................................28
8: Miteebite Clamps................................................................................................ 32
9: Planning Procedure for Maintenance.................................................................. 35
10: Maintenance Schedule.......................................................................................36
11: Lubrication Chart .............................................................................................. 37
12: X Axis Lubrication ............................................................................................. 38
13: Y Axis Lubrication.............................................................................................. 39
14: Z Axis Lubrication.............................................................................................. 40
15: Cleaning Microswitches.................................................................................... 41
16: Maintenance Log................................................................................................42
17:Technical Support................................................................................................44
19: Specification of VMC 1300 Pro..........................................................................45
20: EC Declaration of Conformity for Machines prior to 29.12.09........................... 46
20: EC Declaration of Conformity for Machines after 29.12.09............................... 47
21: VMC 1300 Series Noise Level Test Results.......................................................48
22: Glossary.............................................................................................................49
23: Notes..................................................................................................................52
1: Notes
Maintenance Disclaimer.
Always obtain permission from the person responsible for machinery in your establishment
before accessing the electrical control panel or machine casings to carry out any
maintenance work. All work must be carried out by personnel suitably qualified for each
maintenance task, to avoid damage to the machine systems and injury to the maintenance
personnel. Denford Limited cannot accept responsibility for any damage, injury and/
or loss that may occur through incorrect maintenance of your milling machine.
Use of Machine.
Your CNC machine is designed for machining a range of resistant materials such as wax,
plastic, free cutting alloys, aluminium and steel. In each case, the appropriate tooling, speeds
and feeds should be used as recommended by the material supplier.
Your machine is not intended for use with MDF and hard woods, which may contain known
carcinogens, and may react with the machine lubricants causing oxidisation of the machine
surfaces.
Do not machine any toxic, radio-active or volatile materials.
Use of the machine for any purpose other than those for which it is
designed may result in injury, and may also invalidate the warranty.
The machine should only be used under constant supervision, to help guard against, and
respond to, any unforeseen hazard such as fire or explosion. First aid and firefighting
equipment (CO2 Extinguisher) should be located nearby in a clearly signed and prominent
position.
Electrical testing should be performed by a person who is competent in the safe use of the
test equipment and who knows how to interpret the test results obtained. This person must be
capable of inspecting the equipment and, where necessary, dismantling it to check the cable
connections.
If equipment is permanently connected to the fixed installation, e.g. by a flex outlet or other
accessory, the accessory will need to be detached from its box or enclosure so that the
connections can be inspected. Such work should only be carried out by a competent person.
Formal visual inspections should only be carried out by persons competent to do so.
The applied test voltage connected between Live/Neutral and Earth should be 500VDC
The insulation Resistance should be greater than 1M Ohms
Using this manual This manual provides information describing how to transport,
site, setup and operate the basic functions of your Denford CNC
machine, including any operational features of hardware specific to
the Denford machine series.
This manual does not provide any information regarding the
software packages used. Please refer to the help section within the
appropriate software.
Please note that the Electrical Diagrams for your machine are
not included in this manual - they are delivered separately in the
standard equipment box supplied with your CNC machine.
If you have any doubts and/or questions regarding the specification,
servicing, or features of your machine, please contact Denford
Customer Services. Denford Limited reserves the right to change
the specification and/or operating features regarding this CNC
machine without notice or documentation.
Disclaimer Please note that due to the nature of hardware and software
developments, the specifications and features of this product can
change without notice. The information contained in this manual is
correct at the date of printing only - September 2010. No liability can
be accepted by Denford Limited for loss, damage or injury caused
by any errors in, or omissions from, the information supplied in this
manual.
Screenshots Please note that any screenshots are used for explanation purposes
only. Any numbers, wording, window or button positions may be
different for the configuration of the CNC machine control software
being used to control your machine.
Language This manual is written using European English.
Contact Any comments regarding this manual should be marked for the
attention of our technical authoring team and referred to the
following e-mail address: customerservices@denford.co.uk
Your machine is a full three axes CNC milling machine with a large work area together with
rapid traverse rates of up to 5000 mm/min. Suitable for all levels of education and training, it
is manufactured to meet industrial standards.
Main Features:
• Designed specifically for Education and Training.
• Manufactured to industrial standards.
• Programming via International Standards Organisation format, incorporating controls
such as FANUC.
• CE approved for safety.
