AUTOROUTE MANUALaxiomprecision.com/media/axiom-manual.pdf2015/08/13 · The Axiom AutoRoute line of...

AUTOROUTE MANUAL

©Axiom Tool Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Rev 08/13/2015

2 | A x i o m T o o l G r o u p

Page Number

Limited Warranty_____________________________________ 3

Safety Guidelines______________________________________ 4

Specification_________________________________________ 5

Setup______________________________________________ 6

Electrical Connections__________________________________ 6

Unpacking and Lubrication______________________________ 7

Liquid Cooled Spindle__________________________________ 11

Router Bits___________________________________________ 12

Getting Started_______________________________________ 13

Spoil Board__________________________________________ 13

Axiom Handheld Controller______________________________ 14

Common Commands______________________________ 15

Detail Key Info___________________________________ 15

Handheld Operation____________________________________ 17

Processing Jobs_______________________________________ 18

Maintenance_________________________________________ 20

Troubleshooting_______________________________________ 21

Contact Us___________________________________________ 23


New machines sold by Axiom Tool Group carry a one-year warranty,

effective from the date of shipping. Axiom Tool Group guarantees all new

machines sold, to be free of manufacturer’s defect. We will repair or replace,

without charge, any parts determined by Axiom Tool Group to be a

manufacturer defect. The customer will be responsible for the cost to replace

the item/part, plus all related shipping charges in the event that the said

item/part is determined to be damaged due to: lack of maintenance,

cleaning or misuse/abuse. This limited warranty does not apply to: natural

disasters, acts of terrorism, normal wear and tear, product failure due to

lack of maintenance or cleaning, damage caused by accident, neglect, lack

of or inadequate dust collection, misuse/abuse or damage caused where

repair or alterations have been made or attempted by others.

Axiom Tool Group is not responsible for any additional tools or modifications

sold or installed on any Axiom Tool Group machine (With exception for any

modifications/installations performed by Axiom Tool Group). Warranty may

be void upon the addition of such described tools and/or modifications,

determined on a case-by-case basis.

Normal user alignment, adjustment, tuning and machine settings are not

covered by this warranty. It is the responsibility of the user to understand

basic machinery settings and procedures and to properly maintain the

equipment in accordance with the standards provided by the manufacturer.

Parts, under warranty, are shipped at the cost of Axiom Tool Group either by

common carrier, FEDEX/UPS ground service or a similar method. Technical

support to install replacement parts is primarily provided by phone, or email.

The labor required to install replacement parts is the responsibility of the

user.

Axiom Tool Group is not responsible for damage or loss caused by a freight

company or other circumstances not in our control. Please contact our

customer service department for more information.

Only new machines sold to the original owner are covered by this warranty.


As with all machinery, there are certain hazards involved with the operation

and use of your machine. Using it with caution will considerably lessen the

possibility of personal injury. However, if normal safety precautions are

overlooked or ignored, personal injury to the operator may result. If you

have any questions relating to the installation and operation, do not use the

equipment until you have contacted your supplying distributor.

Read the following carefully and fully before operating the machine.

1. Keep the working area clean and ensure adequate lighting is available.

2. Do not wear loose clothing, gloves, bracelets, necklaces etc.

3. Use face, eye, respiratory and body protection devices as indicated for the

operation or environment.

4. Ensure that the power is disconnected from the machine before tools are

serviced or any attachment is to be fitted or removed.

5. Never leave the machine with the power on.

6. Do not use dull, gummy or cracked cutting tools.

7. Ensure that the keys and adjusting wrenches have been removed and all the

nuts and bolts are secured.

As with all machines, injury can be caused by lack of knowledge or

familiarity. If normal safety precautions are overlooked or ignored,

serious injury may occur. It is important to remain clear of cutter

head and moving parts while machine is in operation.


1• Supports the standard G code, PLT format instructions; supports domestic and international mainstream CAM software, such as: Type3, Art cam, UG, Pro / E, Master CAM, Cimatron, Wentai etc.

