Hurco VTX Series User guide

December 2010 704-0211-215 Revision A
MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY
MANUAL
for VTX Series
Machining Centers

ii - Maintenance and Safety Manual 704-0211-215 VTX Series Maintenance and Safety Manual
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of Hurco Companies, Inc. (Hurco). The software
described in this document is furnished under the License Agreement to customers. It is
against the law to copy the software on any medium except as specifically allowed in the
license agreement. The purchaser may make copies of the software for backup purposes.
No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, for any purpose without the express
written permission of the Hurco machine tool owner.
Hurco Manufacturing Company reserves the right to incorporate any modification or
improvements in machines and machine specifications which it considers necessary, and
does not assume any obligation to make any said changes in machines or equipment
previously sold.
Hurco products and services are subject to Hurco’s then current prices, terms, and
conditions, which are subject to change without notice.
© 2010 Hurco Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Patents: U.S. Patents B14,477,754; 5,453,933; Canadian Patent 1,102,434;
Japanese Patents 1,649,006 and 1,375,124; other Patents pending.
Hurco, Max, Ultimax, and WinMax are Registered Trademarks of Hurco Companies, Inc.
AutoCAD, Autodesk, and DXF are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc.
MS-DOS, Microsoft, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Many of the designations used by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their products
are claimed as trademarks. Hurco has listed here all trademarks of which it is aware. For
more information about Hurco products and services, contact:
Hurco Companies, Inc.
One Technology Way
P.O. Box 68180
Indianapolis, IN 46268-0180
Tel [phone] (products)
[phone] (service)
Fax [phone] (service)
For Hurco subsidiary contact information, go to Hurco’s Web site:
www.hurco.com

VTX Series Maintenance and Safety Manual 704-0211-215 Maintenance Checklist - iii
MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
Daily (Every 8 - 10 Hours)
Daily: Perform operational checks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 2
Daily: Check the floppy disk drive and diskettes, if equipped. . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 3
Daily: Check and maintain all lubricant levels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 4
Daily: Clean the tool lock pins and tool gripper fingers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 10
Daily: Lubricate the non-motorized spindle taper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 12
Daily: Check the spindle chiller working environment ventilation and
ambient temperature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 15
Daily: Check the FRL unit air pressure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 21
Daily: (or every 8 hours) Check the coolant level every day. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 24
Daily: Clean the chip conveyor tank chip screens, if equipped. . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 26
Daily: Inspect the enclosure windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 28
Daily: (or every 8 hours) Check the clamping system hydraulic pressure. . . . 3- 28
Daily: (after every shift or 8 hours of operation) Clean the trunion table. . . . 3- 29
Daily: (or after 8 hours of operation) Check the rotary-axis oil level. . . . . . . 3- 30
Daily: (or after 8 hours of operation) Check the tilt-axis oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 31
Daily: Warm up the machine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 32
Weekly (Every 40 - 50 Hours)
Weekly: Clean the filter inside the heat exchanger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 3
Weekly: (or after 40 hours of operation) Check the condition of tools. . . . . . 3- 11
Weekly: Check each tool holder for damage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 11
Weekly: Inspect the chiller solution level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 12
Weekly: (or after 40 hours of operation) Inspect the spindle chiller tank
air filter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 13
Weekly: (or after 40 hours of operation) Inspect the spindle chiller tank
water filter, if equipped. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 13
Weekly: Check the auto moisture drain on FRL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 22
Weekly: (or after 40-50 hours of operation) Clean the coolant filters. . . . . . . 3- 25
Weekly: Check the CTS coolant filter and clean when necessary. . . . . . . . . . 3- 25
Weekly: (or every 40 hours of operation) Check the clamping system oil level. 3- 29
Monthly (Every 150-200 Hours)
Monthly: Inspect conduit, connectors, cabling, and external wiring. . . . . . . . 3 - 4
Monthly: Add a rust preventative to the Autolube system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 6
Monthly: Maintain the autolube fluid level and check the filler filter screen. . . 3 - 6
Monthly: Manually activate the Autolube system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 8
Monthly: (or after 150-200 hours of operation) Maintain the spindle chiller. . 3- 13
Monthly: (or 150-200 hours of operation) Inspect limit switches and
dog fasteners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 27
Monthly: Perform a spindle run-in. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 33
Do not attempt to access the machine enclosure while machine
power is on. Observe proper lock-out/tag-out procedures before
performing any maintenance inside the machine enclosure.

