FANUC codes
FANUCServo/AxisIntermediate15-45 minutes

436

Fanuc Alarm 436 - Software Thermal Overload

Soft Thermal (OVC)

Thermal protection alarm activated. The soft thermal (ovc) has exceeded safe operating temperature and requires immediate attention to prevent component damage.

Root Cause Summary

Fanuc Alarm 436 SOFTTHERMAL (OVC) indicates the servo amplifier's internal algorithm has calculated motor temperature exceeding safe limits based on continuous current integration over time. This is a protective function that triggers before actual thermal sensor alarm, indicating accumulated heat from excessive duty cycle, mechanical binding, improper motor sizing, or servo parameter mismatch causing sustained high current draw.

Safety

  • Reduce load before continuing

Causes and Fixes

  1. 1

    Navigate to DIAGNOSIS > SERVO > (select axis) and monitor registers #0 (Position Deviation), #2 (Load Meter current %), and #6 (Motor Speed). Check if load meter consistently exceeds 60-70% during normal operation.

  2. 2

    Manually move the affected axis with handwheel or incremental jog at low feedrate (F10-50) and feel for binding, excessive friction, or uneven resistance. Check coupling alignment, ballscrew bearing condition, and way lubrication.

    Use JOG FEED OVERRIDE to limit torque during manual checks if mechanical damage is suspected.

  3. 3

    Check Parameter 2041 (load inertia ratio) for the affected axis. Verify actual mechanical load hasn't increased due to tooling changes, fixtures, or worn components. Typical ratio should be under 30:1 for optimal performance.

  4. 4

    Inspect coupling, ballscrew nut preload, and bearing condition. Verify proper lubrication on slideways and ballscrew. Disconnect motor from ballscrew and manually rotate to isolate motor vs mechanical issues.

    Lockout machine power and follow LOTO procedures before disconnecting mechanical components.

DIY Feasiblehigh confidence

Call a technician if:

  • ·Motor replacement required
  • ·Servo amplifier thermal calculation errors persist
  • ·Mechanical modifications needed

Prevention

  • Monitor servo current regularly via diagnosis screens
  • Maintain proper motor cooling and ventilation
  • Optimize program duty cycles and feed rates
  • Perform regular mechanical maintenance on drive components

Common Mistakes

  • Disabling thermal protection instead of fixing root cause
  • Ignoring mechanical binding issues
  • Setting current limits too high
  • Operating motors beyond rated duty cycle

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Always verify with your machine manual or a certified technician before performing service procedures.