AutoRoute: 4 Basic 4 Pro 6 Pro 8 Pro

X Axis Travel 24" (610mm) • • • •

Y Axis Travel

24" (610mm) • •

36" (910mm) •

48" (1210mm) •

Z Axis Travel 6" (153mm) • • • •

Table Work Area

39.17" x 28.39" (995mm x 721mm) • •

51.18"x 28.39" (1300mm x 721mm) •

62.99" x 28.39" (1600mm x 721mm) •

Collet ER-20 • • •

Collet Chuck 1/4" and 1/2" Included • • •

High Speed Spindle 3 HP 2.2kW/7.5A Electro Spindle • • •

Spindle Speed 0~24000 RPM • • •

Rapid Feed Rate 200 IPM (5 M/min) • • • •

Precision Linear Guide Rails X/Y/Z Axis • • • •

Precision Ball Screw X/Y/Z Axis • • • •

Power Requirements 115 V, 50~60Hz, 15A Single Phase •

220V, 50~60 Hz, 10A Single Phase • • •

Working Table High Rigidity Interlocking Aluminum • • • •

Integrated MDF Spoil Board • • • •

Gantry Bridge High Rigidity Aluminum Extrusion • • • •

Gantry Support Gravity Cast Aluminum Alloy • • • •

Gantry Clearance 6.5" (165mm) • • • •

Machine Base Welded Structural Steel Frame • • • •

Approx. Base Mounting Hole Placement

35" x 30" (890mm x 770mm) • •

47" x 30" (1197mm x 770mm) •

58.85" x 30" (1495mm x 770mm) •

Required Floor Space

39.17" x 37.36" (995mm x 949mm) • •

51.18" x 37.36" (1300mm x 949mm) •

62.99" x 37.36" (1600mm x 949mm) •

Max. Machine Height 30.27" (769mm) • • • •

Max. Height with Stand 61.5” (1560mm) • • • •

Machine Weight

244lbs (111kg) •

264lbs (120kg) •

299lbs (136kg) •

330lbs (150kg) •

Tool Touch Off Puck Standard Accessory • • • •

Integrated Liquid Cooling System Standard Accessory N/A • • •

Controller1 RichAuto DSP A11 • • • •


Before you unpack your machine, inspect the packaging, invoice and

shipping documents supplied before the driver leaves. Verify that there is no

damage to the packaging or the machine.

All damage obtained during shipping must be noted on the delivery

documents and signed by the delivery driver. Contact Axiom Tool Group

concerning damages within 24 hours of delivery.

It is advisable to photograph any shipping damage

The Axiom AutoRoute line of CNC Routers require table mounting. The table

must be able to support the weight and movement of the Router, and have a

shelf to support the electrical control box. (An optional table is available for

your machine from Axiom Tool Group.)

When selecting where to place your machine, consider the following:

1. The area should be large enough for you to maneuver the material being

used.

2. The floor should be solid and flat.

3. The area should have an electrical source and dust collection

4. The area should have adequate lighting.

Ensure that the correct required electrical connections are available.

115 V, 50~60Hz, 15A Single Phase (Base Model)

220V, 50~60 Hz, 10A Single Phase (Pro Model)

Make sure to keep cables as short as possible and avoid allowing

cables to run along the floor. A qualified Electrician must perform

the electrical installation.


Be sure to remove all packing material before setting up the machine. If

purchased with the Stand, it is advisable to assemble the stand before

removing the Axiom Auto Route from the box.

To assemble the stand:

-Locate the two end assembly units and two side rails

-Attach casters and leveling feet to

end assembly with included

hardware.

-Connect the two end assemblies

with the side rails using included

hardware.

-Attach rubber pads to the underside of the shelf where it

lays upon the side rails.

-Place shelf between the rails with the ledges supporting

the shelf on the side rails.


-Install controller hook to front assembly.

-The stand is now ready to be leveled and the machine

setup can be competed.

-Level the machine/table so that the machine is level in both

directions, the table must be solid with no rocking when the

machine is in operation.

