Thread: which vfd?

Hi,I have recently bought a Lagun FT-2S milling machine which I am cleaning up and am also converting it to single phase.The selection of VFDs is a little overwhelming and the advice can be as varied as the VFDs.I am currently looking at TECO.A 3hp model.I want to be able to remotely control it with a fwd/reverse switch a stop/start button and a pot for speed adj would also like an e stop(needs to be an advanced vector type).One supplier recomended the MA series for the job and another said the FM series.Im not sure the supplier knows a lot about them doesnt really answer my ouestions just says it will do the job.Dont want to spend a heap of money then find out it wont do what I want it to.Any advice or experiances with these things would be great.

Regards Shamus

I don't understand why you want to convert it to a single phase motor when your putting in a VFD?

Unless your going to employ an electrician to hook the unit up or if you have a good knowledge of what has to go into a VFD, I would pick a unit that has lots of support. The CNC section of this site runs Huanyang VFD's which work and are priced well from eBay.

Having said that I can provide you with a template to setup a VFD for a 3 phase motor. I have used this for a mill and lathe already. You will need to match the motor settings for a few PD's.

Also, unless you already have 3 phase at home a 3kw unit is overkill. From a single phase 15 amp circuit, the biggest unit you can drive is a 2.2kw unit. I recommend checking the VFD specs. If you have 3 phase, then no problem as the VFD will give you speed and direction control if your machine doesn't have these features

/M

Sorry,what I meant was be able to plug the mill into single phase supply.The motor is a 3 phase 2.2kw(3hp) wired in star for 240v so I will need a phase converter (vfd) to do this

Hi Shamus,
Welcome.
Why "needs to be an advanced vertor type"?

The TECO's I've had anything to do with (which is a grand total of three I believe) dont have the best e stop. You have to make a circuit to get e stop. FM series I think.



Hi M,
I think he means it as in "converting to single phase by fitting a VSD".... though I could be wrong
Also he said 3hp not 3kW

Stuart

From a brief look at the Teco site I believe the MA series has more features, the FM series is a more basic VFD designed for OEM applications

FM IP20 to IP65 (Single Phase Input, 3-Phase Output)

MA Range (Single Phase Input, 3-Phase Output)

Manuals for each can be downloaded there as well.

Shamus

I'd go for a Huanyang..they are cheap and they work well .. I've got two of them - 2.2kw/3hp . With postage , you can land one at your doorstep for around $150 .. you cannot beat that deal

Heaps of help here as many forum members have Huanyang VFD's and they know them inside out

Mike

My understanding of it is the advanced vector allows you to slow the motor (to a certain point) and the VFD will sense the load ie if it starts to slow it will increase to maintain constant rpm for given load.Not sure how it does this just been told thats what it does(could be wrong)This would be handy for a milling machine.I was also told that the FM50 needs the E stop to be wired to the MCCB to work,but I read in the manual that power should not be cut at the MCCB to stop the VFD or damage may result.I know that the E stop would not be used all the time but???? It says not to do It.

I'm not really sure advanced vector control will make much difference on a mill but as I've never used one I'll have to leave that to others. "constant rpm for varying load"

All spindle control including the "e stop" is done by the VSD via 12V control wires. Which you may choose to run off the MCCB. You shouldnt be switching either the 240V input or the output of the VSD for normal operation, though you may need/choose to fit an isolation switch. I dont use the e stop at all, its just wired to the nornal stop.

Have you thought about your coolant pump?

Stuart

coolant pump will be replaced with a 240v one their only $110.The power feed will be with another smaller VFD.Have looked a the Huanyang but have been caught with the chinese stuff before.Still I could buy nearly seven of them for the price of the TECO.

I have both, I only have the Teco as its been modded* to supply 415V 3 phase from a 240V single phase supply. I'm yet to have a problem with any of them.(I have 4 huanyangs, though 2 hardly get used). I also think the huanyangs have more useful options than the Teco.
For not much more than the $110 the new pump will cost you, you could buy a sceond VSD to run the pump you have and that way have a spare and VS on the coolent . (Of course you'd have no coolant if you had to use it as a spare)

Stuart

Yes Stuart I think you may be right It would probably be easier to to go that way with such cheap VFDs and online support!!I have already bought an IMO idrive for the power feed motor from drives direct in UK It was only $160 delivered figured that was ok