- iv Maintenance Checklist 704-0211-215 VTX Series Maintenance and Safety Manual
Every 3 Months (Every 500 Hours)
Every 3 Months: (or after 500 hours of operation) Check the ATC oil level. . . 3 - 9
Every 3 Months: (or every 500 hours) Check the FRL air filter element . . . . . 3- 22
Every 3 Months: Drain moisture from the lines of the FRL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 22
Every 3 Months: (or every 500 hours) Replace coolant and coolant filters. . . 3- 25
Every 3 Months: (or 500 hours) Replace the coolant filter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 25
Every 3 Months: (or after 500 hours of operation) Clean the chip conveyor
tank, if equipped. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 26
Every 3 Months: Measure the ground impedance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 27
Every 6 Months (Every 1000 Hours or as stated)
Every 6 Months: Grease the ATC magazine chain assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 9
Every 6 Months: Verify the machine is sitting level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 27
Annually (Every 2000 Hours or as stated)
Annually: (or at about every 2000 hours of use) Clean the autolube reservoir
tank and suction filter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 8
Annually: (or after 2000 hours) Replace the ATC oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 9
Annually: Flush, clean, and refill the spindle chiller tank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 14
Annually: (or after 2000 hours of operation) Replace the rotary-axis oil. . . . . 3- 30
Annually: (or after 2000 hours of operation) Replace the tilt-axis oil. . . . . . . 3- 31

VTX Series Maintenance and Safety Manual 704-0211-215 Table of Contents — v
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Maintenance and Safety Manual
Maintenance Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Machine Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 1
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 2
Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 3
Enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 5
Spindle and Drive System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 6
Axes Motion System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 8
Machine Electrical Cabinet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 10
Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 16
Operator Control Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 17
Flood Coolant and Washdown System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 20
Pneumatic System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 21
Trunion Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 22
Automatic Tool Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 23
Operation Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 1
Machine Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 2
Initial Test and Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 5
Safety Circuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 6
Safe Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 10
Noise Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 13
Machine Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 1
Daily Operational Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 2
Floppy Disk Drive and Diskettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 3
Heat Exchanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 3
Exterior Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 4
Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 4
Pneumatic System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 21
Flood Coolant and Washdown System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 23
Chip Conveyor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 26
Limit Switches and Dogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 27
Machine Electrical Ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 27
Machine Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 27
Enclosure Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 28
Trunion Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 28
Machine Warm-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 32
Spindle Run-in or Cycle Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 33
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 34
Ordering Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 42
Record of Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IX - 1