To setup the Auto Route:

-Remove all packaging from the box.

-If using the optional stand, carefully and with assistance, lift the Auto Route

and place it on top of the stand assembly, using the mounting holes in the

top of the stand as a guide.

*If using a forklift, take care that any cables are clear of

forks.

*Equipped with your machine is a set of rubber bushings,

washers and hex bolts.

-Place a rubber bushing under each mounting plate of the

machine, between base and stand.

-Use the bolts and washers to affix the base to the stand.

Carefully tighten the bolts until snug, checking that the

machine remains level.


-Locate the stepper motor, located in the box with the

controller.

-Using the small hex head screws and lock washer found

on the z-axis mount, install the motor to the gantry top,

with the wire connection to the rear.

-Locate and attach the wire connection for the z-axis

motor.

-Lock set screw for the z-axis motor to the ball screw shaft.

-Attach cover, using hardware located on the gantry.

Router or Spindle Setup:

-If the Basic Model has been purchased, it’s time to mount

your router motor to the gantry.

-Loosen the bolts in the Router mount and position the

motor accordingly. It is recommended that you orient the

motor with the RPM dial towards the front for easy access.

Be mindful of the vertical movement of the motor, position

the cord around the back of the vertical mount before

feeding it down through the wire chain.


-After feeding the cord thru the wire chain

you can attach to the included outlet on the

backside of the gantry.

-If the Pro Model has been purchased,

remove the cover from the black box on the

back of the gantry.

-Inside locate the coolant reservoir. You will

notice that this may have been filled during

testing. We recommend a Polypropylene

Glycol or marine grade antifreeze.

-Reinstall the cover and monitor coolant

levels when performing routine maintenance.

Controller Setup:

-The Auto Route is equipped with a RichAuto

Handheld Controller that attaches to your machine

through a control box.

-Control box should be located directly under the

machine at the front for easy access, using the

included shelf. Will attached to the back of the base

using two threaded connectors.

-Handheld RichAuto A11 will connect to the control box using the included

Parallel pin cable.

Use WD40 or similar product to remove any protection grease. Re-lubricate

the ball screws and linear guides with a thin oil based lubricant (LPS is

recommended). Remember to wipe off any excess to prevent dirt and dust

accumulation.


Liquid cooled spindles are standard with all Pro Models. The cooling system

and reservoir located on the backside of the gantry, is a closed network that

draws power directly from the system. We recommend standard Propylene

Glycol coolant (RV or Marine Antifreeze). Stabilized solutions featuring Dow

Frost or Dow Shield can be found locally and will last longer.

Maintenance should include occasionally draining and replacing coolant as

indicated by fluid color. Color will change due to exposure to heat, over time

the fluid will become clear, as it begins to take on a red/rust color, a fluid

change is needed.

Customers in temperate non-freezing climates may choose to use a distilled

water. Distilled water will evaporate as it is used however it will not corrode

the components.

Monitor the level of coolant in reservoir. Without coolant the spindle

will overheat and fail, pump could become damaged.

Spindle Speeds (0~24000 RPM) are infinitely variable by use of controls on

the control box/power supply.

*Spindle display is read in frequency.

(60Hz X 400(display) = 24,000 RPM)

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

100 Hz 150 Hz 200 Hz 250 Hz 300 Hz 350 Hz 400 Hz

RPM

RPM


*Collets should be cleaned regularly. Ensure that the slots in the

collet are free of sawdust and debris.

1. Select router bit and respective collet

2. After removing spindle nut, press collet into spindle nut until it snaps into

place.

To remove collet from nut, hold spindle nut and press collet on the side.

Collet should compress and pop out.

3. Thread spindle nut and collet assembly onto spindle

4. Place bit into the collet. Ensure that the flute of bit is at least 1/16th inch

outside the collet. Use supplied wrench to hold spindle and using a second

wrench tighten the spindle nut. Be careful to not over tighten.

Use only collets that match the shank size of the router bit selected.

