Fitting VFD to my Machine

[GRS]

G'day all,

Taking the plunge into an air cooled spindle and VFD drive.

Is it ok to fit the VFD direct to the gantry ?

Any issues this might bring up that I have to be wary of ?
Not wired up yet but have acquired shielded cable for the job.

Cheers

Gary

[GRS]

It will travel with the gantry .

[rodm]

Hi Gary,
Issues could be electro magnetic interference with the VFD being so colse to the nema 23 motor and cable. The VFD is a plastic case and therefore will radiate any electroinc noise to surrounding components. Also to consider you may need long arms to reach the on/off buttons as the gantry moves around the table.
cheers,
Rod

[GRS]

Thanks Rod, I have been advised that shielded cable will be my savior in the interference Dept ? Can i not control the on off with Mach 3 ?

Cheers
Gary

[rodm]

Gary,
The VFD itself generates a lot of EMI and as it is in a plactic case and not shielded by a metal casing so you will get EMI. The shielded cable will protect the power to the motor but having the vfd so close to electronic components it is a risky mounting option.

[Sterob]

I agree with Rod.
I cannot see a good reason to do that.( not that there isn't one) Can you tell us your reasoning?
All designs I have seen have the VFD mounted inside the control box.

Steve

[GRS]

Steve ,

I Have a Mill with a similar set up but obviously it is metal cased where the new VFD is plastic as Rod stated.

The only reason was for accessibility rather than having it down low in an out of the way area ? As i have had the feedback from Rod and yourself i shall find a new home for it.
Am I right in thinking if it is set up correct the programming will turn it on and select spindle speed ? I'm not sure I have the brains to do all that hence my reason for accessibility.

Thanks for the replies guys.

Cheers Gary

[Sterob]

Am I right in thinking if it is set up correct the programming will turn it on and select spindle speed ? I'm not sure I have the brains to do all that hence my reason for accessibility
There a couple of ways to control your spindle speed, depending on what you want. ( not an expert but have limited knowledge )
You should be able to program the speed, adjust the speed from the key pad, wire in a potentiometer to use to adjust the speed, or use software to control the speed , usually Mach 3.

I suggest you wire up the VFD on the bench and have a little 'play' and download the manual and have a read.
There might be a 'Quick Start ' guide so you can get it running was only a couple of parameter changes.
Google might know as well.

Steve