vi - List of Figures 704-0211-215 VTX Series Maintenance and Safety Manual
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1–1. Full Chip and Coolant Enclosure—VTXU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 5
Figure 1–2. Full Chip and Coolant Enclosure—VTXZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 5
Figure 1–3. Example of Belt-Driven Spindle and Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 6
Figure 1–4. Communication Port Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 14
Figure 1–5. Male 9-Pin D-Type Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 14
Figure 1–6. Dual-Screen Control Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 17
Figure 3–1. Autolube Pump and Tank Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 5
Figure 3–2. HWK Spindle Chiller Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 17
Figure 3–3. HWT Spindle Chiller Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 19
Figure 3–4. Filter, Regulator, and Lubricator Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 21
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1–1. Machine Table T-slot Specifications, Metric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 3
Table 1–2. Machine Table T-slot Specifications, English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 3
Table 1–3. VTX Machine Table Specifications, Metric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 3
Table 1–4. VTX Machine Table Specifications, English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 3
Table 1–5. Spindle Drive System Specifications, Metric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 7
Table 1–6. Spindle Drive System Specifications, English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 7
Table 1–7. Spindle Drive/Belt Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 8
Table 1–8. Axis Maximum Travel, Metric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 8
Table 1–9. Axis Maximum Travel, English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 8
Table 1–10. Rapid Traverse Rates, Metric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 9
Table 1–11. Rapid Traverse Rates, English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 9
Table 1–12. Communication Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 14
Table 1–13. RS-232C Signals Available at Serial Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 15
Table 1–14. Coolant Capacity and Pump Rating, Metric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 20
Table 1–15. Coolant Capacity and Pump Rating, English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 20
Table 1–16. Trunion Table Maximum Allowable Workpiece Weight, Metric . . . . . 1- 22
Table 1–17. Trunion Table Maximum Allowable Workpiece Weight, English . . . . . 1- 22
Table 1–18. ATC Tool Specifications, Metric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 23
Table 1–19. ATC Tool Specifications, English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 23
Table 2–1. Maximum Noise Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 13
Table 3–1. Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 4
Table 3–2. Differential Temperature Cooling process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 16
Table 3–3. Machine Warm-up—
Spindle Drive Maximum 8K, 10K, 12K & 15K RPM . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 32
Table 3–4. Spindle Run-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 33
Table 3–5. Troubleshooting: Missing or Faulty Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 37
Table 3–6. Troubleshooting: Power Fluctuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 37
Table 3–7. Troubleshooting: Coolant System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 38
Table 3–8. Troubleshooting: Spindle Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 39
Table 3–9. Troubleshooting: Power Off Motion Error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 39
Table 3–10. Troubleshooting: Machine Chatter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 40
Table 3–11. Troubleshooting: Errors in Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 40
Table 3–12. Troubleshooting: Environmental Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 41

VTX Series Maintenance and Safety Manual 704-0211-215 Using This Manual — vii
USING THIS MANUAL
This documentation uses several conventions to explain the safety features and
emphasize key concepts. These conventions are described in this section.
Additional information is available on the machine’s Documentation CD.
Sample Screens
Sample screens in this documentation were taken from a WinMax Mill single-screen
control. All screens are subject to change. The screens on your system may vary slightly.
The sample screen here illustrates softkeys and includes a software version.
Softkeys
Softkeys are located on the side of the screen. You can set the softkeys to appear on
either the right or left side of the screen. Refer to the Getting Started with WinMax Mill for
information about making this selection. Softkeys may change upon field entries or other
softkey selection. References to softkeys in the documentation appear with the softkey’s
corresponding F-key. For example, the Part Setup softkey from the Input screen above is
referenced as the PART SETUP F1 softkey.
Screen Areas
The screens are divided into the following areas, in addition to the row of softkeys:
Data Entry
The data entry area is located on the opposite side of the screen from the softkeys.
Softkeys
Status Bar
Error/Status area
Prompts
WinMax Version

viii - Using This Manual 704-0211-215 VTX Series Maintenance and Safety Manual
Available softkeys may change even when the text and data entry area does not.
Fields in the data entry area display or receive information. Refer to Using the
Touchscreen, on page ix for information on entering information in fields.
Prompts and Error/Status Area
The bottom portion of the screen is reserved for prompts, program status and error
messages.
Prompts provide help on data entry selections based on the field with the blinking cursor.
Errors and status messages occur anytime the status or error occurs. They are not based
on the field with the blinking cursor. These messages provide machine information to the
operator.
Error messages may also stop and/or prevent machine operation until the cause of the
error is corrected.
Status Bar
The status bar contains
• The name of the open, selected program.
• A calculator icon—select the icon to display a working, on-screen calculator.
• Units of measure (Inch or Millimeters)—select the units of measure in the
status bar to toggle between Inch and Metric.
• Programming mode (R for Radius; D for Diameter)—select the programming
mode in the status bar to toggle between Radius and Diameter.
• A yellow icon—indicates the feed hold is on when visible.
• A red icon—indicates the Emergency Stop button has been pressed when
visible.
• A keyboard icon—select the icon to display a working on-screen keyboard.
• The current time.
When viewed on a single-screen console, all icons appear in the same status bar; when
viewed on a dual-screen console, the program name and calculator icon appear on the
left screen status bar, and the unit of measure, keyboard icon and time appear on the
right screen status bar.
Console Buttons and Keys
References to console buttons and keys appear in bold text throughout the
documentation. For example, the Start Cycle button appears as the Start Cycle button
and the Manual key appears as the Manual console key in text.
Refer to the Getting Started with Your WinMax Mill for information about console buttons
and keys, in addition to other information about using softkeys and the pop-up text entry
window.

