Mecanumeric MF2040 LI retrofit (Pantograph)

Hi everyone,I'm planning a retrofit for my Mécanumeric MF2040 (large-format pantograph) i'll dismantle all the eletronic and leave the structure. After some research, I’m considering the following setup and would appreciate advice or feedback:Controller & Interface:

• LinuxCNC running on an old (but reliable) PC
• Mesa 7i76e Ethernet motion controller

Motors:

• 3x Delta B2 Servo Motors (220V, 750W, 2.39Nm, 3000rpm, ECMA-C20807RS)
  • Alternative: 3x Leadshine ELM0750DH80E-SS
• Z-axis motor: Still evaluating options

Usage:

• The machine is mainly used for cutting and engraving (pantograph work, large panels).

Questions:

1. Does this setup sound suitable for a machine of this size and type?
2. Any experience with these servo motors (Delta B2 vs Leadshine)? Reliability, tuning, integration?
3. Suggestions for the Z-axis motor?
4. Any compatibility issues or tips when using LinuxCNC with the Mesa 7i76e and these servo drives?

Thank you in advance for your advice and suggestions!

Presuming there is nothing wrong with the original servo systems, then usually the best option is to reuse them. You will need to figure out how the existing cnc controlled the servos. If they were using step/dir signals then the 7i76e should be a good option for the retrofit. If the servos were commanded using analog signals or some other way (such as some kind of serial bus), then some other hardware might be more appropriate.

You can use the old drivers as Todd said. But, sometimes, changing everything is easier. I already kept old servos on a retrofit, then two years after I changed them because there were damaged .
Delta B2 are ok.

So,when bought the machine i started with the idea of keeping the machine as it was, but after a week  of figuring out how the old system work, it let me do only one job then the motor of the y axis broke and leaved me. So now i was thinking a retrokit to mount on my machine because this  have to work hard and last. So idk i can change all the brain and use linuxcnc and leave 3 motors and buy another one new and with time and money i can change all of them . Or i can buy new motors and i don't touch it ever again(only for maintenance ). 
Btw guys do you have  a nice shop were to buy servo motors like the Delta B2 (ship in europe) i saw the motors on Namicam and Motion Control products, seem's good placees idk about the price but seem good pricing . And i need an advice leadshine if it's a good product for professional work . Because they are more cheap than Delta and i found them at really good price.
Thank's for your answers.

 

I have read your description on usinages.com (I'm french).
I have bought Delta motors from Movitecnic in France, they are really helpful and have good prices.
I used Leadshine on stepper system only, it was ok.

If you want 90% of Delta's performance at 60% cost, pick Leadshine.

Hi, yes im the same guy , the machine its giving me some problems , btw if i can ask how much did you paid them ? I saw them for ~400 the motor and ~400 the drive. Leadshine seem a good product but idk i'ld like if someone can guarantee them for a professional work as the Delta , they seem pretty good at a really good price.

Good to know samlevy0515 , do you know a good place were to buy them ? I found them on the sites that i named .

My experience with issues with servos on older machines, has been. probably 70% of the time servo problems are usually cabling issues, about 20% a problem with the drive, and maybe 10% a motor problem. Intermittent problems are almost always cable related, and most servo motor alarms from the drive are also usually cabling issues. Check any cables that move or are flexed regularly, as well as connections at plugs, cord grips, and pinch points.

As to servo replacement options, I think Delta is nice, but Leadshine is nearly as good. Be careful of Chinese knockoffs if buying from questionable 3rd party venders.

Hi Todd,
I’ve checked everything—the only thing left is the motor encoder, and a lot of people, including an electrician, told me it’s likely the problem. I’ve tested all the cables (several times), the controller, and I’ve even done parameter resets. So, It must be the encoder , because i've powered the motor with a  power supply and it works.Just to clarify: I’m not doing the retrofit only for  the motor. It’s because I’ve been talking to a guy who used to work on the same machine, and he said there are serious issues with the Z axis ,it doesn’t save its position. Actually, before the machine broke, I had experienced this issue myself.Over the last few days, I did some research and found a good shop online Variumetrum and  i have done some research and seem's good so here my choices:

• 3 x Leadshine ELM1 750W with brake
• 3 x Leadshine AC Servodrive EL6 750W
• 1 x Mesa 7I76EU(not from the same shop)

On the old machine i've Sanyo Denki 500W  DC80 Model 850T-0123EL7 , brushed motor .
Let me know what you think!

Ps- I've only to think to the z axis and than i can buy all of them.