There are five basic types of router bits: straight, up shear, down shear,

compression and form tools, i.e. ogee, round over etc.

1. Straight Router Bits: Standard bits used with handheld routers.

2. Up Shear Bits: Upward spiraled flutes remove chips from the kerf. However

does have a tendency to chip veneers, melamine and other such top

surfaces.

3. Down Shear Router Bits: Opposite spiral in relation to the up shear, which

tends to pack the chips into the kerf. Prevents chipping the material surface.

4. Compression Router Bits: Combine the advantages of both up shear and

down shear design. The upper section of the bit is down shear to prevent

chipping of the surface and the lower portion is up shear to prevent chipping

the bottom surface.

5. Form Router Bits: Available in standard profiles, i.e. round over, ogee,

etc.


Note: Before you turn on the machine, remove all tools and other

objects from the machine table.

The Emergency STOP button must be released before turning on main power. To

Release the Emergency Stop twist switch clockwise and it will pop out.

1. Have 220Volts, 10 Amps single phase power wired to the machine. (Pro Model)

Or 115Volts, 15 Amp single phase (Basic Models)

2. Make sure the coolant reservoir is full.

3. Make sure the E-STOP button is released before turning the power on.

4. Turn on Power to machine.

5. Once the machine has booted completely it is required that the machine be

homed before any other function is allowed.

All measurements and actions are based on the home switch locations.

Your machine was supplied with spoil board strips on the bed. The strips are

designed so that they will not damage the cutter when cutting through your

material.

The strips will need to be fly cut initially to remove any slight marks and to create

a truly perpendicular surface to the spindle. Advisable to use a 1.25” Mortising

Router bit to Pocket Cut the exact dimensions for your work envelope to a depth of

0.02”. It is only necessary to remove 20 thousandths of an inch (0.02) to fly cut

the sacrificial board initially. Future resurfacing can be 0.005” to 0.01”

To fit jobs to the spoil board, you may find it convenient to clamp the job to the

spoil board with the table clamps. Your machine has been manufactured with t-

slots on the work table for this purpose.

Some applications may call for using double-sided tape. If you choose to use

this method, remove your material from the spoil board after cutting with a

wide-blade putty knife or something similar.


Your machine may use a handheld controller as a means of communicating

your tool paths or “g-code” to the Router. This is accomplished with the

RichAuto DSP A11.

LCD Display: Used to display machine position, information and settings.

KEYBOARD: A 16 key input for use in operation and control of the machine.

U Disk Interface: external memory access for USB memory sticks. Communication

between controller and USB is indicated by USB Light. If light fails, USB drive is

not being read. *USB file format must be FAT32.

Internal Memory: 512MB available for storage of frequently used files.

50-pin Data Cable Jack: Communication connection between controller and the

machine.

Keyboard

The keyboard has divided operation of the system into one-touch and combined-

key commands.

One-touch: Press one button on handheld controller.

Combined-key operation: Press and release two buttons at same time.


Combined-key Function

1 “Menu” + “0—9” Number keys To switch the coordinate system

2 “Menu” + “On/Off” Start Z-axis automatic tool setting

3 “Run” + “1—6” Number keys Start the break processing

(support number 1 - 6)

6 “OK” + “CANCEL” Help information

Key Function

Positive movement of X axis, Menu upward

Positive movement of Y axis, Increase Feed Rate

Positive movement of Z axis

Sets working origin of X axis and Y axis

Negative movement of X axis, Menu downward

Negative movement of Y axis, Decrease Feed Rate


Negative movement of Z axis

Set Z axis origin

Sends Spindle/Router to Home location

Manual moving mode, high speed or low speed selection

Spindle start/stop, decimal point inputting

Accesses Menu settings, negative symbol inputting

Sends all Axis to Origin, Confirms operations

Selects Manual move, continuous, step and distance modes

Cancel job/run/pause, Delete

Operation Stop/Cancel Selection


Upon completion of machine startup, the controller displays a prompt requesting

to go “Home”. While the location settings for Home will not change, it is important

to home the machine before any operation. This verifies that those settings and

position switches are working correctly. All movements are based off the

Home position switches

Using the controller we can manually control the machine to change operation,

speed and grid settings.

