Troubleshooting of FANUC Control CNC Milling Machine

Abstract

CNC machines maintenance is a complex and time consuming process. In the past, a lot of research has been carried out for diagnostics of CNC machine problems and their remedies. The main focus of this research has been to focus on the type of problem, its diagnostic, and remedy. This research discusses CNC machine architecture in detail. The research focuses on FANUC 21i control system, and describes different problems of hardware and software, that usually occur in CNC machines. A step by step methodology is proposed for identification of these problems. Every problem root cause is analyzed and proper remedial measurements are suggested. The methodologies proposed by this research can be applied to any type of CNC machine using FANUC control system, as architecture of different types of CNC machines are almost same and use same control system. The research suggested methodology is effective for fast, reliable, and preventive maintenance of the CNC Machines.

To validate the methods proposed by this research, they are applied to TRIAC CNC milling machine in NUST, which has not been working for few years. The machine condition is first analyzed; different functions of the machine were not working. Root cause analysis is carried out and explained in detail. The proposed methods of CNC machine maintenance are applied in this scenario and now the machine is in the working condition.