VTX Series Maintenance and Safety Manual 704-0211-215 Using This Manual — ix
Using the Touchscreen
The console has a touchscreen for entering programming data. To make a selection, tap
the screen on a softkey, field, or drop-down list using the stylus attached to the side of the
console or another suitable pointing device.
Printing
To print part or all of this manual from the CD, select File/Print. Be sure to review the
Print Range selections and make the appropriate choice for pages. Select Properties/
Paper/Quality and adjust the Tray Selection/Paper Source if necessary.
Printing to a Post Script printer provides the best results.
Icons
This manual may contain the following icons:
Caution/Warning
Hints and Tricks
Important
Troubleshooting
Where can we go from here?
Table of Contents
The operator may be injured and the machine severely damaged if the
described procedure is not followed.
Useful suggestions that show creative uses of the WinMax features.
Ensures proper operation of the machine and control.
?Steps that can be taken to solve potential problems.
Lists several possible options the operator can take.
To assist with onscreen viewing, this icon is located on the cover page. Click
the icon to access the Table of Contents (TOC).
You can also access many of the same TOC entries from the Adobe Reader
bookmarks located on the left side of the PDF page.

x - Using This Manual 704-0211-215 VTX Series Maintenance and Safety Manual

VTX Series Maintenance and Safety Manual 704-0211-215 Machine Components 1-1
MACHINE COMPONENTS
The following topics are covered in this section:
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 2
Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 3
Enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 5
Spindle and Drive System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 6
Axes Motion System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 8
Machine Electrical Cabinet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 10
Control Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 16
Operator Control Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 17
Flood Coolant and Washdown System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 20
Pneumatic System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 21
Trunion Table. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 22
Automatic Tool Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 23

1 - 2 Machine Components 704-0211-215 VTX Series Maintenance and Safety Manual
Overview
Before using the machine, you should become familiar with its components. Because of
European Committee (CE) requirements, Hurco machines sold in Europe may differ from
those sold elsewhere. The location of some components may differ on different models.
Hurco machines are available with several hardware and software options.
Hurco machines use microprocessor-based, computer numerical control (CNC) digital
control systems. Part programs are entered in either Conversational or Conventional NC
(G-Code) format.
The machining centers described in this manual have a vertical spindle with
programmable spindle speeds, multiple axes, and a multi-tool Automatic Tool Changer
(ATC). Options are available to accommodate various machining applications.
Closed loop servo drive systems and motors with rotary encoders power the mechanical
drives that position the axes. The rotary encoders provide positioning feedback
information to the control. Limit switches mounted on each axis determine end-of-travel
and establish reference points for initial machine zeros.
The control positions an axis by sending a command to the appropriate servo drive,
which in turn supplies voltage to the axis servomotor.
Refer to the Parts Listing and Wiring Diagrams Manual for mechanical and electrical
component drawings for your machine.
Information about options is available from Hurco or your Hurco
full-service distributor.
Specification measurements are supplied in metric and English.
Machine linear positioning accuracy was set at the factory, in an
ambient temperature of 68º F (20º C). Continual operation at
higher or lower temperatures may require that you re-
compensate the linear positioning accuracy.
Optimum machine performance is reliant upon installation
conditions being within Hurco’s recommended specifications
(power supply, air supply, ambient air conditions, etc.).

