CRT Monitors superior to LCD displays

Posted on 10/05/201812/06/2018 by News Editor

CRT Monitors superior to LCD displays.

It is a misconception to think that CRT monitors are inferior to LCD display technology. CRT is an acronym for cathode ray tubes. Certainly an older, and technically inferior product regarding resolution/refresh rates. CRT were normally fitted with analogue electronics (chassis), for digital systems LCD screens is necessary. Though LCD is the future here is some points about CRT that cannot be ignored. Consider it a homage to technical expertise of the past.

Longevity: FANUC CRT monitors have been going since the late 70’s in the Fanuc 5, system 3 and 6. Up to 40 years. We know as we occasionally see them. Some of our own CRT replacements have been out in the field for over 20 years. LCD’s have been around since the mid 90’s and have gone through many iterations, such as CCFL, LED.
Signal: CRT based technology is more forgiving for dealing with harmonics and signal drift from the graphics output. LCD/LED is not and can need a tweak.
Viewing angle: CRT’s do not have a sweatspot angle and can be viewed from any reasonable angle visible; LCD’s in the first few generations were awful, but though improved are not as visible off varying angle as CRTs.
Backlights: There is a serious restriction on backlights available for older generation of panels; meaning a complete LCD replacement panel or retrofit.
Throwaway: LCD panels and the technology as a whole is a throwaway technology, similar to white goods. No sooner has the latest generation of LCD’s been released have they ceased production and been replaced by a new UBER variant that is not backwards compatible. CRT technology was built to last.

In summation the world has gone LCD nuts. Whatever your brew; whether a die hard CRT fanatic or following the zeitgeist. DNC offers solutions either way. From LCD only solutions for our colour replacement FANUC monitors, through to LCD and CRT based options for our monochrome monitors for FANUC systems.

Identify Fanuc Part Numbers

Posted on 16/09/201728/06/2018 by News Editor

Need some help identifying what part you have?

Identify Fanuc part numbers start with A and are made up of twelve digits. These are broken up into three blocks of four letters.

Some finish with a # on the end followed by three digits. This relates to revision or the software.
Some part numbers have a / followed by 3 digits. These three digits relate to the version/revision of the PCB.
Always quote any suffix letters and numbers after / or # and we can let you know if they are important in identify FANUC part numbers.

A02B-0###-C###	Fanuc MDI/CRT, Fanuc MDI, FANUC MDI/LCD, Operators, Complete CNC Control and Drive Systems.
A03B-08##-C###	Fanuc I/O modules full size and half size.
A06B-####-B###	Fanuc Motors
A06B-6###-H###	Fanuc Drives
A06B-6070-H###	Fanuc Alpha Module
A13B-0###-####	Fanuc Tapereaders
A14B-####-####	Fanuc Power Supply Units and Input Power Units
A16B-####-####	Fanuc Control & Drive Boards and PSU
A20B-####-####	Fanuc Drive, System and Power supply pcbs
A50L-0001-0###	Fanuc Drive Transistor Modules.
A60L-0001-0###	Fanuc Fuse
A61L-0001-00##	Fanuc Monitors
A63L-0001-0###	Fanuc Connectors, and Sockets
A80L-0001-0###	Fanuc Transformers
A86L-0001-0###	Fanuc Keyboards and Soft-key
A87L-0001-0###	Fanuc Memory
A98L-0001-0###	Fanuc Membranes
A98L-0031-0###	Fanuc Batteries
A290-05##-V###	Fanuc encoder by internal fanuc number
A860-0###-T###	Fanuc Encoders
A860-00##-T###	Fanuc Tapereaders
N860-####-####	Fanuc Keyboards

Locate FANUC Part Numbers

Posted on 26/08/201708/06/2018 by News Editor

Where to locate FANUC part numbers

Take a look at our guide below.

The actual location of the part number of FANUC parts is in one of the following locations (part dependent). Any problems contact us for further information.

