Gantry Operation Check and Maintenance
Gantry is the short form for “gantry style motion system” used in WAZER Pro. Its job is to securely hold the nozzle assembly and move it precisely to achieve the desired cutting pattern. Gantry components are protected from water and abrasive by silicone rubber bellows. Inspecting the conditions of gantry components and intervening early is vital to maintain precise cutting.
Required Tools
PPE (gloves, masks and eye goggles)
Sprayer
Rag or paper towel
Cable tie
Parts Needed
Industrial grease ( Mobil Mobilux EP2 or other NLGI 0/1/2 grease)
Procedure
Quick check
1.Shut off WAZER Pro
2. Grab the height adjustment knurled knob on the nozzle, manually move the nozzle assembly up and down, left and right at constant speed.
3. Feel if any of the motion results in a sudden increase of resistance. The goal is to have smooth motion in both directions.
4. Turn on WAZER Pro
5. Move the nozzle assembly into the center of the cutting bed.
6. Go to “set up and maintenance” > “input and output check” > “input” > “limit switch check”
7. Ensure the nozzle assembly travels in the perfect 45 degree direction to the top left corner, then 45 degrees to the bottom right corner.
8. Refer to the pictures provided in the online instructions for comparison and issue identification.
Internal check
1. Use the Sprayer to rinse the abrasive particles and dust away from the bellow.
2. Use a rag or paper towel to wipe clean the intersection between the silicone rubber bellow and gantry blocks.
3. Gently peel open the bellows on both sides of the nozzle assembly and on both sides of the Y axis
4. Check that the belt on the X axis is routed correctly on both sides
5. Check if the belt tension is set properly. The tensioner spring should be expanded to around 135 degrees.
6. Check the linear guide bearings are rust-free.
7. Then move on to the limit switch check
i. Manually trigger the exposed limit switch, make sure they click clearly.
ii. Then, push the nozzle assembly slowly to the four extreme ends
iii. Check if you can hear the clicking sound emitted by the limit flag touching the limit switches.
Lubricating the gantry rod
1. Put on your gloves and apply a thin layer of grease to the guide rod with your finger near the guide blocks.
2. Manually move the gantry back and forth a few times to work the grease into the bearing, then move it along the full length of the guide rod to ensure the grease is spread along the entire rod
Put back the bellows:
1. Pull the bellows back over the bellows holders and make sure that they are sealed properly.
2. To seal the side that is against the window, use a zip-tie to push the bellows around the holder.
Related Topic
Next Time
There are 7 core components in the gantry system, each plays a unique part in ensuring precise placement and motion of the nozzle assembly. Understanding their function during a gantry function check can help you quickly identify a malfunction and locate the root cause.