Manual Speed Adjust

There are two modes: High speed and Low Speed.

Use High/Low button to change mode. The screen will display current mode.

Manual Movement Mode

There are several modes that control the manual movement of the machine. These

modes (Continuous, Step and Distance) can be changed using Mode button.

Continuous Mode

In this mode, press and hold axis direction key and the machine will move

continually at the current speed mode. If the button is held for less than

0.5sec the machine will move to the nearest grid.

Step Mode

This mode always operates in low speed and moves one grid per 0.5sec. The

grid distance is decided by the current speed mode. For Precise tool

adjustment

Distance Mode

This mode operates using a distance the user inputs. The machine will then

move that set distance.


There are two ways to process jobs with the controller. Either from a USB device

plugged into controller or from the internal memory found on controller (512MB).

Use of Internal Memory for files that will be used frequently is

recommended.

1. Set Origin.

This serves as the origin for the work piece and may vary depending on design of

piece being cut. Should be in the same location as the origin in the computer

design.

Move machine to the desired location and use the XY-0 button to set the

origin in this location for the X and Y-axis.

To set the Z-axis origin, use supplied tool touch-off puck.

With the puck centered under the cutting tool (on top of

work material) press “Menu” and “On/Off”. The machine

will slowly lower until it connects with device. Afterwards

automatically return to elevated position.

Setting Origin should be done before operation unless repeating the same

operations. Failure to set Z-axis origin can cause damage to work table

and bits.

(Without Touch-off Puck) To set Z-axis origin, with the controller in step

mode slowly lower Router. Until while spinning the bit by hand you feel

resistance. While in position use “Z-0” to set the Z-axis Origin. Then raise

the z-axis off the material.

*Very important to set origin relative to top of work material to prevent

cutting through work table.

2. Choose Processing File

After setting the origin, press the Run/Pause button to begin selecting file to run.

You will be prompted to select from U Disk File (USB) or Internal Memory. Use

your X and X buttons to highlight the desired directory/file. And press OK to

select.

After choosing the file to process, the file settings will be displayed. This are set in

the CAD/CAM software, however can also be adjusted using the controller. Press

OK again to start the process. After a short count down the program will begin.

Make sure material is securely in place before beginning operation.


3. Pausing Process

While process is being performed, press Run/Pause button to freeze process in

current location. The machine will stop movement, however the spindle will still be

active.

With the machine Paused, you can adjust the position of the bit on any of the axis.

Default motion for this is done in Step Mode.

After adjustments have been made, press Run/Pause to return to process. You will

be prompted to save the modified file. Use the OK or Cancel buttons as needed.

*For Example: Choosing to “save Z depth” when prompted will ensure

that you begin with the modified position the next time you start the

process.

4. Breakpoint and Power-down Protection

If you use the Stop button to stop a process, the system will ask if you would like

to “save break”. This breakpoint allows a user to return to the exact location in a

process.

To save break press any of the Numeric Keys (1 through 9). Press ok to then save

in that location.

To continue processing from breakpoint, use key combination “Run/Pause” and

“1”, press and release together. System will restore processing from saved point.

Same process can be used for alternative origin locations 2 through 9.

**During sudden power failure, the system will save current coordinate

and parameters. When power is restored the machine will require a

“Home” motion. After which the user will be prompted to press “OK” to

continue the previously unfinished process.


To ensure proper machine operation, we recommend regularly removing the

dust from and lubricating the guide rail surfaces and the ball screws. A thin

oil based lubricant such as LPS is highly recommended and can be wiped on

to avoid excess lubrication.

Routine Checks

1. Clean and lubricate the machine. Wipe off any excess and buff with a dry polishing

cloth. This will reduce the likelihood of rust forming.

