Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] limit switches

In a message dated 10/10/2006 5:28:25 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
david@... writes:

hi-

sounds like using optical instead of mechanical switches may be another
route. places like jameco.com sells them for ~$1/each.

you can read all about how to wire them up in our recent article:

<http://www.fignoggle.com/workshop/item/2006/10/4/photodarlington-optical-inte
rrupter-switch-wiring-how-to>
or
<http://tinyurl.com/l3dga>

hope this helps!
david


MetalWorkingFAQ.NET - Over 50 content sites! <http://www.metalworkingfaq.net>
CNC, Plans/Kits, 8x12 Lathe, Mini-Mill, How-Tos <http://www.fignoggle.com>
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On Tue, 10 Oct 2006, Mike Fredricks wrote:

> Anyone have a source for some good limit switches that are reasonably
priced. I've been having problems with the 2 types of micro switches that I've
had so far. I run them normally closed and vibration from the machine
intermittently bumps them open and faults my geckos and wrecks my part. I've
been just running with the switches disconnected and all works well. I found
that if I wrap the machine with a screwdriver handle near the switches this
creates the fault a lot of the time.
>
> Thanks



I would lean toward proximity switches rather than optical. I don't know
what materials with which you are working but often optical switches will get
blocked or "covered" by dust or other scrap material. Most proximity switches
can be purchased with limited detection distances so it is more difficult to
fool them. Many industrial machine tool builders now use proximity sensors
instead of mechanical limit switches or optical switches because there are no
moving parts, and they don't "false" as easily as optical sensors do. Now,
if you are not cutting materials where there is a good chance of the scrap
getting onto or between the optical transmitter and receiver or the optical
switch and it's reflector, etc., then optical should work well. You can get
both optical and proximity sensors at Digikey, Jameco, W.W. Grainger, McMaster
Carr, and other electronic or industrial suppliers. Now, Grainger, and
McMaster Carr or other industrial supply companies will probably cost you more
thatn Digikey or Jameco.

Hope this helps,


Randy Abernathy
4626 Old Stilesboro Road NW
Acworth, GA 30101-4066
E-mail: cnc002@...

I furnish technical support, repair, and other related services for your
industrial woodworking machinery. My background as Senior Service Engineer for
the SCMI Group for nearly fifteen years with factory training, combines with
my extensive background in electronics, mechanics, pneumatics, electrical and
CNC machinery to offer you needed support for your machinery. Services
include but are not limited to the following:


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