VFD Users....couple questions

[ridgeway]

First...let's see how you oriented your control panel.

I got the Teco FM50 and I plan on wiring it into the apron switch, estop/start switch and jog button. I will add a pot dial as well. I also have a plastic box that I will mount to the lathe. Plenty of room in it for VFD and a couple controls.

Question, would it be wise to use the lathe magnetic switch to send the input power to the VFD? So in turn if I hit my factory estop, power will be cut from the VFD. I know there is an Estop on the VFD side, but that would be kinda redundant if there is two?

I may have more questions later on if someone that has the same unit willing to help me.

 

[spitfire_er]

I've installed probably a dozen of that exact VFD on everything from a Bridgeport, to multiple lathes, to a Do-All Bandsaw. If you are talking the 12 V input bar for the remote functions, not sure you could send enough power through there to make them work.

IF you are thinking running power through the switches first then to the VFD to power, you won't have a reverse function, and your VFD will reset every time you try and turn it back on.

I'm no electrician, but when I have converted machines, I used factory switches directly to the VFD, then VFD to motor. It needs VFD straight to the motor on the output side, otherwise it won't work.

Half the benefit of going VFD is bypassing just about everything in the control box. I know there is a jog feature you can hook up to on the VFD. I believe there is an E-stop too that you could hook your original switch into.

 

[hoz53]

First...let's see how you oriented your control panel.

I got the Teco FM50 and I plan on wiring it into the apron switch, estop/start switch and jog button. I will add a pot dial as well. I also have a plastic box that I will mount to the lathe. Plenty of room in it for VFD and a couple controls.

Question, would it be wise to use the lathe magnetic switch to send the input power to the VFD? So in turn if I hit my factory estop, power will be cut from the VFD. I know there is an Estop on the VFD side, but that would be kinda redundant if there is two?

I may have more questions later on if someone that has the same unit willing to help me.

i dont know about the exact design of that vfd, but in general it has been best not to cut power from the vfd when it is on and especially not cut power between vfd and motor when the vfd is on. that means direct from the disconnect to the vfd and direct from vfd to motor with the power leads. hook all the rest of your controls into the control terminals on the vfd. sorry i dont have exact info on how to hook this one up. im still trying to figure out a mitsubishi vfd i have. hope this helps

 

[TRA]

If you are going to use a drive, and use a switch between the drive and the machine, you will toast that drive.

Actually by code, all machines must have positive break switching, between the drive and motor and we do it on all machines we build for our customers. It takes a lot of doings to accomplish a set up by law that will work.

The best thing for you to do is cable the motor directly to the drive, and use the drive for your start, stop, e-stop and braking, and reversing. Most drives have control voltage but it's sometimes around 5 vdc. You can supply your own up to 24vdc and run it through the drive if you need to toggle other functions from the drive.

 

[ridgeway]

Thanks for the info...

I know not the break between the VFD and motor. I was just thinking of using the factory power contactor to send the 220v single phase power to the VFD to turn it on. The apron switch will be wired direct to VFD control side...same with jogging.

The more I think about it...I will take the advice and run all controls from the VFD.

 

[hoz53]

Thanks for the info...

I know not the break between the VFD and motor. I was just thinking of using the factory power contactor to send the 220v single phase power to the VFD to turn it on. The apron switch will be wired direct to VFD control side...same with jogging.

The more I think about it...I will take the advice and run all controls from the VFD.

its good to put the vfd in a box to keep it clean- but you also need to make sure it doesnt get to hot--see the specs on your drive--you might need to put a little fan in the box or provide for air circulation some how over the drive

 

[ridgeway]

its good to put the vfd in a box to keep it clean- but you also need to make sure it doesnt get to hot--see the specs on your drive--you might need to put a little fan in the box or provide for air circulation some how over the drive

I got a big 12x12x6 box...wonder if a vent of some sort would be adequate? There is a fan in the VFD and it turns on immediately when it's running.

 

[ridgeway]

I can't wait to get this finished to see how it works. It's so quiet and smooth on the bench...it's almost going to be a totally different machine when it's running. I'm sure I will see better finishes...not that they were bad before. I got a nice capacitor start on it now and I got thick rubber isolating the motor vibes! Even if I get the box and VFD mounted first, I can wire in spare time.