2. Check cutter teeth for chips and dullness.

3. Generally inspect the machine for damage.

4. Ensure that the slots in the collets are free of sawdust and debris, as build up may

prevent collet from compressing.

5. Check level of coolant in the reservoir.

6. Verify that dust extraction is free of blockages.

7. Check that all the electrical connectors are fitted correctly and are not loose.

Changing Coolant

Over time the coolant will eventually need to be changed. To do this, the system will

need to be drained.

Draining the system is easily accomplished by disconnecting one of the hoses, such as

the fluid entry hose on the spindle. By placing this hose into an empty container, clean

up can be minimized.

Turn on the pump to drain the system. Old fluid will be purged from the lines into the

empty container. Including the majority of the fluid in the spindle.

*To avoid damage to the pump, be careful to not run the pump completely dry

of fluid*

Distilled water can be used to further flush the tubing and pump.

After reassembly the system can be refilled with a marine grade polypropylene glycol.


Machine won’t power on.

1. Check that the red emergency stop switch is released.

2. Check that the start switch is being pressed completely in.

3. Check that the electrical power cord is plugged into the power outlet.

4. Check that the electrical supply at the breaker.

5. With the power disconnected from the machine, check that the wiring to the plug

is correct and undamaged.

a. Check that the rubber insulation is stripped enough and is not causing a bad

connection.

b. Check that all the screws are tight.

Machine won’t stop

In the event that this occurs, disconnect the machine from power. Internal fail-

safes in the design should prevent issues of this nature.

*Internal breaker faulty. Replace the breaker.

Motor tries to start but will not turn (Pro Models Only)

1. With the power disconnected from try to turn the spindle by hand. If the spindle

will not turn, check the reason for the jamming.

2. Motor faulty. Replace the spindle.

3. Spindle run without coolant. Replace the motor.

4. Check that the voltage supplied to the VFD is 220V.

Motor overheats (Motor shut down)

Internal protection will shut down motor is temperature exceeds 150°F.

Typical reasons are dull cutting tools, no coolant in reservoir or blockage in the

coolant pipe.


Machine vibration

Machine not level on the bench. Re-level the machine, ensuring that it has no

movement.

Machine will not home

1. Are the stop switches connected, damaged or out of adjustment?

2. Are the parameters in the hand held controller correct?

a. If unsure, Restore controller from Backup File.

Hand Held Controller screen is blank or flickering

1. Ensure that cable to the hand held controller is fitted correctly and the clamping

screws are tight.

2. Verify that the connectors on the control box are fitted correctly and that all the

screws are tight.

3. Check if a fuse has blown.

4. The interface is damaged. Replace the damaged part.

5. The hand held controller is damaged. Replace the hand held controller.

Router cutting depth is inconsistent

1. Check that the spoil boards are flat and clean prior to fitting the job.

2. Check that the bit is tight in the spindle collet.

3. Check for excessive play in the Z axis ball screw.

Hand Held Controller reads “out of limits”

1. Verify that the work space for material in tool path is correct.

2. Verify that controller reads 1X, 1Y, 1Z.

a. If not, controller has been placed into a different origin coordinate system.

b. Press “Menu” and “1” at the same time to return to original settings.


For Software related inquiries, training videos, software updates, free projects and

more, visit Vectric Ltd directly at:

http://support.vectric.com

____________________________________________

Visit us online at:

www.axiomprecision.com

You may reach the Axiom Precision CNC Support Team at:

[email protected]

You may reach the Axiom Precision Sales Team at:

[email protected]

___________________________________________________

Axiom Tool Group, LLC.

1181 Claycraft Rd

Columbus, OH 43230

(844) 642-4902

http://support.vectric.com/

http://www.axiomprecision.com/

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

AUTOROUTE MANUALaxiomprecision.com/media/axiom-manual.pdf2015/08/13 · The Axiom AutoRoute line of...

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Transcript of AUTOROUTE MANUALaxiomprecision.com/media/axiom-manual.pdf2015/08/13 · The Axiom AutoRoute line of...