Re: RE: Moog Hydrapoint

Gary (comments mixed in)

>    From: "Rose, Gary" <Gary.Rose@...>
> Subject: RE: Moog Hydrapoint
>
> So far, everyone I've talked to and most of the messages on this thread
> have indicated that the air and hyraulics are more trouble than they are
> worth. I figured as much, but I wanted some more informed opinions.  As I
> was looking through the service manual (which gives exceptionally detailed
> exploded views and descriptions of how everything works), I couldn't help
> but think that this machine was a true mechanical wonder.  But, the
> engineer in me was also saying "There's too many ways this thing can screw
> up".  I'm thinking ballscrews are the way I'm going.

Contrary to a couple of posts, the hydrapoint did not use the Moog hydraulic
valves. It also did not use a GE-550 control. It was direct air over
hydraulic that was positioned by reading all these little holes in the tape.
The control panel has a couple hundred relays for RelayRelayLogic that you
can get at from the back of the panel, if you have the key.

> Do you know if the standard bridgeport-type retrofit ballscrews will fit
> this machine or do I need to make it special?  Any other
> ballscrew-retrofit-related caveats I should be careful of with the Moog?

I don't believe that any of the standard Bridgeport type ball screw retrofit
kits will bolt up. The ends of the saddle are made to hang on to the
hydraulic actuators. My guess is that the drive components for a series one
might come closer.

I have some plans to make my own screws using the 5/8 rolled screws from
Thompson and spin the nuts rather than the screw. There is all kinds of room
under there once you get the actuators out.

> As an aside, the specs for the machine indicate that the air flow from the
> compressor required to run the machine are 11 cfm @ 85psi.  My current
> compressor has no hope there, and I was looking at what one that could meet
> that airflow costs, OUCH!

Hey once you get rid of the tape reader you will have a much lower air need
than spec. If you plan to use the tool changer carousel the arm uses air to
extend and retract the fingers but the tool is held in the spindle with a
threaded rod that is driven into the tool holders by a small gear motor. The
carousel is spun with an AC motor.

> Since, I got the machine for free (with all the tooling!), I'll just spend
> the cash to get ballscrews - I'm still ahead <g>

You bet you are. You will not believe the pile of stuff that you will wind
up with when you strip it down to the metal. I sold three of the hydraulic
drive units to a guy who was making some sort of metal presses. Most of the
rest is just scrap.

I believe that there is one other fellow on the list who has one that he is
converting to run with the EMC. I have some preliminary Tcl/Tk code to
operate the tool changer from an aux parport if you decide to use the EMC
also.

Ray

BTW - I'd like a pic if you have a digital camera.