• Capable of cutting common resistant and prototyping materials Aluminium, Steel, Brass,
Wax, Plastics and Acrylics.
• Links to various CAD/CAM software packages.
• Totally enclosed high visibility interlocked guard.
• Spindle speed and feedrate override controls.
Before beginning to set up your VMC 1300 Pro CNC machine, please check your
separate order documentation, making sure that all items have been delivered to
your establishment. Any missing or damaged items should be reported to Denford
Customer Services as soon as possible.
The following equipment is supplied as standard with your VMC 1300 Pro CNC
milling machine. Note that the precise specification of your CNC machine will
depend on any options selected at the time of ordering.
1 x Allen (hex) keys pack.
1 x Head spanner.
1 x Spare fuse pack.
1 x VMC 1300 Pro CNC machine warranty pack.
1 x User document pack comprising:-
1 x Commissioning guide.
1 x Denford VR CNC Machine Control Software CD-ROM
1 x VMC 1300 Pro CNC machine manual (Supplied on VR Milling CD-
ROM),
Any additional OEM product manuals.
1 x Datum plate
1 x USB cable
1 x Mitee bite clamping kit
1 x BT30 side lock holder
1 x Pull stud for toolholders
1 x 6mm dia ball nose cutter
The following optional equipment may also be supplied with your VMC 1300 Pro Milling
machine (please refer to your separate order documentation for confirmation):
Safety Precautions.
Safety is very important when working with all forms of machinery but particularly when working
with CNC equipment, due to the hazardous voltages, speeds and forces that exist in the
hardware. Follow the rules below at all times, when using your Router.
General Safety Precautions :
• Wear clothing suitable for machine operation and follow the safe working procedures in place
at your establishment. When cleaning down machine, or handling tooling, consider additional
protective clothing such as respiratory masks, eye protection, gloves and overalls.
• Do not place any objects so that they interfere with the guards or the operation of the machine.
• Never try to clean the machine if any part of it is rotating or in motion.
• Always secure the work on the table or in a fixture or vice.
• Ensure that the correct cable for the power source is used.
• Ensure the mains power is switched off (and preferably unplugged) before starting any
maintenance work on the machine. Depending on ancillary equipment supplied with machine
there may be more than one power supply to the machine. When isolating machine always
ensure that all power sources have been disconnected. Post a notice informing others not to
use the machine since it is undergoing maintenance.
• Hazardous voltages can still exist immediately after switching the machine off. Always wait at
least 5 minutes before accessing the CNC machine electronics.
• If power fails turn off the mains power switch immediately and unplug the machine from the
mains power socket.
• Correct maintenance is an essential part of the safe use of this machine (see the Maintenance
section for further details).
• Observe caution when handling machine tooling or cleaning down machine, particularly with
regard to hot and/or sharp cutters. Consider wearing protective gloves.
• When an emergency stop is required, press the circular red emergency stop button, located
on the right side of the CNC machine front panel.
• If laser scanner fitted do not stare into laser beam. Refer to Scanner instruction manual for all
aspects of safe use of laser.
• Visually check door and window for signs of cracks or chips. Any damage should be reported
immediately to Denford and a suitable replacement obtained without delay.
Obtain "material safety data sheets" from your material suppliers and enforce the
recommended precautions. Be aware that dust particles from certain hardwoods
and other materials , such as oak and MDF, could contain known carcinogens: these
materials should not be used on this machine. Please consult your materials supplier
for further details.
Dust particles that remain inside the working area of the machine after a part has been
machined, should be removed using a vacuum.
Never use a pressurised airline for this purpose.
When clearing the machine of dust particles wear suitable respiratory protective
equipment that is CE marked. Other personal protective equipment, such as eye
protection, overalls and gloves should also be considered.
Dust particles on the floor can cause slipping. This should be monitored by the
operator and removed before it becomes a hazard.
Launder overalls regularly, provide good washing facilities with hot and cold water,
soap and towels and encourage a high standard of personal hygiene.
A circular, red emergency stop button is located on the right front panel of
your machine, as shown above. When pressed, it has the effect of stopping
all axes and spindle movements immediately. The guard interlock switch
will also close. When the safety guard door is in its closed position, this will
prevent access to the working area of the CNC machine.
To activate an emergency stop, press the button in until it clicks. The
emergency stop button will continue to cut all power to the machine drives
and continue to keep the interlock switch closed, until the release sequence is
performed.