Locate FANUC part numbers on FANUC SYSTEMS

Series 0 (Zero) Model A/B/C/D/F	The part number is located along the top edge of the Mother Board
System 10, 11, 15A	Part number is at the top left corner of the master pcb
Series 16A/B/C, 18A/B/C, 21A/B	Part number is located along the right hand side of the plastic chasiss. Or main board numbers on the bottom at the front./
Series 16i, 18i, 21i controls.	The part number is located on the plastic cover on the back of the LCD/MDI. If standalone then same as 16/18/21 control
Series 0i Model B/C	Similar to the 16/18/21i controls.
PCB Printed Circuit Boards	For PCBs that mount to a master PCB or backplane PCB, the part number will often be on a white barcode sticker. This is stuck to the top of a yellow plastic frame on the PCB. If the prefix is A320 or A350 then the number will be on the other side of the PCB.
Power Supply Units & I/P Units	Modular PSU’s had part numbers on the bottom of the front panel. Black PSU’s on the side. Metal on tags on the mounting plate.

Locate FANUC part numbers on FANUC DRIVES & ALPHA MODULES

AC Spindle Drives (anodized) and VCU	Part number is obscured on the bottom of the back plate of the drive that mounts to the machine.
Servo and Spindle Drives (Yellow open frame)	For those drives with the exposed circuit boards, the number is on the bottom of the Amplifer
Drive PCB (pre-alpha/beta)	On the top end of the boards, normally along the edge. Although sometimes in the centre to the left near control pad.
C Series, α SVU and α SVU-C	Enclosed in yellow plastic case with grey swing cap for terminal bank. The number is usually located on the right side of the case
ALPHA Series, PSM, SPM, SVM type	The part number is located on the top cap where the DC bus link runs. Or the bottom cap for incoming/outgoing 3ph
BETA Series, βSVU & βiSVSP	Part number is on the front of the case at the top right.

Locating part numbers on FANUC MOTORS

All Motors

On the main body of the motor usaully on the side of the power and encoder, or terminal box

Locating part numbers on FANUC MONITORS & PANELS

CRT/MDI, LCD/MDI, PDP	On the back either at the bottom or to the side
Operator Panel	Similar to the
CRT Monitors	The part number sticker is usually found on the inside bottom panel of Fanuc 12 & 14″ monitors. On the outside of left or right hand metal frame of all the other manufacturers that we deal with.

If you are having problems identifying the part number or struggling to locate the part number give us a call.

Common Reasons for Fanuc Motor Failures

Posted on 17/07/201708/06/2018 by News Editor

Common FANUC motor failures

The top eight common reasons for Fanuc Motor Failures.

Electrical	Over time components break down. Therefore broken or faulty connections, short wiring etc. can be an issue.
Electronic	Encoder faults, memory battery failure, faulty components on the PCB. Liquid ingression due to coolants, oil, fluids and waters.
Moisture and Dirt	Contamination from oil and fluid can affect the bearings, the encoder, the electrics of the motor. Also the integrity of the windings. Moisture can cause component deterioration through rust.
Mechanical Faults	Out of balance rotors, shaft keyway or coupling failure and motor brake wear. All of these are causes of mechanical faults.
Improper Installation	If the belt is too tight or the positioning if off this can cause the motor to break down.
Bad Drive or Power Supply	A bad drive or power supply can cause a spike in voltage. As can introducing too high a current to a motor through human error. All this will cause damage to the drive.
Lack of Maintenance	Proper maintenance and applying a preventative maintenance plan can extend the lifespan of both components and the motor.
Overwork	Like everything in life the more it is overworked the shorter the lifespan!

For motor information on FANUC motor failures or problems, or you want to look at what FANUC motors we stock, then contact us.

