Almost all of the Fanuc motor, encoder are installed in the motor behind the ass, our jargon called "tail encoder”. Shell is basically round or nearly round, the appearance of different years a little different, but see more recognized.
Usually judgment, not mainly rely on "looks like”, but look at these places:
1. The number and shape of the interface: the old absolute encoder, often trailing two wires; to the α / αi series, many of them become a line. The smaller β series is usually more compact and looks more integrated.
2. Labeling (this is the most critical): there must be a line like A860-xxxx-T301 on the label. This string of numbers is its ID, basically telling you what generation it is, whether it's incremental or absolute, and what the approximate resolution is. We rely on reading this line every day to pair up, it's useless to just memorize what it looks like.
3. Tail size and mounting: some customers will feel that "looks almost can be mounted”. In fact, many Fanuc encoder shell looks like, but the screw holes, the depth of the tail, the way to connect all have to pay attention to - this is a lot of the first time to change the encoder is most likely to step on the pit.
What Is the Encoder? Why Is It a Bad Machine on the Paralyzed?
Simply put, it is the motor's "eyes” and "memory”, real-time tell the CNC system: the motor is now turned to where, how many speeds, the direction is not right. We have encountered servo alarms, to have seventy percent with the encoder.
Its importance in the maintenance site, you see these two points to understand:
* Some machine tools on the alarm, simply do not let you move: such as common SV0401, SV0381, SV0132 (absolute position loss), SV0501. Basically encoder signal is not right. Sometimes the motor itself is good, it is inside the encoder grating, grating or circuit board aging.
* Spindle motor startup before the old "shake a little”: encountered this situation, we will be the first seven or eight suspected encoder signal jump or poor contact. Especially Fanuc's old A860 series, used in a high-temperature environment for a long time, the most prone to this problem.
Why are absolute encoders more common now? Because it can also remember the position of the power failure, the power does not need to return to zero, the production line can be directly dry, save time. Now α, αi series of motors, with the basic are absolute.
What Is the Difference Between α Series and β Series Encoders?
Our maintenance desk has seen the encoder, basically divided into two major factions: α faction and β faction.
* α series encoder: usually slightly larger, more solid, with the α / αi motor, is also the most common Fanuc series on the market. Common models such as
A860-2000-T301,
A860-2020-T301, the difference between the middle digits of the model is mostly related to the resolution, the communication method, and the internal design version.
* β series encoders: often used in small Fanuc motors, such as some light duty mechanisms, presses, drilling and tapping centers. Common models like
A860-0370-V502. β series is obviously smaller and more compact, but it is not common with α series, which is one of the most important things we remind our customers when they do maintenance.
How to Read Fanuc Encoder Model Number? (A860-Xxxx in the Doorway)
This is the place where many customers are most concerned. Every day we receive questions like "My A860-2000 and your A860-2070 common?”. This is the most important concern of many customers.
Take A860-2000-T301 as an example:
* A860: It means this is the encoder category of Fanuc, basically all encoders start with this.
* 2000: This is the core code that determines the internal design, resolution grouping.
* T301: This suffix stands for characteristics such as the form of interface, electrical standard, and whether it is absolute or incremental.
Another example is the A860-0370-V502 for the β series. 0370 is the common code for the β series, followed by V502 which usually stands for internal versions and interface updates.
These codes are not made up, directly related to whether it can be and your motor structure, system generation, communication methods on the right.
Absolute and Incremental, The Scene of the Most Easily Confused Point
The scene to determine in fact there is an earthly way:
* Incremental encoder: every time you turn on the machine, the machine must return to zero to work. The old machine is often seen.
* Absolute encoder: power outage can also remember the position, the power does not need to return to zero. Now Fanuc α/αi system basically use this.
If the customer says "I changed the encoder machine always call me back to zero”, it is likely that the type is wrong, or absolute encoder battery is not connected.
When Choosing an Encoder, What Are the Most Important Points We Stare At?
Customers send motors, we usually check these first:
1. Whether the mounting flange size of the tail is the same size.
2. Whether the interface orientation and pin definition can be matched.
3. Whether the motor model and encoder model are the same in the official list. 4. whether the motor model and encoder model are the same in the official list.
4. Whether it matches with the generation of your CNC system (e.g. 0i, 16i, 30i).
5. Whether you want absolute position data (which determines whether you want to connect a battery or not).
If these items are not right, even if the hard mounted, a power on nine out of ten to report an error.
The Common Alarms That Tell You "It's Time to Look at the Encoder”
We've seen a lot of them on our test bench, and the probability of checking the encoder is very high when these Fanuc alarms come out as a matter of priority:
* SV0401 / SV0381: Abnormal encoder signal
* SV0132: Absolute position lost
* SV0501: Absolute encoder communication abnormality
* SV0623: Pulse / raster signal abnormality
The Last Chat: Why Is It Important to Know a Little Encoder Knowledge?
Many Fanuc motor problems seem to be the motor itself, but the root is in the encoder. For example, a slight jitter, processing size suddenly have deviation, or alarm inexplicably can not be eliminated.
If you can read the encoder model, recognize the general appearance, and know the difference between absolute and incremental, you can buy parts and do the replacement of a lot of pitfalls. We,
Songwei, as a long-term team dealing with Fanuc, Mitsubishi, Siemens and other CNC components, deal with all kinds of encoders every day, and maintenance, testing and matching is our daily work.
If you are in the selection, replacement, or the model is not sure, at any time you can send us the model, we help you look at the compatibility.