To release a closed emergency stop button, push in and turn the button
clockwise until it springs back out.
After releasing an emergency stop, you may need to reset any CNC control
software messages and home the CNC machines axes.
Check the emergency stop button is released before attempting to power up
the CNC machine.
system.
unlocked
marker
Machine
Plan View showing Ideal Machine Operator.
Layout and Operating Positions.
Once your CNC machine has been sited and connected electrically, Warning - x
the protective coatings and transit packaging must be removed from
the working area to prepare the machine for running:
Potential risk of ignition /
1) The protective plastic sheeting on the guard door and window must explosion!
be removed prior to cleaning them with an antistatic cleaner. Do not use any aerosol
based or flammable
2) Tie-wraps may be used in the working area of the machine, to products to clean your
prevent movement of components during transit. Additional items CNC machine.
from your order may also be supplied packaged inside the working Carefully read and
area. follow any instructions
3) To gain entry to the working area of the machine, power must be or notices included with
supplied to the machine, in order to release the switch unit that cleaning products.
locks the safety guard door. Note that the switch unit will also
remain locked when the emergency stop button is fully pressed
in.
Warning - Aerosol based or flammable products must not be used
to clean your CNC machine. To avoid the potential risk of ignition
/ explosion, ensure that any trapped solvent vapours can exit fully
from any enclosed areas on the CNC machine. Wait at least 1
hour before attempting to operate the CNC machine.
Do not connect cables 3) Check that all inlet/exhaust vents are clear from obstructions.
between any electrical
hardware with the
mains power switched 4) Check that the guard door is fully closed.
on, since this could
seriously damage
components inside your 5) Plug the machine mains supply cable into an available power
CNC machine. socket. Switch the power socket on.
Warning - x 6) The on/off power switch is located on the right-hand panel of the
machine cabinet, immediately above the power socket. Press the
front edge of the switch. The switch will illuminate when power is
Never attempt to access
the electronic hardware being supplied to the machine.
systems of the machine If the machine does not begin its power-up routine, switch off the
with the mains power
switched ON. mains power and check all connections and fuses.
Note that hazardous
voltages can still exist
immediately after 7) Switch on the machine controller PC and start the CNC machine
switching off the power. control software.
If the machine has
previously been
switched on, wait at
least 5 minutes before
attempting to open the
electrical panel cover
plate.
Many electronic
components are See the commissioning leaflet for more details
sensitive to electrostatic
damage - ensure - for help please contact technical support
components and/or
personnel are suitably
earthed to minimise
this risk.
Warning - x
Depending on ancillary
equipment supplied with
machine there may be
more than one power
supply to the machine.
When isolating machine
always ensure that all
power sources have
been disconnected.
Z+
Y-
Z-
Y+
X-
X+
Axis Definitions.
X Axis - The X axis slides run at 90 degrees to the Y and Z axes, horizontally right
and left, when viewed from the front of the machine.
Minus (-) X movements run the table towards the right end of the machine and
positive (+) X movements run towards the left end of the machine.
Jog Keys to move axis - arrow keys right and left.
Y Axis - The Y axis slides run at 90 degrees to the X and Z axes, horizontally
backwards and forwards, when viewed from the front of the machine.
Minus (-) Y movements run the table towards the back of the machine and positive
(+) Y movements run towards the front of the machine.
Jog Keys to move axis - arrow keys up and down.
Z Axis - The Z axis slides run at 90 degrees to the X and Y axes, vertically up and
down, when viewed from the front of the machine.
Positive (+) Z movements run the spindle head up, away from the floor of the
machine and minus (-) Z movements run down, towards the floor of the machine.
Jog Keys to move axis - Page up and Page down
Select the correct collet Size for the tool, according to the shank size
for example 6mm tool use the 6-7 collet.
Insert the collet into the top section of the toolholder ensuring the
collet face is flat to the toolholder face
Insert the pull stud to the rear end of the tool holder.
Insert the tool into the holder at the height you require.
First you must assemble the tool into the correct toolholder and make sure the pull
stud is in the end of the toolholder.
The machine must be in the home position to prevent any collisions with the materials
being machined.
1) Pull the lever towards you and hold the tool in the spindle
To change the cutting tool in the holder use the two spanners as shown below
to unclamp the tool.