DNC Electronic’s Guide to Pallet Shipping

Posted on 20/04/201729/03/2018 by News Editor

PALLET SHIPPING (GUIDE)

Shipping via freight is the easiest way to transport larger items. Therefore whilst pallet shipping is a pretty safe method of transporting items there is still the risk of damage or loss if the pallet used is inadequate for the weight and size of the load. Or should you not have secured the load properly.

For this reason and in order to make sure that your goods arrive safely we have put together some tips on preparing a pallet for shipment.

Pallet shipping multiple boxes

First thing to remember is to choose the correct pallet for the job. Make sure this is big enough and nothing overhangs.
Also always ensure your goods are packed properly ( See the article on How to Ship CNC Parts )
If you are stacking multiple boxes on the pallet ensure that all the items are stacked with the lighter boxes on the top. Align the boxes in columns to shape a square. Stack closely together.
To decrease friction use linear paper directly on the pallet and under the load. Use top and bottom load protector pads to protect damage to the top or bottom of the shipment.
Securely fix the shipment to the pallet, shipments can be secured using shrink-wrap, banding or spray adhesive.
Finally ensure that the shipping labels are visible and are placed on the side of the shipment. You can use labels to identify the type of freight and any handling instructions.

Pallet shipping crates

Generally speaking crates can be a good alternative option to using boxes, just ensure these are secured and labelled as per Steps 5 & 6 above, and the crates are banded to the pallet. Ensure that the crate is of adequate strength for the item it is carrying.

Pallet shipping big spindle motors

These should be secured to a wooden pallet, be careful to avoid overhang.
If possible you can build a protective wooden frame around the item. Use additional padding to protect any sharp edges which may be exposed.
Blocking material can be used to brace the items against the pallet so they remain fixed in transit.
Use strapping to secure.
Ensure that the shipping labels are visible and are placed on the side of the shipment. You can use labels to identify the type of freight and any handling instructions.

How to ship CNC parts: 7 Steps

Posted on 29/03/201724/08/2018 by News Editor

Do you know how to ship CNC parts safely?

Or do you encounter a large number of damages to goods in transit?

We may rely on courier companies to handle packages marked fragile with care but ultimately it is up to us to ensure that they get packed in a way that protects them from the knocks and bangs they will experience whilst in transit.

Not taking the time to pack things properly can result in damaged goods and also in more costly delays. When time is of the essence this is the last thing you need.

DNC has in excess of 20 years experience of shipping to their customers worldwide via various methods. In order to give you some tips on how to best ship your CNC parts, we have put together the below guide.

How to Ship CNC Parts: 7 Steps

For smaller CNC parts such as drives and controls choose an adequate box and wrap your part in bubble wrap. (Don’t use polystyrene “packing peanuts” or other types of loose-fill packaging as they create static electricity and won’t keep your device from sliding around.) The tighter the better so use the right size box for the size. Use a new or a decent quality box. Either a single ( Light and Small), a dual (Medium size 45*45*40) or tri-ply corrugated design ( Large and Heavy, 60*50*30 for 30kg+). The latter is more suitable for delicate amplifiers with open frames. Seal the box with tape using the H method. Always use a tape designed for the packing ensure the box will remain closed.
Place the box with the part inside a larger box adding filler such as packing peanuts or bubble wrap. This is to ensure that the box with the part in doesn’t move. If shipping a heavy item use bubble wrap rather than peanuts. Seal the box with tape. Note: Big spindle motors are best shipped via pallet only.
Ensure that you tape up the bottom of the box as you don’t want your item falling out the bottom!
If the box requires opening a specific way up, ensure that this gets marked on the box.
For fragile items mark ‘fragile’ on the box.
Make sure you have included all the necessary paperwork, for both shipping purposes and for us. Unfortunately, neither ourselves or the couriers have yet mastered the art of mind reading so this will prevent any untimely delays.
Lastly, always make sure you have adequate insurance and that you insure your goods for the full replacement value (or for the exchange credit). Just remember if an item isn’t packaged properly, the courier will be within their rights to refuse any claim.