VTX Series Maintenance and Safety Manual 704-0211-215 Machine Components 1-3
Frame
The major structural assemblies of each machine are constructed of thick-walled, fine-
grain cast iron. This construction provides strength and excellent dampening
characteristics, keeping deflection and resistance at a minimum during machining.
The machine base (including leveling bolts) is the substructure for the column, saddle
and table. The column is a rigid box type, and allows for machining a variety of part sizes.
The base supports the table and preserves table flatness.
Table
The machine table provides easy setup for a variety of part sizes.
T-slot Specifications
T-slot specifications appear in these tables in metric and English measurements.
Table 1–1. Machine Table T-slot Specifications, Metric
Table 1–2. Machine Table T-slot Specifications, English
Machine Table Specifications
The following tables list additional table specifications, in metric and English.
Table 1–3. VTX Machine Table Specifications, Metric
Table 1–4. VTX Machine Table Specifications, English
Machine T-slots
Width T-slots Spacing on centers Number of T-slots
VTXU 18 mm 100 mm 5
VTXZ 18 mm 125 mm 5
Machine T-slots
Width T-slots Spacing on centers Number of T-slots
VTXU 0.71 in 3.94 in 5
VTXZ 0.71 in 4.92 in 5
Machine
Model
Floor to
Table
Surface
Working
Surface Table Surface Left Zone Table Surface Right Zone Load Capacity
VTXU 1085 mm 610 x 530 mm NA NA 400 kg
VTXZ 853 mm 2286 x 660 mm 1237 x 660 mm1019 x 660 mm 3000 kg
Machine
Model
Floor to
Table
Surface
Working
Surface Table Surface Left Zone Table Surface Right Zone Load Capacity
VTXU 42.7 in 24.0 x 20.9 in NA NA 880 lbs
VTXZ 33.6 mm 90 x 26 in 48.7 x 26 in 40.12 x 26 in 6614 lbs

1 - 4 Machine Components 704-0211-215 VTX Series Maintenance and Safety Manual
Head
The cast iron head assembly is designed to produce superior cutting accuracy.
• The VTXU machine has a vertical spindle and uses a motor brake for the Z
axis.
• The Z axis on a VTXU machine is perpendicular (vertical) to the machine
table.
Guideways
The axes guideways are precision linear rails.
Switches and Sensors
Limit switches, proximity switches, and electrical sensors monitor machine functions.
These devices report their status to the control. If a malfunction is detected, a stop
condition will shut off power to the servo systems and spindle.

VTX Series Maintenance and Safety Manual 704-0211-215 Machine Components 1-5
Enclosure
A full chip enclosure is standard in every Hurco machining center.
Figure 1–1. Full Chip and Coolant Enclosure—VTXU
Figure 1–2. Full Chip and Coolant Enclosure—VTXZ
Standard features may include a wash down system, and either a chip conveyor or an
auger chip conveyor.
Consult Hurco or your Hurco distributor for details about purchasing options.

1 - 6 Machine Components 704-0211-215 VTX Series Maintenance and Safety Manual
Spindle and Drive System
Hurco machines have a cartridge-type spindle. This spindle is precision-balanced, and
made of high-grade alloy steel. The spindle shaft (inside the cartridge) is supported by
ABEC-7 class angular contact bearings. The bearings are grease packed.
The spindle and drive system consists of a spindle, motor with encoder, pulley
arrangement, and drive unit. Different size spindles, motors, and pulleys give each
machine its unique cutting power specification.
The following figure illustrates vertical spindle and drive components.
Figure 1–3. Example of Belt-Driven Spindle and Drive
Heavy disc springs retain the tool holder in the spindle by clamping the tool holder pull
stud via a drawbar. Pneumatics release the tool holder during a tool change. A dual-
piston air cylinder supplies the necessary thrust force to the drawbar for tool release.
VTX series machines can be equipped with an optional Coolant-thru
Spindle (CTS) feature.
1Spindle Motor
2Air/Oil Unit
3Tool Release Cylinder
4Drawbar
5Spindle Pulley
6Spindle Belt
7Spindle Assembly
8Spindle Tool Holder
9Motor Pulley

