Maintenance & Reliability · PM Log

Weeke CNC Tool Changer Arm Calibration

Preventive maintenance calibration for the automatic tool changer arm on Weeke CNC routers. Restores pick‑and‑place accuracy, prevents tool crashes, and extends arm life. Perform every 500 hours or when tool change misalignments are observed.

Estimated Time

45 min

Difficulty

Advanced

Regulation

CSA Z432

Version

1.0

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Purpose

To mechanically and electronically calibrate the automatic tool changer arm on Weeke CNC machines, ensuring correct alignment between the spindle, arm gripper, and tool rack. A correctly calibrated arm eliminates tool‑change snags, reduces spindle bearing wear, and prevents costly collisions that can damage the shuttle, magazine, or spindle taper.

Scope

This PM log applies to Weeke BP‑series and similar CNC machining centres equipped with a single‑ or dual‑arm automatic tool changer (ATC). It covers mechanical inspection, gap measurement, height adjustment, end‑stop verification, and the manufacturer’s software calibration routine. Spindle rebuild, magazine reindexing, or arm replacement procedures are outside the scope of this document.

Safety Precautions

LOTOLockout/tagout the machine main disconnect. Verify zero energy with a voltage tester and confirm all pneumatic lines are bled before opening any covers near the tool changer.
PPEWear safety glasses, steel‑toed boots, and cut‑resistant gloves when handling sharp tools or adjusting arm mechanics.
CRUSHNever place hands inside the tool changer area during powered cycles. Use the blocking pin (supplied with Weeke service kit) to lock the arm in service position before working underneath.

Required Tools & Materials

Metric hex key set (2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 mm)
Torque wrench (range 5–20 Nm) with hex bit socket
Dial indicator with magnetic base (0.01 mm resolution)
Feeler gauge set (0.05–1.0 mm)
Weeke OEM calibration dummy tool holder (or equivalent)
Laptop with Weeke Service Mode access and calibration software
Clean lint‑free rags and ISO 68 way oil

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Procedure: Step-by-Step

1 Perform Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) on the machine’s main electrical disconnect. Wait 60 seconds for capacitor discharge. Verify zero voltage at the spindle drive. Bleed all pneumatic lines near the tool changer.

2 Remove the access panels covering the tool changer arm and spindle area. Visually inspect the arm pivot pin, bearing races, and gripper finger inserts for galling, cracks, or wear. Replace any damaged components before proceeding.

3 Clean the spindle taper, tool holder shank, arm fingers, and magazine pockets with a lint‑free cloth. Apply a thin film of ISO 68 oil to the arm pivot joint.

4 Install the dummy tool holder into the spindle by hand. Use the drawbar key to fully seat the retention knob. Torque the drawbar to 8 Nm (manufacturer spec).

5 Jog the arm to the pick‑up position using Weeke Service Mode. Navigate to Axis → Arm → Move to Pick‑Up. Verify the arm is perpendicular to the spindle axis.

6 Insert the 0.2 mm feeler gauge between the arm gripper fingers and the dummy tool holder groove. The gauge should slide with light resistance. If too loose or too tight, loosen the two M8 height adjustment screws on the arm bracket and raise/lower the arm until the feeler gauges fit correctly. Re‑tighten screws to 10 Nm.

7 Zero the dial indicator against the outer face of the arm base. Jog the arm slowly to its end‑stop position (both clockwise and counter‑clockwise). Record the indicator reading at each end; maximum deviation from zero should be 0.05 mm. Adjust eccentric stop bolts to bring deviation within tolerance.

8 Torque all remaining fasteners on the arm bracket, pivot, and gripper assembly to the values listed in the Weeke service manual. Typical values: M8 bolts at 10 Nm, M6 at 6 Nm.

9 Open the Weeke calibration software (System → Maintenance → Arm Calibration). Follow the on‑screen sequence to set the park position, pick‑up height, and release angle. Confirm each parameter with the “Accept” button.

10 Remove the dummy tool holder. Close all access panels. Remove LOTO tags and restore power. From the main control, run five consecutive tool changes using a spare tool from the magazine. Observe the arm for smooth motion, no hesitation, and no contact with adjacent tools. Listen for rattling or grinding sounds.

11 If all cycles pass, record the calibration date, technician name, arm gap measurement, and end‑stop indicator readings in the PM log. Set the next calibration interval (500 hours or 3 months, whichever comes first) in ServiceGrid or your CMMS.

Weeke CNC Tool Changer Arm Calibration

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