1112

Check axis movement manually

With machine powered off and E-stop engaged, manually move the affected axis through its full travel range. Feel for binding, rough spots, or excessive resistance.

Ensure machine is powered off and E-stop is engaged before manual movement

Inspect way covers and chip buildup

Remove way covers and clean accumulated chips or debris from linear ways, ball screws, and guide surfaces. Pay special attention to areas where chips commonly accumulate.

Use a flashlight to check inside way covers - chips often pack tightly in corners

Lubricate linear ways

Apply appropriate way oil to linear guides and ball screw assemblies. Check automatic lubrication system operation if equipped.

Following errors often occur after extended periods without lubrication

Test axis movement

Power up machine and jog affected axis at slow feed rates (10-20 IPM) to verify smooth operation before running programs.

Check current following error limit

Navigate to SETTINGS > PARAMETERS and check parameter 75 (Following Error Limit). Note the current value - typical values range from 0.005 to 0.020 inches depending on machine condition.

Write down original parameter values before making changes

Monitor real-time following error

Go to DIAGNOSTICS > AXIS and observe the following error values during slow jogging. Compare actual following error to parameter 75 limit.

Following error should typically stay well below 50% of parameter 75 during normal operation

Adjust servo parameters if needed

If following error approaches parameter 75 limit during normal moves, first try increasing parameter 75 slightly (0.002-0.005). If problem persists, contact Haas for servo gain adjustment guidance.

Incorrect servo gain adjustments can cause instability or damage - document original values

Test with gradual feed rate increase

Run test programs starting at low feed rates and gradually increase to verify stable operation at normal cutting speeds.

Check backlash compensation

In SETTINGS > PARAMETERS, review backlash compensation values (parameters 60-69 for each axis). Excessive values may indicate worn components.

Backlash values over 0.002-0.003 often indicate significant wear

Perform ball screw inspection

Visually inspect exposed ball screw sections for wear, damage, or contamination. Check coupling connections for looseness or wear.

Support axis weight when inspecting couplings to prevent dropping

Test directional accuracy

Use dial indicator to measure actual vs. commanded movement during small incremental moves in both directions. Excessive variation indicates worn components.

Test at multiple positions along axis travel - wear patterns are often uneven

Document findings for service

Record backlash measurements, wear observations, and following error patterns to assist service technician in component replacement planning.

Check servo drive status

Navigate to DIAGNOSTICS > DRIVES and check for any fault codes or status indicators on the affected axis drive. Note any error messages or warning lights.

Drive faults often precede following error alarms

Monitor motor current draw

In DIAGNOSTICS > AXIS, observe motor current during jogging. Erratic current or values significantly different from other axes may indicate motor issues.

Compare current draw between similar axes - significant differences indicate problems

Check encoder feedback

Verify encoder position feedback is stable and accurate in the axis diagnostics screen. Erratic position readings indicate encoder problems.

Encoder issues can cause sudden unexpected axis movement

Test motor performance

Run controlled test moves at various speeds and loads to isolate motor performance issues. Document any irregular behavior for service technician.

Review cutting parameters

Check current program for excessive feed rates, spindle speeds, or depth of cut that may overload the axis drives during cutting operations.

Following errors during cutting often indicate the program is pushing machine limits

Inspect cutting tools

Check tool condition for excessive wear or damage that would increase cutting forces and axis loading beyond normal parameters.

Dull tools can double or triple cutting forces

Test with reduced parameters

Run the same program with 50% feed rate override to determine if following error is load-related. If alarm clears, gradually increase feed rate to find acceptable limits.

Use feed rate override to quickly test load sensitivity

Optimize program acceleration

Check acceleration/deceleration settings in parameters and consider reducing rapid traverse rates if following errors occur during non-cutting moves.