VTX Series Maintenance and Safety Manual 704-0211-215 Machine Components 1-7
The following tables list additional machine spindle specifications, in metric and English
measurements. Peak measurements are One Minute Rating. A double asterisk (**)
indicates an optional spindle available for the machining center.
Table 1–5. Spindle Drive System Specifications, Metric
Table 1–6. Spindle Drive System Specifications, English
AC Spindle Drive Unit
The spindle drive unit contains closed-loop control and controls the spindle motor using
an encoder. A microprocessor governs the closed-loop control, including monitoring.
The following messages are output at terminals via relay contacts:
•Ready/Fault
• Main Spindle Messages
• Heat Sink Temperature Monitoring
• Motor Over-temperature
Electronic Spindle Orientation
The standard spindle on a machining center uses electronic spindle orientation. The
spindle is stopped at a fixed position through signals sent from an electronic encoder
assembly attached to the spindle motor shaft.
Proximity Sensor Spindle Orientation
HTX500, VTXU, and DCX machining centers use proximity sensor spindle orientation. This
method of orientation uses a proximity switch mounted on the spindle, and either a screw
on the collar of the spindle shaft, or a slot on the spindle shaft as its target.
Machine Max RPM Motor Power Spindle Torque
Continuous Peak Cont. @
Base RPM Peak @
Base RPM
VTXU 12000
**15000 11.0 kW 18.0 kW119.0 Nm @ 900 237.0 Nm @ 720
VTXZ **10000
12000
**15000 11.0 kW 18 kW119.0 Nm @ 900 237.0 Nm @ 720
Machine Max RPM Motor Power Spindle Torque
Continuous Peak Cont. @
Base RPM Peak @
Base RPM
VTXU 12,000
**15,000 15 HP 24 HP 87.5 ft-lb@900 175 ft-lb@720
VTXZ **10,000
12,000
**15,000 15 HP 24 HP 87.5 ft-lb @ 900 175 ft-lb @ 720

1 - 8 Machine Components 704-0211-215 VTX Series Maintenance and Safety Manual
Spindle Motor
The belt-driven spindle motor and spindle are coupled using a no-slippage gear belt. The
motor is fully enclosed, uses forced-air cooling, and has no brushes to inspect or replace.
Table 1–7. Spindle Drive/Belt Ratio
To allow the machining of a variety of parts, the spindle RPM is specified in the part
program. A manual spindle speed override on the control console permits fine-tuning of
the spindle RPM for a specific machining cycle, without changing the part program.
Axes Motion System
AC servo drive systems power the X, Y, and Z axes, as well as the A, B, and C axes, if
equipped, in Hurco machining centers.
Axis Travel Dimensions
Machine axis travel dimensions appear in the tables below, in metric and English
measurements. Where NA is indicated, the axis is not available.
Table 1–8. Axis Maximum Travel, Metric
Table 1–9. Axis Maximum Travel, English
Machine Spindle Drive/Belt Ratio
VTXU 1:1.2
VTXZ 1:1.2
Machine Maximum Travel
X-axis X-axis
Left Zone X-axis Right Zone Y-axis Z-axis A-axis B-axisC-axis
VTXU 800 mm NA NA 700 mm 510 mm -30° to
+110° NA 360°
VTXZ 2032 mm 760 mm 760 mm 660 mm 610 mm NA NA NA
Machine Maximum Travel
X-axis X-axis
Left Zone X-axis Right Zone Y-axis Z-axis A-axis B-axisC-axis
VTXU 31.5 in NA NA 27.6 in 20.0 in -30° to +110° NA 360°
VTXZ 80.0 in 30.0 in 30.0 in 26.0 in 24.0 in NA NA NA

