Specifications

Southwestern Industries, Inc.

ProtoTRAK



SMX K2, K3, K4 & Retrofit Safety, Installation, Maintenance, Service & Parts List Manual

Possible Cause Check This

3-Phase wires backwards

Need to switch any 2 of the 3 wires either coming into the

machine or motor. Note: For machine fitted with the optional

Spindle Control, switch any 2 of the 3 wires either coming out

of the AC Drive (T1, T2 & T3) or going into the Spindle Motor

(U, V & W). Warning: Be sure to shut off all power to the

machine before attempting to switch any wires.

3.5.4 Head Noise

Head noise pertains to any unusual noises coming from the head under load and no load

situations. Most often head noise will only be noticeable under load situations. It is

important to try to distinguish between problems with components in the head versus

problems caused by the setup or tooling being used on a particular job. Use the table

below to try to pinpoint the possible cause. Also try to pinpoint the noise by seeing if it

exists in high, low or neutral. For example, if the noise is evident in neutral then this

eliminates the spindle bearings.

Non Spindle Control Drive Machines

Possible Cause Check This

Machine setup or tooling problem

If the noise is most evident under load (cutting situations)

then it is important to look at setup and tooling being used.

Ask the following questions.

Is the cutter dull? Is the tool loose in the holder? Am I

taking a bigger cut then is possible on the machine? Is the

part moving in the vice? Am I using realistic speeds and

feeds?

Any one of these can have a significant impact.

Upper spindle bearing is worn out.

Remove the upper bearing plate above the spindle. This will

unload the bearing. If the noise goes away then this bearing

should be replaced.

Verify nosepiece is tight on bottom

of spindle.

To check if the nosepiece is bottomed out try to insert a piece

of paper in between the nosepiece and the quill. If a piece of

paper does fit then this may be the problem. Before

tightening or loosening the nosepiece make sure to loosen the

setscrew that holds it in place.

Spindle bearings are worn out This is categorized by a high pitch sound and is most evident

at high RPM’s. It should also cause chatter under load.

Replace the spindle if this is the case. See spindle

replacement in Section 5.