Newbie with EMCO Concept mill 55

[harleyvet02]

Hello all,
I am a complete newbie to CNC machining. I have some 3D printer building experience and some manual machining experience. So, I inherited a fairly complete EMCO Concept Mill 55 from my Brother-in-law. I did not receive the software and the keyboard does not seem to function. Software from EMCO is terribly expensive and seems antiquated. While looking for motion control options I stumbled upon Masso on Youtube. I would like to use most of the components on the current machine because they are in great shape.
A couple of questions:
Can Masso support the Berger Lahr 3 phase stepper motors? 3 wires per motor.
If so how would those connect to the Masso?
There are what appear to be optical encoders for each axis. Can those be utilized?
Those are the main questions. I'm sure I will have more.
If this is not the appropriate forum please let me know.

Thanks for the help.
Remember I'm a Newb so keep things simple and I'll try to keep up.

George

 

[masso-support]

Welcome to the MASSO forums George.

Can you start sharing some photos of the machine and some model numbers of the motors or drives that you have on the machine. Basically we first need to identify what hardware you want to keep on the machine and then how to get everything wired together.

 

[harleyvet02]

Here are a few pictures of the back of the machine. Each stepper has 3 wires and a ground. Each axis also has an encoder and limit switch. The spindle has a Lenze VFD (I believe). Let me know what other pictures would be helpful. Can I replace the stepper motors for something more conventional and retain the encoders? If this should be moved to the Conversion forum please do. Thanks for all the help.



George

 

[harleyvet02]

This is a little better picture of the stepper control board and what I believe is the spindle controller (wires from the VFD are traced here)

 

[masso-support]

Thanks for the pics. We can use the VFD for sure as another client has done that. For controlling the axis motors you will have to do some research if they can take STEP and DIRECTION signals.

Can you please also create a new forum topic under Machine Conversions https://www.masso.com.au/forums/?view=forum&id=8 and give it the name EMCO Concept Mill 55 so that its at the right place for people to find the information and help out.