VTX Series Maintenance and Safety Manual 704-0211-215 Machine Components 1-9
Rapid Traverse Rates
The following tables show rapid traverse rates, in metric and English, for the axes. The
Spindle Max RPM values are listed in some tables to differentiate between machine types.
Where NA is indicated, the axis is not available.
Table 1–10. Rapid Traverse Rates, Metric
Table 1–11. Rapid Traverse Rates, English
Servomotors
Axis velocity, position, and travel direction are controlled using AC servomotors along
with the CNC control. These motors are enclosed, transistor-driven, and self-cooled.
Because they are designed without brushes, the motors are free from flashover and
commutation loss.
For HTX500 machines, servo motors power ballscrews by a direct drive transmission on
the X, Y, and Z axes. For VTXU machines, servo motors power ballscrews by a belt drive
on the X axis and by a direct drive transmission on the Y and Z axes.
For VTXZ machines, servo motors power ballscrews by a belt drive on the X and Y axes
and by a direct drive transmission on the Z axis.
Ballscrews and Bearings
The precision ballscrews are the double ballnut type. The ballscrews are hardened and
ground to minimize “drag torque” and reduce backlash. The axes positioning drives are
supported at the drive-ends by ABEC-7 class bearings.
Feedback Systems
Each drive has circuitry to detect conditions in the servo closed-loop system. Each axis
motor is equipped with a rotary encoder that provides velocity and position feedback
signals for each closed-loop system. These signals are required for motor control and
accurate positioning.
Limit switches mounted on each axis are used to establish reference points for initial
machine zeros and for determining end-of-travel.
Machine Rapid Traverse
X-axis Y-axis Z-axis A-axis B-axis C-axis
VTXU 35 m/min 35 m/min 35 m/min 16.6 RPM NA 16.6 rpm
VTXZ 35 m/min 35 m/min 35 m/min NA NA NA
Machine Rapid Traverse
X-axis Y-axis Z-axis A-axis B-axis C-axis
VTXU 1378 ipm 1378 ipm 1378 ipm 16.6 rpm NA 16.6 rpm
VTXZ 1378 ipm 1378 ipm 1378 ipm NA NA NA

1 - 10 Machine Components 704-0211-215 VTX Series Maintenance and Safety Manual
Machine Electrical Cabinet
The electrical control cabinet located at the back of the machining center contains CNC-
related electronics and power-related circuitry.
Safety Procedures for Electrical Service
Before removing or working on any printed circuit board (PCB), cables, fuses, breakers,
or other machine components, make sure that the main disconnect switch on the
electrical cabinet door is in the off position. Whenever work will be performed in an area
away from the main disconnect switch, post a warning at the switch informing others that
the machine is being serviced and the power must remain off.
Handling Printed Circuit Boards
The following procedures should be taken to prevent damage when removing PCBs, or
when checking the boards for proper and secure connections.
Avoid flexing the PCBs. Rough handling can result in hairline cracks in the printed circuit
etching. Problems caused by cracks in PC boards can be hard to isolate. Avoid touching
the components on a PCB because they can be damaged by static electricity.
• Always put on a static-safe handling wrist strap before touching PCB
assemblies inside the cabinets, and before removing replacement boards
from their static protective packaging.
• Visually inspect the wrist strap every time you put it on, making sure that
the snap fasteners are properly connected.
• Be sure the strap fits snug to the wrist. Taking off the wrist strap should
be the last thing you do when finished inside the cabinet.
• After the replacement PCB is properly mounted in the cabinet, place the
defective PCB assembly into the static shielding and return it to Hurco.
Electrical Cabinet Components
The electrical cabinet contains power circuitry and CNC electronics. The cabinet is
attached to the machine column and connects to the machine systems via cable and
harness assemblies. Power-related circuitry distributes power, while CNC-related
electronics control machine operation (e.g., spindle speed and axis positioning).
High voltages inside of the electrical cabinet can cause serious injury
or death. Only qualified personnel may service the machine, and
must follow all safety rules and precautions. The line-side of the
main disconnect switch is hot, unless the AC source is disconnected.