Manual Tool
Change Button
4 x M6 Bolts
8 Pin 2 x Front
Socket Datum Pins
Side
Datum Pin
The VMC 1300 Pro can be supplied with an Auto Tool Changer fitted as an
option.With the ATC fitted X axis travel is limited to 250mm. However the ATC can be
removed thereby allowing the full 375mm X Axis travel.
To Remove ATC
Before carrying out the following procedure, ensure that all tools and toolholders are
removed from the carousel and spindle.
1. Reference the machine axes.
2. Move X axis to X=200.
3. Open machine door.
4. Switch off power to the machine.
5. Disconnect ATC cable from 8 pin socket on side wall of cabinet tool store
recess.
6. Remove 4 x M6 bolts.
7. Lift ATC from machine and carefully store until required again.
8. Close door and restart machine.
The machine software will recognise the new soft wired limits and will allow full
375mm of X axis travel.
To load a tool.
Present tool to spindle with left hand while pressing tool change push button with right
hand.
Push tool fully into spindle and release push button. Tool should now be retained in
spindle.
To release a tool.
While holding the tool with left hand, press tool change button with right hand to
release the tool. Lower tool from spindle and release push button.
To Fit ATC
Before carrying out the following procedure, ensure that there are no tools or
toolholders in the carousel or spindle.
The machine software will recognise the new soft wired limits and will restrict X axis
travel to 250mm.
For further information on toolchanger settings refer to help files on VR Milling CD
ROM.
The datum plate is an L shaped bracket, used for helping to replace work in identical
positions on the machine table. This allows projects to be configured using the same
workpiece and tool offsets, since the billet can always be placed accurately in position
on the machine table - hence the name “datum” plate.
It is fixed against the machine table using two tee nut assemblies which can be moved
to the required position for the datum plate.
The tee nuts slide along T shaped channels that run horizontally along the machine bed
- these retain the datum plate in position when the allen headed bolts are tightened.
This method is useful if the front face of the datum plate can be positioned exactly
level with the front edge of the machine table.
Use the true flat face of a section of material, such as a piece of flat steel bar.
Press the steel bar firmly against the front edge of the table and adjust the datum
plate so its front face also touches the surface of the steel bar.
Tighten the allen headed bolts.
Note that although this method is quick, it is also fairly inaccurate.
Set up the machine so a dial gauge is held in place of the cutting tool.
Align the dial gauge so it is positioned along one of the 2 sides of the
datum plate, which run parallel with the Y axis.
Start with the dial gauge near the back of the datum plate edge you have
chosen.
Move the dial gauge towards the front of the datum plate, checking that the
values indicated on the dial gauge do not alter.
If the values do alter, readjust the position of the datum plate until the values
are constant.
Keep repeating these steps, moving the dial gauge forwards and backwards
along the datum plate edge,until a suitable degree of accuracy has been
obtained.
Finally, tighten the allen headed bolts to fix the datum plate firmly in place.
Miteebite clamp -
shown in closed
position.
The base of the Miteebite clamp consists of a Tee-nut, with 2 threaded holes
passing right through its section from top to bottom.
One of these threaded holes contains a grubscrew. When this is tightened, the
base of the grubscrew pushes against the bottom face of the T channel in which it
has been placed, securing the Tee-nut in position.
The other threaded hole contains a bolt which has its head and allen key hole
machined slightly off centre. A hexagon washer spins freely around this bolt head.
The bolt behaves in a similar way to a cam when rotated. If the allen key hole is
facing away from the grubscrew, then the hexagon washer is slack against the
work (ie. the Miteebite is open).
If the bolt is then turned through 180 degrees so that the allen key hole is now
facing towards the grubscrew, then the hexagon washer will be tight against the
work (ie. the Miteebite is closed).
Continual turning of the bolt is unnecessary, since the full range of movement for
the hexagon washer is covered in a single 360 degree rotation of the bolt.
In this respect, the hexagon washer will not tighten further if the bolt is continually
turned clockwise.
The example used in the description below explains the fitting procedure for
a temporary MDF sub-table, onto which a plastic sheet can be attached using
double sided tape.
Set the Datum Plate into position, then place the temporary MDF sub-table onto
the machine table, so it is located correctly against the edges of the datum plate.
