Contents:
Effective cooling is essential for the optimal performance and longevity of CNC machines. A water chiller helps dissipate the heat generated during operation, ensuring smooth and efficient machining. This article provides a comprehensive guide to connecting, starting, and configuring a water chiller for your CNC machine.
Preparing the chiller
Before beginning the installation, gather the necessary tools—a box cutter and distilled water. Follow these steps:
- Unpack and inspect: place the chiller box next to your CNC machine. Open the box and carefully remove the chiller. Inspect the unit for any damage before proceeding.
- Fill with distilled water: remove the power cable from the set. Pour distilled water into the chiller as specified by the equipment guidelines. Check the water level using the scale on the back of the chiller; the indicator should fall within the green zone.
Connecting the chiller
With the chiller prepared, proceed with the connection process:
- Prepare the fittings: remove the protective caps from the fittings on the back of the chiller. Attach a silicon pipe from the machine’s set to each fitting.
- Positioning and hose connections: place the chiller at the back left of the CNC machine. Connect the silicon hoses in the following order:
- Connect the hose from the chiller’s water inlet fitting to the water outlet on the CNC machine.
- Connect the hose from the chiller’s water outlet fitting to the water inlet on the machine.
- Power connection: connect the chiller’s power cable to its connector, and plug it into the machine’s water pump power connector.
Starting the chiller
Once the physical connections are complete, ensure the system is functioning properly:
- Verify water flow: confirm that water is being supplied to the laser tube in the direction of the laser beam exit.
- Remove air bubbles: inspect the cooling circuit within the laser tube for air bubbles. If any are present, loosen the tube’s fastenings and gently rotate it along its axis to dislodge the bubbles. Once clear, securely fasten the laser tube.
- Secure hose connections: use plastic hose clamps to firmly secure all silicon hose connections at both the machine’s and the chiller’s fittings.
Configuring the chiller
Proper configuration ensures that the chiller maintains the desired water temperature:
- Access settings: press the up arrow for a few seconds until the zero symbol appears on the display.
- Set temperature mode: use the up arrow to select the eight symbol, then press “set.” Next, select the F3 parameter, press “set,” and assign the value 0. This action switches the smart water temperature support mode to manual.
- Define temperature limits:
- Select F8, press “set,” and choose a value between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius to establish the upper temperature limit.
- Select F9, press “set,” and choose a value between 12 and 18 degrees Celsius (ensuring it is not below the room’s dew point) to establish the lower temperature limit.
Conclusion
Following these detailed instructions ensures that your water chiller is properly connected, started, and configured for your CNC machine. With accurate installation and calibration, your equipment will operate safely and efficiently, providing reliable cooling and enhancing the overall performance of your CNC system.