Should have done this 5 years ago, lol

 

[hoz53]

I can't wait to get this finished to see how it works. It's so quiet and smooth on the bench...it's almost going to be a totally different machine when it's running. I'm sure I will see better finishes...not that they were bad before. I got a nice capacitor start on it now and I got thick rubber isolating the motor vibes! Even if I get the box and VFD mounted first, I can wire in spare time.

Should have done this 5 years ago, lol

the fan in the vfd will blow the warm air into junction box and warm it up in there. that size junction box isnt to big so id ventilate it somehow- id see what the book says about it.
youve got me thinking about trying to get the vfd i have working or mabie try one of those teco's like you got. i have heard they are not to bad to set up. ive got 5 machines that would benefit from a vfd. you also have braking you can hook up with many vfds if youre intereted in that. also some of them can be set up to read your rpm-- that would be nice.

 

[spitfire_er]

I have hooked up several in a box with an open bottom. A side vent towards the top helps too. Unless you are generating alot of dust in your shop that will work. Otherwise, fans and a filter of some sort may be beneficial.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Make a mount that hangs it right over the gearbox on your lathe. Easy to get to the controls. Run your single phase in and the 3ph out straight to the motor and ground everything good. Ditch all your current lathe controls. You wont miss them after a day

 

[hoz53]

Make a mount that hangs it right over the gearbox on your lathe. Easy to get to the controls. Run your single phase in and the 3ph out straight to the motor and ground everything good. Ditch all your current lathe controls. You wont miss them after a day

ive seen people mount them exposed on their machines. i dont wanna do that and have the chips,oil,dust ect going into mine.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

ive seen people mount them exposed on their machines. i dont wanna do that and have the chips,oil,dust ect going into mine.

I use the kb drives that are outdoor nema rated. You cant mount those drives shown on this thread in a box or you cant use them.

 

[hoz53]

I use the kb drives that are outdoor nema rated. You cant mount those drives shown on this thread in a box or you cant use them.

sounds like that would work ok

 

[hoz53]

I use the kb drives that are outdoor nema rated. You cant mount those drives shown on this thread in a box or you cant use them.

i looked at the teco fm50 manual. they can be installled in a control panel. also it says avoid, oil,grease,dust,water, direct sunlight, ect ect.

 

[hoz53]

I got a big 12x12x6 box...wonder if a vent of some sort would be adequate? There is a fan in the VFD and it turns on immediately when it's running.

thanks for bringing this topic up. i looked into those teco fm50 drives and saw some good for 2hp and pretty cheap price. i think ill get one and experiment with it. mr pete in his machining videos on youtube has a little info on teco drives

 

[Dusty Stevens]

i looked at the teco fm50 manual. they can be installled in a control panel. also it says avoid, oil,grease,dust,water, direct sunlight, ect ect.

They CAN be installed in a control panel but thats not too handy for using local controls. You could use remote buttons in a panel at the lathe and mount the drive away on the wall in a panel. My kb drives are completely waterproof and can be used with oil running on them and not in a cabinet anywhere. Just a thought to make life simpler.

 

[hoz53]

They CAN be installed in a control panel but thats not too handy for using local controls. You could use remote buttons in a panel at the lathe and mount the drive away on the wall in a panel. My kb drives are completely waterproof and can be used with oil running on them and not in a cabinet anywhere. Just a thought to make life simpler.

ok thanks

 

[ridgeway]

Well...got it all installed and running. Apron switch handles fwd/stop/rev, estop is connected to VFD control side, jog button and a pot dial. All works great. Runs smooth and quiet! Got a seater die to make so will test it out.

Any electric motor guys? I have a Lesson 2HP, 60Hz, 1750rpm motor. I ramped up the VFD Hz to 70Hz...what can this motor handle? It's an inverter duty motor. Just wondering...not that I need the extra speed...just nice for certain things.

 

[tobnpr]

https://deltaautomation.wordpress.c...ds-than-their-nameplate-speed-can-it-be-done/