Next, position the Miteebites into their respective T channels and slide them along
until they touch the sub-table. Ensure that one of the six flat sides of the hexagon
washers press against the subtable, not one of the hexagon points.
The hexagon washers should be positioned at this stage so they are open
(ie. the off-centre allen key holes on the bolts should be facing away from the
grubscrews).
Now tighten the grubscrews in each Miteebite to lock them firmly in position. At
this stage, it should still be possible to remove the subtable.
Remember, the grubscrews only lock the Miteebites in position on the machine
table - it is the hexagon washers which actually lock the sub-table in position.
To lock the temporary MDF bed firmly in place, turn the bolts with the off-centre
allen key holes 180 degrees so the hexagon washers are in the closed position
(ie. the off-centre allen key holes on the bolts should now be facing towards the
grubscrews).
Now that the Miteebites have been set, the sub-table can be continually withdrawn
from the machine table, then replaced, always to the same position.
This is an advantage for jobs involving the repeat milling of pieces of work, such
as a small production run or a college class/group project.
Hexagon washer set
in closed position. Hexagon washer set
in open position.
Every Day
• Remove any swarf.
• Clean tooling system and tool holders.
Every Week
• Clean the machine thoroughly.
• Check all exposed screws and nuts for tightness.
• Visually check door and window for signs of cracks or chips.
Any damage should be reported immediately to Denford
and a suitable replacement obtained without delay.
Door Part Number VMC/0506
Window Part Number VMC/0502_V2
• Check guard door top retention catch for correct operation.
If it fails to operate correctly, a replacement should be
obtained without delay. Part Number SCF50530.
Every Year
• Check machine alignments and accuracy.
• Check spindle bearing adjustment.
• Check and re-grease axis bearings.
• Check spindle drive belt for wear.
Remove Cover
to Access RH
X Axis Bearings
Lubrication
Point
Top of
Using a suitable grease gun apply
Column
lubricant to the top Z axis bearing
lubrication points.
Bearing Lubrication
Points
Z Axis Ballscrew
Lubrication Point
X Axis
Y Axis
Z Axis
Contact Details:
Denford Limited,
Armytage Road, Brighouse, West Yorkshire, HD6 1QF, UK.
Telephone: 01484 728000
Fax: 01484 728100
E-mail: customerservices@denford.co.uk
Technical Support: Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm GMT
For international dialling: +44 and remove first 0 in each city code.
Mechanical Details:
• Travel X axis - 375mm (14.75”)
Travel X Axis with ATC in Position - 250mm (10”)
• Travel Y axis - 150mm (6”)
• Travel Z axis - 235mm (9.25”)
Dimensions:
• Machine width - 1300mm (47.25”)
• Machine height - 1000mm (39.5”)
• Machine height with base - 1765mm (69.5”)
• Machine depth - 750mm (29.5”)
Weights:
• Machine weight - 353kg (777 lbs)
• Machine weight on base - 456kg (1000 lbs)
Electrical Details:
• Mains supply required:
220/240Volts, 50Hz, 10 Amps.
• Spindle motor: 1.6 kw
• Spindle Speeds: 0 - 6000RPM.
• Axis stepper motors
Performance:
• Rapid traverse rate up to 5000 mm/min (197 in./min)
• Max Feed traverse rate up to 5000 mm/min (197 in./min)
EC Declaration of Conformity
Date ………………………………
Equipment:
Meter Ref. Standard ST-805
Denford VMC 1300 Pro
Test Conditions:
A E
PC CONTROL
STATION
FRONT OF MACHINE
D
B
C
Results;
Condition A B C D E
Test Program 67 69 69 67 68
Test Program
The entire test cycle was run at each of the positions shown and the
maximum figures registered at each position were recorded in the above
table.
Disclaimer :
Please note that due to nature of hardware and software developments, the
specifications and features of this product can change without notice. The
information contained in this guide is correct at the date of printing only - September
2010 If in doubt, please refer to your order and delivery invoices. No liability can
be accepted by Denford Limited for loss, damage or injury caused by any errors
in, or omissions from, the information supplied in this manual. Denford Limited
reserves the right to alter any specifications and documentation without prior notice.
No part of this manual or its accompanying documents may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose,
without the express written permission of Denford Limited. All brands and products
are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Copyright
Denford Limited - Version 08.09.10. All rights reserved.
Language :
This manual is written using European English.
http://www.denford.co.uk